MA&A logo Michael Athanas & AssociatesSoil & Environmental Consultants Call 704-576-3887

Soil & Environmental Consultants · North & South Carolina · Est. 2005

We read the ground before you build on it.

Septic permits, denied-site reversals, soil mapping and wetland delineation for homeowners, builders and developers across the Carolinas.

2005
established
50+
years combined experience
NC
Licensed Soil Scientist
SC
Soil Classifier
An MA&A field technician examining the red clay wall of a test trench
Test-trench evaluationPiedmont red clay, Bt horizon

A horizon · topsoil

Why do you need a soil scientist?

Whether a lot can carry a septic system is decided by what is under the grass. We dig, describe and document it — then stand behind it with the people who approve the permit.

Illustration of a soil auger, a soil core grading from topsoil into mottled red clay, and a soil color chart
  1. Your application was denied

    We work to overturn denied septic applications from the local health department or the State.

  2. You need someone the county knows

    We act as mediator for our clients, drawing on long-standing, respected relationships with county and state officials.

  3. You are planning a subdivision

    We work directly with developers, engineers and surveyors on subdivision design and increased lot yield.

  4. You are working to a deadline

    We expedite the permitting process, including Iredell County's “Fastrack” program.

  5. You are adding bedrooms or a pool

    We adjust existing permits to accommodate additional bedrooms and pools.

  6. The approved system costs too much

    We look for a different system type that does the job and saves you money.

B horizon · subsoil

What we do

From a single home lot to apartment, condominium and commercial developments — we prepare the permit paperwork, gather the soil information and keep the process moving.

S-01

Septic system permits

Permit assistance for individual homes and lots, apartment and condominium complexes, large developments and commercial projects. We prepare the application, collect the soil data and speed the permit along.

S-02

Preliminary soil investigation

Thinking about buying a tract of land, or already own one? We look at the property and tell you whether it suits what you plan to build — before the money is spent.

S-03

Soil mapping & development planning

A soil map lets you make the most of the land: informed decisions on septic systems, infrastructure placement and development density before work begins.

S-04

Denied & difficult sites

We overturn denials from local health departments or the State, and represent clients on highly difficult or court-related sites.

S-05

Permit changes for bedrooms & pools

Expanding the house or adding a pool? We adjust the existing permit so the system matches the new plan.

S-06

System-type changes

We work with homeowners and developers to change system types where a different design saves money.

S-07

Lot yield for developers

Working alongside your engineer and surveyor during subdivision design so more of the lots pass.

S-08

Wetland delineation

Locating and documenting wetland boundaries for site planning and permitting.

In the field

Recent site work — swipe or scroll sideways

A mini excavator digging test pits in an open field
Digging test pits
Walking the site between test pits
Walking the site
Open field with flagged test pits and spoil mounds
Flagged test pits
Survey tripod and test pits across the field
Locating each pit
Wide view of the site with a survey level in the foreground
Survey level on site

C horizon · how it works

From the first call to the permit

  1. 01

    Tell us about the land

    Call or send the estimate form with the property and what you want to build.

  2. 02

    We evaluate the soil

    On-site borings or test pits to see what is really under the surface.

  3. 03

    Report & paperwork

    We document the findings and prepare the permit application.

  4. 04

    Through to approval

    We work with the health department and county officials until it is permitted.

The team

Professional, and efficient at moving you through the process

Michael Athanas

Owner · Licensed Soil Scientist (NC) · Soil Classifier (SC)

Over 30 years of experience working with state agencies, county municipalities, individual homeowners and builders across the Carolinas. Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences from North Carolina State University, along with a master's degree.

Gary McNeely

Project Manager

Over 30 years of experience, with a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University. Licensed.

Scott Kennedy

Project Manager

Over 20 years of experience, with a bachelor's degree from Clemson University.

Illustration of a Piedmont soil profile: dark topsoil, thick red clay subsoil with gray mottles, weathered saprolite and bedrock
A typical Piedmont profile — topsoil, red clay subsoil, saprolite, bedrock. Where the water table and the clay sit decides what system a lot can carry.

Bedrock · get started

Questions & estimates

We'd love to hear about your project. Send the form and we will get back to you, or call — that always works.

704-576-3887
Hours
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Saturday & Sunday closed

Serving North Carolina & South Carolina