How wet is too wet for drip field installation

[gt5879c]

My drip field property is pretty steep over most of the site (>30%). There has been rain or snow 2 days out of every week for the last month. The contractor is chomping at the bit to begin installation of the drip field, but it's just too wet. He is asking how wet is too wet for installation? He wants to get laborers out there to begin installation since they won't be able to use a vibratory plow since it's too wet and steep. How would I determine if it's dry enough to install by hand?

 

[bimr]

Construction should occur when the soil is dry. Even the most careful and experienced contractor will have difficulty installing a system during wet weather. Construction in wet soil can result in soil compaction and smearing that reduces the ability of the soil to absorb and treat wastewater.

Use the garderner's test for soil moisture. Grab a handful of soil from a depth of 4-6 inches, and squeeze it into a ball. Then try to crumble it between your fingers. If it won't crumble and feels a bit like brownie batter, it's too wet. Wait a few days and try again. If it crumbles easily, it's ready for planting. If the soil slides through your fingers, it's too dry