Since 1977 I have been conducting site evaluations in Maine. I am a 1976 graduate of the University of Maine at Orono, receiving my BS degree in Natural Resource Management with a Soil and Water Conservation major. I previously received an Associate degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp and Paper Technology from The University of Maine at Bangor. I currently belong to the Maine Association of Site Evaluators. 

My main objective in providing services to my clients as a Maine Site Evaluator is to design the most effective cost efficient system for their particular site. There are many variables that enter into the design and each site has a different set of circumstances that make septic design work very interesting and enjoyable. We at Maine Site Evaluations, LLC support and donate our services to Habitat for Humanity and are more than willing to work with any agency or individual to help out.

I am licensed through the Division of Environmental Health which administers the Maine Subsurface Wastewater Rules also referred to as the Plumbing Code. These rules can be viewed here. These rules prescribe the siting, design, construction and inspection of subsurface wastewater disposal systems in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Maine. These rules together with each municipalities zoning and land use ordinances set the basic framework for beginning the site evaluation.

To give you a general overview of what the process entails, here is what I will provide you with: A completed Subsurface Wastewater Disposal System Application also known as form HHE-200. It is the application that your code enforcement office will require that you submit to them prior to issuing a permit. This application consists of three pages and contains all the required information about the applicant, the location and the construction details of the proposed system. You as the applicant provide lot surveys if available and a proposed house location. At our meeting at the property we will discuss your ideas and together will come up with a plan that meets the minimum requirements the Wastewater Disposal Rules while still respecting your ideas of developing the site. If this is an existing structure and we are trying to site a replacement system I will try to minimize disruption of the property while allowing ease of construction and minimizing cost. Please visit the Septic BioRemediation Services area of this site that discusses the White Knight system of remediating failing disposal areas. This is just one cost saving tool that I employ that can save the homeowner a lot money but it is certainly not the only option available in many cases.

I would be glad to answer any questions you might have so please reach me through the contact information provided on this site. A lot of times I am able to meet on site to get you started in the right direction. This will help you to understand the parameters I need to work within and also allow you the flexibility to formalize your building ideas. This way we complete a working plan together that works for you and we only have to do it once. This is another way I save homeowners money. Finally let me say that owning and maintaining a septic system requires vigilance and understanding of how these systems work. Please click on the Septic Maintenance item on the White Knight™  page for helpful information or look on our Links page.  I have been to many failing systems over the years and heard the “I didn’t know you weren’t suppose to do that”. With proper design and use a septic system can last a long time. I’ll do my best for you so please give me a call.

Thank you.
Mark A. Truman