NEHA Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Practice Exam

The ideal soil for onsite wastewater systems should have specific properties that promote proper drainage, filtration, and treatment of wastewater. The red, brown, or yellow soil types typically possess good drainage and permeability characteristics, which are essential for the effective functioning of these systems. These types of soil can help manage water flow and support the aerobic and anaerobic processes vital for treating wastewater.

Sandy soil, while it has excellent drainage properties, may not retain nutrients or facilitate adequate treatment of pathogens, leading to potential groundwater contamination. Clay soil, on the other hand, typically has poor drainage characteristics. It can retain water, which may lead to surface ponding, and it limits the movement of wastewater through the soil, diminishing the treatment capacity. Peat soil can retain excess water and also lacks sufficient structural stability for supporting onsite systems, making it less suitable for effective wastewater treatment.

Hence, the characteristics of red, brown, or yellow soils make them favorable for onsite wastewater systems, aligning well with the requirements for effective wastewater management.

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