Soils & Site Evaluation Training
Kelowna, BC – March 4, 2012

Please note that we are offering a reduced rate for Convention Delegates.  If you are a Convention Delegate, please download the registration form.

There will be a Site and Soils Evaluation Field day held on the day after convention for those wishing to stay and hone their skills in the field. This field workshop is offered free of charge to those attending convention.

The field workshop will cover the following:

1. Know basic process for preliminary site inspection/evaluation:

 Identify characteristics to look for
 Elevations
 Vegetation
 Standing water
 Soils characteristics anticipated by observation of the above, possible places affected by soil movement over long periods of time

2. Able to select appropriate locations for soils tests, location of soil test for detailed design.

3. Understand the general method of how to evaluate soil characteristics that affect water movement:

 Excavate soil pit – depth, location
 Available tools – soil auger, probe

4. Basic knowledge of how to examine the soil profile and identify:

 Major soil structure features (why it is important)
 Colour – mottles and gleyed soils, identification of high water table or saturated soils
 Soil texture, make up of sand/silt/clay
 Effect of gravel component
 Identification of soil horizons
 Logging of soils horizons
 Identification of limiting and/or restrictive layer (horizon)
 Recognition of major characteristics affecting design – understanding of restricting/limiting layers
 Hand texturing procedures
 Where to take sample – chain of custody, amount of sample, test(s) requested
 How to apply information garnered in the evaluation process to a loading rate
 Determination of soil effluent loading rates in consideration of major soil characteristics

5. Understand and apply the soil texture triangle

6. Discussion of other testing methods – perc/permeameter – advantages and disadvantages.