Field Notes
What we've learned about excavating eastern Connecticut.
Permitting timelines, site conditions, equipment notes, and the occasional war story. One new piece every few weeks, written by the crew that's actually on the jobs.
April 2026/Site ConditionsFrost Depth and Footing Design in Eastern Connecticut
What 42 inches actually means when the till is wet, the ledge is shallow, and the inspector wants to see your base.
Connecticut's residential code calls for a 42-inch frost depth on residential footings — but that's the minimum, not the answer. Here's how we actually decide footing depth on eastern CT lots.
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March 2026/Permits & ProcessHow NDDH Septic Permits Actually Work
The Northeast District Department of Health covers 12 eastern CT towns. Here's the timeline, the players, and what slows it down.
If you're installing or replacing a septic system in Lisbon, Plainfield, Brooklyn, or any of the other 12 NDDH towns, the timeline is mostly determined by the health district, not the town. Here's how it actually runs.
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February 2026/Permits & ProcessWhat 'Call Before You Dig' Actually Catches
CBYD is free, required by Connecticut law, and saves real lives. Here's what it does and what it doesn't.
Call Before You Dig (811) is required by Connecticut law on any excavation. It catches most underground utilities — but not all of them. Here's what to know before you put a shovel in the ground.
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