Wisconsin Mound Soil Absorption System and Area FillPractice Exam

Sizing for Wisconsin mound systems requires what information from an approved soil classifier?

1. Basal and average loading rate

2. Basal and linear loading rate

3. Average and total loading rate

4. Linear and surface loading rate

The correct answer is: Basal and linear loading rate

The sizing of Wisconsin mound systems is fundamentally based on understanding how the system interacts with the surrounding soil, particularly in terms of how effluent is absorbed and treated within the soil matrix. An approved soil classifier determines the characteristics of the soil, which helps inform the design and sizing of the mound system. The use of basal loading rate — which pertains to the rate of effluent application over the entire bottom area of the mound — is crucial for ensuring that the system can effectively handle the volume of wastewater generated. Linear loading rate is also important as it considers the effective rate of wastewater applied along the length of the seepage area and its ability to percolate through the soil layers without causing saturation or failure. By utilizing both the basal and linear loading rates, the sizing of the mound can be accurately tailored to accommodate the specific soil conditions and the volume of effluent that will be processed, ensuring both efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards. Thus, this combination of rates is essential for the effective design and operation of Wisconsin mound systems.