901:10-2-03 Geological explorations.

(A) A subsurface geological exploration shall be conducted prior to installing a fabricated structure. A subsurface geological exploration for a liquid manure fabricated structure shall be conducted under the supervision of an engineering geologist or a professional engineer. A subsurface geological exploration shall determine the following:

(1) For solid manure.

(a) Evaluate the suitability of the soil to provide the appropriate load bearing strength for the proposed fabricated structure by use of a soil survey or by a geological exploration conducted in accordance with this rule. The director may require on-site subsurface geological explorations depending on the soil survey, depth of the structure to be installed below existing grade and type of structural loading of the fabricated structure.

(2) For liquid manure.

(a) Place a minimum of two test pits or borings at regular intervals within a reasonable distance of the boundaries of the fabricated structure, unless more test pits or borings are required by the professional engineer or engineering geologist . The test pits or borings shall extend a minimum of five feet below the planned bottom of the fabricated structure.

(b) Evaluate the suitability of the soil to provide the appropriate load bearing strength for the proposed fabricated structure as set forth in the appendix to rule 901:10-2-05 of the Administrative Code.

(c) Determine soil strength values so that lateral earth pressures can be calculated as set forth in the appendix to rule 901:10-2-05 of the Administrative Code.

(d) Whether the proposed fabricated structure is to be located within a karst area; and

(e) Ground water quality characteristics. Ground water shall be sampled from a well existing at the facility or, if no well exists at the facility, from a well that is constructed in accordance with rule 3701-28-12 of the Administrative Code. A well installed or otherwise approved for use to satisfy the requirements of this rule, shall also be used to satisfy the annual ground water sampling and analysis required by rule 901:10-2-08 of the Administrative Code.

(f) In the event that the director determines that ground water monitoring shall be required to satisfy the requirements of this rule or rule 901:10-2-02 of the Administrative Code, then a ground water monitoring program shall be designed, installed, and implemented as approved by the director in a permit to install.

(B) Prior to installing a manure storage pond or manure treatment lagoon, a subsurface geological exploration shall be conducted under the supervision of an engineering geologist or a professional engineer for the storage pond or treatment lagoon.

(1) A subsurface geological exploration shall be conducted on each new or expanding manure storage pond or manure treatment lagoon.

(2) The subsurface geological exploration shall be performed within a reasonable distance of the manure storage pond or manure treatment lagoon boundaries, shall include a minimum of four test pits or borings placed at regular intervals and shall determine the following:

(a) The type and hydraulic conductivity of the soil material present from the ground surface to a depth of five feet below the planned bottom of the manure storage pond or manure treatment lagoon;

(b) Suitability of soil material to provide adequate sealing of the bottom of the manure storage pond or manure treatment lagoon and construction of planned embankments;

(d) Ground water quality characteristics. Ground water shall be sampled from a well existing at the facility or, if no well exists at the facility, from a well that is constructed in accordance with rule 3701-28-12 of the Administrative Code. A well installed or otherwise approved for use to satisfy the requirements of this rule, shall also be used to satisfy the annual ground water sampling and analysis required by rule 901:10-2-08 of the Administrative Code.

(e) In the event that the director determines that ground water monitoring shall be required to satisfy the requirements of this rule or rule 901:10-2-02 of the Administrative Code, then a ground water monitoring program shall be designed, installed, and implemented as approved by the director in a permit to install.

(f) The exploration pits or borings shall extend a minimum of five feet below the planned bottom of the manure storage pond or manure treatment lagoon. Upon completion, any boring or pit used for sampling shall be properly plugged and sealed. Any pit used for sampling that is within the construction boundaries of the concentrated animal feeding facility, the manure storage pond or the manure treatment lagoon shall be restored by the addition of soil compacted in lifts no greater than six inches;

(g) Based on the results of the subsurface geological exploration and determinations by the engineering geologist, professional engineer or the director, additional tests may be required to determine the potential need for a liner and, if necessary, the type of liner to be installed;

(h) The department may require additional subsurface geological explorations depending on the soils and geological formations on site to ensure the protection of the ground water, surface water or the structural integrity of the manure storage pond or manure treatment lagoon. The subsurface geological exploration shall refer to the Ohio department of natural resources, division of water ground water pollution protection (DRASTIC) maps to determine the pollution potential for each site, the pathways of contamination, if any, and whether additional liners are needed to protect water and ground water.

(C) The results of subsurface geological explorations performed in accordance with paragraphs (A) and (B) of this rule shall be included in a report submitted with the facility design plans.

(1) The report shall include but not be limited to:

(a) Location of a facility well, exploration pits and borings plus locations and depths of soil samples;

(b) Available Ohio department of natural resources division of water, water well logs of wells located within a minimum of one thousand feet of the planned manure storage or treatment facility;

(c) Geologic information using either the group classification system by the American association of state highway and transportation officials or the unified soil classification system appended to this rule;

(d) Evidence of seepage or ground water conditions and depths in pits;

(e) Determination of the suitability of in-situ soils for the planned facility, or lining recommendations when the in-situ soils are not suitable;

(f) Recommendation from the laboratory analysis of the compactive effort or soil density, and soil moisture requirements needed during construction to achieve design hydraulic conductivity;

(g) The results of the soil tests; and

(h) An analysis or evaluation that demonstrates that the information provided meets the requirements of rules 901:10-2-01 to 901:10-2-06 of the Administrative Code, and as follows for applicable type of manure storage and treatment facility:

(i) For a solid manure fabricated structure, an analysis or evaluation shall provide the information required by paragraphs (C)(1)(a), (C)(1)(b), (C)(1)(c), and (C)(1)(h) of this rule.

(ii) For a liquid manure fabricated structure, an analysis or evaluation shall provide the information required by paragraphs (C)(1)(a), (C)(1)(b), (C)(1)(c), (C)(1)(d), (C)(1)(g) and (C)(1)(h) of this rule.

(iii) For a manure storage pond or manure treatment lagoon, an analysis or evaluation shall provide the information required by paragraphs (C)(1)(a) to (C)(1)(g) of this rule.

(2) Based on the results of the tests of this rule the professional engineer, engineering geologist, or director may require additional explorations that may include laboratory testing of soils and additional ground water monitoring wells.

(D) Laboratory testing and analysis:

(1) Soil samples taken during the subsurface geological exploration shall be tested in accordance with approved or certified soil testing procedures..

(2) Tests and results reported shall include, but not be limited to, hydraulic conductivity, dry unit weight, Atterberg Limits, and standard compaction with recompaction to achieve design hydraulic conductivity.

(E) Upon request by the owner or operator and subsequent written approval from the department field changes may be made in order to meet site-specific conditions during construction. The owner or operator shall demonstrate that such changes shall be at least as protective of the ground water, surface water and the structural integrity of the manure storage or treatment facility as requirements of this chapter.

Appendix to rule 901:10-2-03

Soils – Engineering Classification (National Soil Survey Handbook 618.20 – 2001)

The National Soil Survey Handbook and other technical and procedural references provide the standards, guidelines, definitions, policy, responsibilities, and procedures for conducting the National Cooperative Soil Survey in the United States. The following are accepted guidelines for classifying soils.

(a) AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) Group Classification

(1) Definition

AASHTO group classification is a system that classifies soils specifically for geotechnical engineering purposes. It is based on particle-size distribution and Atterberg limits, such as liquid limit and plasticity index. This classification system is covered in AASHTO Standard No. M 145-91 (1995) and consists of a symbol and a group index. The classification is based on that portion of the soil that is smaller than 3 inches in diameter.

(2) Classes

The AASHTO classification system identifies two general classifications: (i) granular materials having 35 percent or less, by weight, particles smaller than 0.074 mm in diameter and (ii) silt-clay materials having more than 35 percent, by weight, particles smaller than 0.074 mm in diameter. These two divisions are further subdivided into seven main group classifications. The group and subgroup classifications are based on estimated or measured grain-size distribution and on liquid limit and plasticity index values.

(3) Significance

The group and subgroup classifications of this system are aids in the evaluation of soils. The classifications can help to make general interpretations relating to performance of the soil for engineering uses.

(4) Measurements

Measurements involve sieve analyses for the determination of grain-size distribution of that portion of the soil between a 3 inch and 0.074 mm particle size. ASTM methods D 422, C 136, and C 117 have applicable procedures for the determination of grain-size distribution. The liquid limit and plasticity index values (ASTM method D 4318) are determined for that portion of the soil having particles smaller than 0.425 mm in diameter (No. 40 sieve). Measurements, such as laboratory tests, are made on most benchmark soils and on other representative soils in survey areas.

(5) Estimates

During soil survey investigations and field mapping activities, the soil is classified by field methods. This classification involves making estimates of particle-size fractions and particle-size distribution by a percentage of the total soil, minus the greater than 3-inch fraction. Estimates of liquid limit and plasticity index are based on clay content and mineralogy relationships. Estimates are expressed in ranges that include the estimating accuracy as well as the range of values for the taxon.

(6) Entries Enter classes and separate them by commas for each horizon, for example, A-7, A-6. Acceptable entries are A-1, A-l-A, A-l-B, A-2, A-2-4, A-2-5, A-2-6, A-2-7, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-7, A-7-5, A-7-6, and A-8.

AASHTO Group Index

(1) Definition

The AASHTO group and subgroup classifications may be further modified by the addition of a group index value. The empirical group index formula was devised for approximate within-group evaluation of the “clayey granular materials” and the “silty-clay” materials.

(2) Significance

The group index is an aid in the evaluation of the soils. The index can help to make general interpretations relating to performance of the soil for engineering uses.

Under average conditions of good drainage and thorough compaction and recompaction, the supporting value of a material as subgrade may be assumed as an inverse ratio to its group index, that is, a group index of 0 indicates a “good” subgrade material and group index of 20 or greater indicates a “very poor” subgrade material.

(3) Measurement

The group index is calculated from an empirical formula:

GI = (F-35) [0.2 + 0.005 (LL-40)] + 0.01 (F-15) (PI-10)

where:

F = Percentage passing sieve No. 200

(75 micrometer), expressed as a whole number

LL = Liquid limit

PI = Plasticity index

In calculating the group index of A-2-6 and A-2-7 subgroups, only the PI portion of the formula is used. Negative group index is reported as zero (0).

For soils that are non-plastic and when the liquid limit cannot be determined, the group index shall be considered zero (0).

(4) Entries

The group index is reported to the nearest integer. If the calculated group index is negative, the group index is zero (0). The minimum index value is 0 and the maximum is 120.

(b) Unified Soil Classification

(1) Definition

The unified soil classification system is a system for classifying mineral and organic mineral soils for engineering purposes based on particle-size characteristics, liquid limit, and plasticity index.

(2) Classes

The Unified Soil Classification System identifies three major soil divisions: (i) coarse-grained soils having less than 50 percent, by weight, particles smaller than 0.074 mm in diameter; (ii) fine-grained soils having 50 percent or more, by weight, particles smaller than 0.074 mm in diameter, and (iii) highly organic soils that demonstrate certain organic characteristics. These divisions are further subdivided into a total of 15 basic soil groups. The major soil divisions and basic soil groups are determined on the basis of estimated or measured values for grain-size distribution and Atterberg limits. ASTM D 2487 shows the criteria chart used for classifying soil in the Unified system and the 15 basic soil groups of the system and the plasticity chart for the Unified Soil Classification System.

(3) Significance

The various groupings of this classification have been devised to correlate in a general way with the engineering behavior of soils. This correlation provides a useful first step in any field or laboratory investigation for engineering purposes. It can serve to make some general interpretations relating to probable performance of the soil for engineering uses.

(4) Measurement

The methods for measurement are provided in ASTM Designation D 2487. Measurements involve sieve analysis for the determination of grain-size distribution of that portion of the soil between 3 inches and 0.074 mm in diameter (No. 200 sieve). ASTM methods D 422, C 136, and C 117 have applicable procedures that are used where appropriate for the determination of grain-size distribution. Values for the Atterberg limits (liquid limit and plasticity index) are also used. Specific tests are made for that portion of the soil having particles smaller than 0.425 mm in diameter (No. 40 sieve) according to ASTM methods D 423 and D 424. Measurements, such as laboratory tests, are made on most benchmark soils and on other representative soils in survey areas.

(5) Entries for measured data

For measured Unified data, enter up to four classes for each horizon. ASTM D 2487 provides flow charts for classifying the soils. Separate the classes by commas, for example, CL-ML, ML. Acceptable entries are GW, GP, GM, GC, SW, SP, SM, SC, CL, ML, OL, CH, MH, OH, PT, CL-ML, GW-GM, GW-GC, GP-GM, GP-GC, GC-GM, SW-SM, SW-SC, SP-SM, SP-SC, and SC-SM.

(6) Estimates

The methods for estimating are provided in ASTM Designation D 2488. During all soil survey investigations and field mapping activities, the soil is classified by field methods. The methods include making estimates of particle-size fractions by a percentage of the total soil. The Atterberg limits are also estimated based on the wet consistency, ribbon or thread toughness, and other simple field tests. These tests and procedures are explained in ASTM D 2488. If samples are later tested in the laboratory, adjustments are made to field procedures as needed. Estimates are expressed in ranges that include the estimating accuracy as well as the range of values from one location to another within the map unit. If an identification is based on visual-manual procedures it must be clearly stated so in reporting.

(7) Entries for estimated soils

For estimated visual-manual Unified data, enter up to four classes for each horizon. ASTM D 2488 provides flow charts for classifying the soils. Separate the classes by commas, for example, CL, ML, SC. Acceptable entries are GW, GP, GM, GC, SW, SP, SM, SC, CL, ML, CH, MH, OL/OH, PT, GW-GM, GW-GC, GP-GM, GP-GC, SW-SM, SW-SC, SP-SM, and SP-SC.

Source: National Soil Survey Handbook (2001). USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC.

Replaces: 901:10-2-03

Effective: 09/15/2005

R.C. 119.032 review dates: 08/15/2010

Promulgated Under: 119.03

Statutory Authority: 903.08, 903.10

Rule Amplifies: 903.01, 903.02, 903.04, 903.08, 903.082, 903.09, 903.10

Prior Effective Dates: 07/02/2002