Licensed onsite soil evaluator Aaron Sherwood has been testing for over 30 years across the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont region of Virginia. If your property isn't on public sewer, we'll get it evaluated.
From initial feasibility through permitted design, ATEK Environmental handles every step of the onsite wastewater evaluation process.
We perform state-compliant soil percolation tests to determine whether your lot can support an onsite sewage system. Required before any septic permit can be issued — and we've been doing it for over 30 years.
For lots with adequate soil depth and proper drainage characteristics, we design traditional gravity-fed drainfield systems — the most cost-effective solution when soil conditions allow.
When soil is too dense, too shallow, or the lot is challenging, alternative systems — including mounds, pressure distribution, drip irrigation, and aerobic treatment units — provide solutions where conventional systems can't.
Thinking about buying land or subdividing a parcel? We evaluate soil and site conditions upfront so you know exactly what you're working with — before you commit to a purchase or development plan.
Existing system failing or at capacity? We assess your current drainfield, identify the issue, and design repair or expansion solutions to restore proper function and meet current health department standards.
Planning a multi-lot subdivision? We perform systematic walk-over soil surveys to evaluate each parcel's suitability, helping you plan layout, density, and development costs with confidence.
Every lot is different. Give Aaron a call and he can walk you through exactly what's required for your specific property and situation.
Call 540-414-4660“Aaron is timely with his deliverables and is very dependable in getting the job done! Highly recommend for any perk testing or soil evaluation needs in the Valley.”
“Have worked with Aaron on multiple projects and he gets it done right every time. His knowledge of western Virginia soils is second to none.”
“Aaron was instrumental in getting a new septic system installed at our home. He handled everything professionally and made the process stress-free.”
“Thanks to Aaron Sherwood I don't have to worry about coordinating with the Health Department. His expertise and direct correspondence with the surveyor is a great value.”
Had a great experience with ATEK Environmental?
Leave a Google ReviewConventional & alternative installs across the Shenandoah Valley and Western Virginia.
"Imagine the debris flow that moved this rock." Single boulder uncovered during drain field excavation.
Alternative treatment system install, Shenandoah Valley VA.
Installed system in Virginia red clay — ATEK truck visible in background.
Western Virginia field assessment — ATEK branded truck, rolling hills.
Conventional septic system installation for new residential build.
ATEK truck and backhoe on site — no weather stops the work.
Rare quartz crystal uncovered during soil evaluation. Virginia's geology never stops surprising.
Many property owners are surprised to learn the health department no longer handles percolation testing. Here's what changed, and why it matters for your project.
Historically, Virginia's local health departments performed percolation testing and issued septic permits directly. Homeowners and developers relied on public agency staff to evaluate their lots.
Under current Virginia law (Title 54.1 DPOR regulations), percolation testing and onsite soil evaluations must be performed by DPOR-licensed professionals — either a licensed Onsite Soil Evaluator (OSE) or Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE). The health department no longer does this work.
Licensed private evaluators provide faster turnaround, greater design flexibility, and more personalized service. Aaron Sherwood is your single point of contact from initial soil evaluation through final system permit — no waiting on a government queue.
If you're building on a lot not served by public sewer, you are required by law to have a licensed evaluator like Aaron perform the soil work before a building or septic permit can be issued. There is no workaround — but there is a fast, reliable option.
Under 12VAC5-610 and DPOR regulations, only a licensed Onsite Soil Evaluator (OSE) or Alternative Onsite Soil Evaluator (AOSE) may perform the percolation testing required for a septic permit in Virginia. Health departments refer all such requests to licensed private professionals.
Owner & Licensed Onsite Soil Evaluator
Aaron Sherwood founded ATEK Environmental & Soil Testing in 2010 with one focus: helping Virginia landowners, builders, and developers navigate the soil evaluation process quickly and correctly.
With over 30 years of hands-on experience with VDH and the private sector and more than 10,000 lots evaluated across Central and Western Virginia, Aaron has seen every soil type and every county requirement the region has to offer.
As a licensed OSE (Onsite Soil Evaluator) through DPOR, Aaron handles conventional and alternative system designs, drainfield repairs, lot feasibility studies, and subdivision assessments — all as a one-man operation, meaning you're always talking directly to the expert.
From the ridges of Highland County to the hills of Albemarle County, ATEK Environmental covers all the Shenandoah Valley and western Piedmont region of Virginia, roughly a 100-mile radius from Harrisonburg.
Based in Harrisonburg — serving a 100 mile radius across Western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
Don't see your county? Aaron covers Western & Central Virginia broadly — call to confirm.
540-414-4660The fastest way to get started is a phone call or text. Aaron will ask a few questions about your property and walk you through what to expect.