What is a result of installing a mound in saturated soil conditions?

Installing a mound in saturated soil conditions can lead to a potential for system failure due to the limited ability of the mound to effectively manage wastewater. Mound systems are designed to disperse effluent through the soil, allowing it to be treated through natural processes. However, when the soil is saturated, the water cannot adequately flow through the soil profile. This can result in ponding, inadequate treatment of the wastewater, and ultimately, backing up or overloading of the system.

The effectiveness of the mound is compromised, as saturated soils do not provide the necessary conditions for oxygen transfer and microbial activity, which are crucial for breaking down the waste. This situation can lead to environmental concerns, such as contamination of groundwater or surface water, as well as health risks associated with untreated effluent.

In contrast, conditions such as improved drainage or higher nutrient release are not suitable results of improper mound installation in saturated soils, as these are dependent on optimal soil conditions for the mound to function effectively. Reduced maintenance needs might be a benefit of a properly functioning mound system, but such benefits are not achievable under saturated conditions. Therefore, the potential for system failure is the accurate and expected consequence in this scenario.