Does anyone have a soil scientist or company they can recommend in Hamilton County, TN? It’s been a challenge to find anyone to conduct a perc test on a property in Ootlewah. We need this to close escrow and we’re right at the 30-day mark. TIA for any contacts!
Have you called the county health department? I’m not sure how it works in TN, but the health dept oversees this process in many places. Even if they don’t do it where you’re at, they could probably at least point you to someone who could help.
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In PA, the 5th largest state with a population of 13 million, there are only about 20 Soil Scientist in the entire state. Many states have a state professional organization for Soil Scientist, so check that out. Most of the municipalities and healt departments don’t employ a Soil Scientist, probably because they command high wages. We have employed Soil Scientist many times for consultations with difficult soils, clay, high water table, or shallow bedrock and slope issues. A Soil Scientist is somebody who has a 4 year college degree in soils, most colleges and universities do not offer that curriculum. If they do its in the Agronomy Department, which deal with crop production and soil issues. The last time we employed a Soil Scientist, the charge was $1,500 to $2,000 a day and the perk and probe took two days. On one property we had 100 failing probe tests and had a Soil Scientist on site for many days. It was well worth the high costs.
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Below is a list for TN soil scientists for the state and I would call down that list and offer to pay up to expedite the process.
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Thanks, everyone! We have this list of soil consultants but they either don’t call us back or are too busy. We’ve even offered to pay upfront but nothing. We are newbies and learning as we go. Another round of calls is happening in hopes that we can get someone out to the property.
I’d ask your Title Agent, that’s how I found the companies I work with. If that doesn’t produce results, contact companies that install septic systems. Many of them also do perc tests.
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I was told soil scientists in Hamilton are very busy and don’t even return calls. Maybe call up some septic companies and ask if they know a certified soil scientist that can take the job?
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Thanks again, everyone. I tried everything - soil scientists, septic companies, grading companies. And then out of the blue, we received a soil map in the mail from one of the soil scientists. Unbelievable! We are now closing on Friday. 
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