Engineer Site Visit Checklist for Cesspool Conversion
Use this checklist before the first site visit. Having the basic property information ready lets the engineer spend more time evaluating the site and less time reconstructing the file history.
Bring or send before the visit
- Full TMK, site address, owner name, phone, and email
- Survey, plot plan, tax map, building plans, or other property drawings
- Any DOH cesspool card, IWS approval, permit, inspection, or correspondence
- Known cesspool or septic location and approximate age
- Pumping receipts, service reports, spill history, odors, backups, or wet-area notes
- Current bedroom count, kitchens, bathrooms, accessory units, and typical occupancy
- Planned additions, renovations, rentals, subdivision, or change of use
- Water source, water meter information, wells, catchment, and nearby streams or shoreline
- Known easements, retaining walls, slopes, rock outcrops, driveways, utilities, and access limits
- Photos that show the property, wastewater area, and equipment access
Mark on the property
- Property corners or best-known boundary locations
- Existing cesspool, septic tank, cleanouts, vents, and plumbing exit
- Wells, catchment tanks, waterlines, streams, drainage paths, and shoreline
- Buildings, decks, pools, walls, driveways, parking, and planned improvements
- Areas a truck or excavator can safely access
- Areas you want to preserve, including trees, gardens, cultural features, and views
Questions to ask
- What records are missing before design can begin?
- What site testing or survey work is likely?
- Which system types appear feasible, and what could rule them out?
- Where could the tank and disposal field fit?
- What access will the contractor need?
- Which DOH and county approvals are expected?
- What decisions must the owner make before the application is submitted?
- What is included in the engineer's scope, fee, and construction inspection work?
What happens after the visit
The engineer may request additional records, survey work, testing, or design decisions. A site visit is an information-gathering step, not a guarantee that a specific system or location will be approved.
Official references
Request Help Coordinating a Site Visit
This resource is general information, not engineering, legal, tax, real-estate, or permitting advice. Requirements vary by property. Confirm decisions with the applicable agency and Hawaii-licensed professionals.