1) What is involved in a wetland Jurisdictional Determination?
Wetland Mapping, Delineation, approval by the Army Corps of Engineers, survey by a registered land surveyor, presentation of survey and supporting documents to the Army Corps of Engineers for a final signature.

2) How long is a signed wetland survey good for?
It is good for 5 years after being signed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

3) How are wetlands determined?
They are determined by using the guidelines in the 1987 Army Corps of Engineers wetlands manual. These guidelines include the three parameter approach using soils, hydrology, and plants.

1) What activities require a CAMA Major Permit?
In general, any development activity that takes place within an area of environmental concern (AEC) that also requires another separate state or federal authorization. An example would be 404 wetland fill within an estuarine shoreline AEC.

Division of Coastal Management Website:

2) What activities reviewed by the Division of Coastal Management require the preparation of an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?
In general, an environmental document is required for new marinas, new navigation channels, excavation of material from an aquatic environment for beach nourishment or other purposes not directly related to approved navigational projects and any activity that might require environmental documentation under provisions of another state approval or local governmental agency. Other case by case determinations are made by the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

1) What is a “perk” test?
A perk (or percolation) test is a measure of the rate water will move into a soil. The perk test is no longer accepted in North Carolina because it only tells you about the water movement and does not account for seasonal high water table concerns, expanding clay minerals, fractured rocks, etc.

2) Does LMG perform “perk” tests?
No. LMG follows the wastewater permitting guidelines set forth by the state on North Carolina. These guidelines require a comprehensive description of the soils to determine more than 7 factors of soil suitability for wastewater. LMG will be glad to assist clients with wastewater (septic) permitting by completing applications for wastewater permits.

2) Does LMG prepare licensed soil scientist reports for innovative wastewater systems?
Yes. Many new wastewater systems have been approved in North Carolina since 1998. These systems have many advantages over conventional wastewater systems. In order to receive the maximum space savings allowed by these systems, a report from a licensed soil scientist is required. LMG will be glad to assist clients by evaluating sites for innovative systems and completing licensed soil scientists reports.

3) Does LMG prepare licensed soil scientist reports for large or industrial wastewater systems?
Yes. Many large or industrial wastewater systems require further study and evaluation by a licensed soil scientist prior to wastewater permitting. LMG can perform the detailed testing and analysis required for permitting. LMG can perform the detailed testing and analysis required for permitting large or industrial type wastewater systems.

4) Can LMG issue a wastewater (septic) permit?
No. Currently, only the local health department or the state (NCDENR) has the authority to issue wastewater permits. LMG will be glad to assist clients by meeting them on site and determining the soils and site criteria in accordance with the State Laws and Rules. Many of our clients enjoy using LMG to determine site suitability for wastewater prior to making an expensive application with a county health department.