Welcome to Alan Clapp LSS PLLC

Professional Soil Evaluation & Septic Services

From preliminary property evaluations and due diligence to AOWE permitting, septic system design, seasonal high water table determinations, and ORC inspections, we help move your project forward with confidence.

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Our Services

Comprehensive solutions for your project needs

Preliminary Soil Evaluation

Evaluate whether a property is suitable for future development before permitting. Ideal for due diligence, land purchases, or early planning. You'll receive a professional assessment of soil conditions and septic system potential.

A2 AOWE Permit

Under the hybrid permit option (SL2023-90), a NC LSS can issue the Improvement Permit, while an LSS/AOWE can also issue the Construction Authorization. The Health Department performs the final inspection and issues the Operation Permit.

Full AOWE Permit

An AOWE can evaluate, design, permit, and inspect septic systems. A NC LSS with AOWE certification and a NC Septic Installer can complete the entire process with minimal Department involvement beyond record keeping

Engineer Option Permit (EOP)

The Engineer Option Permit (EOP) is a private permitting option for projects requiring an engineered septic system. We perform the detailed soil evaluation needed to support the system design and permitting process.

Seasonal High Water Table (SHWT) Evaluation

Determine the depth of the seasonal high water table for stormwater management and land development projects. Performed by a North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist.

Wastewater System Inspection & Management (ORC)

We provide certified inspection and management services for Type II, III, IV, and V onsite wastewater systems. As a certified Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), we perform the inspections required by your operation permit.

Septic System Locating

Need to locate an existing septic tank, drain field, or other underground system components? We use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and other proven locating methods to identify septic infrastructure with minimal disturbance to your property.

Septic System Design

Septic system layout and design to your property's specific soil and site conditions.

Drone Inspection, Photography & Mapping (Coming 2027)

Coming in 2027. FAA-certified drone services providing high-resolution aerial photography, mapping, and site documentation for septic systems and development projects. Drone imagery supports inspections and project planning.

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About Alan Clapp LSS PLLC

Hello, My name is Alan Clapp. I reside in Hillsborough, NC. I have been providing soil consulting services since 1992. My credentials are listed below:

Professional Credentials:

NC Licensed Soil Scientist #1058

NC Authorized Onsite Wastewater (septic) Evaluator #10017E

NC Subsurface Wastewater Operator #1009092

Registered Environmental Health Specialist #1118.

Education:

BS in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from NC State University 1986

MS in Soil Science from NC A&T State University 1995

Career:

Guilford County Health Department: Environmental Health Specialist 1988-1997

Orange County Health Department: Soil Scientist, Env. Health Supervisor, Env. Health Director 1997-2017

Private Sector Consulting Soil Scientist 2017 to present

Professional Organizations:

Soil Science Society of North Carolina - member

North Carolina Board of Licensed Soil Scientists 2013-2018 – Board member

North Carolina Board of Licensed Soil Scientists 2016-2018 – Board Chair

Consulting Soil Scientists of the Carolinas - member

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our services

An Improvement Permit (IP) determines whether a property is suitable for a septic system based on the proposed building location, number of bedrooms (or occupancy), and expected wastewater flow. It is commonly referred to as a "perc test" or "perk test."

A Construction Authorization (CA) provides the approved septic system design for a property that already has an Improvement Permit. Both an Improvement Permit and a Construction Authorization are typically required before a building permit can be issued. The Construction Authorization remains valid only while the associated Improvement Permit is active.

An Operation Permit is issued after the septic system has been installed and inspected. It confirms that the system was installed according to the approved design and is approved for use.

A Preliminary Soil Evaluation is performed to help determine whether a property may be suitable for future development. Unlike a septic permit evaluation, it: • Is commonly performed during a property's due diligence period. • Does not require a proposed house location. • Is for planning and informational purposes only. • Is not a permit. • Does not expire. Local health departments generally do not perform Preliminary Soil Evaluations.

An Engineer Option Permit (EOP) is a private permitting process that allows qualified professionals to complete the evaluation, design, and installation of a septic system without the local health department managing the permitting process. An EOP typically involves: • A North Carolina Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) • A North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist • A North Carolina Registered Septic Installer The local health department's role is generally limited to maintaining the official records.

An Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) Permit allows certain qualified professionals to perform private septic permitting. An AOWE Permit is completed by: • A North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist who is also an Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) • A North Carolina Registered Septic Installer This process allows the evaluation, design, and installation to occur privately, with the local health department serving primarily as the record keeper.

An AOWE Hybrid Permit combines private permitting with local health department involvement. Under this process: • A North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist who is also an AOWE issues the Improvement Permit (a2) and Construction Authorization (a5). • The local health department performs the final septic inspection and issues the Operation Permit. If only an a2 Improvement Permit is needed, a qualified North Carolina Licensed Soil Scientist may issue that portion without completing the full hybrid process.

We proudly provide soil evaluations, septic permitting, septic system design, seasonal high water table determinations, and related consulting services throughout the following North Carolina counties: Alamance County Davie County Durham County Forsyth County Guilford County Orange County Person County Randolph County Rockingham County Stokes County Surry County Yadkin County

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