Wisconsin Mound Soil Absorption System and Area FillPractice Exam

What aspect of natural soil is crucial to assess during the mound system design?

1. Color consistency

2. Infiltration rate

3. Organic material content

4. Texture diversity

The correct answer is: Infiltration rate

The infiltration rate of natural soil is a crucial factor to assess during the design of a mound system. This is because the infiltration rate directly influences how quickly wastewater can percolate through the soil layers, which is essential for effective treatment and minimizing the potential for surface water contamination. A well-designed mound system relies on adequate infiltration to ensure that effluent is properly absorbed and treated by the soil before it reaches groundwater or surface water. Evaluating the infiltration rate helps in determining the appropriate size and configuration of the mound to achieve the necessary absorption capacity, ensuring that the system functions efficiently and complies with environmental regulations. Understanding how quickly water can move through the soil informs decisions regarding system design, such as the amount of sand or gravel used and the overall dimensions of the mound.