What should the inspecting environmentalist verify in the mound and absorption field?

The emphasis on verifying construction in the mound and absorption field is crucial because this stage significantly impacts the system's overall effectiveness and longevity. Proper construction ensures that the system is installed according to the approved plans and specifications, maintaining the necessary separation distances and soil profiles for adequate wastewater treatment.

Inspecting construction involves evaluating whether the mound is built to the correct dimensions, ensuring the materials used meet standards, and confirming that all components are effectively integrated. A well-constructed system will function appropriately, allowing for optimal drainage and absorption of effluents, which are vital to preventing system failure or environmental contamination.

Other aspects, like design specifications, soil composition, and seeding and mulching, while important to the overall setup, rely heavily on the quality of the construction. Ultimately, if the construction is not performed correctly, no amount of favorable design, soil quality, or surface treatment—like seeding and mulching—can compensate for foundational flaws. Thus, verifying construction serves as a critical checkpoint in ensuring the mound and absorption system performs as intended.