[pct-l] TP---Cat holes and their location.

[Jereen Anderson]

From: MendoRider/Ed Anderson
 
Hi Patti K.. If you will reread what I wrote about the depth of the hole more carefully you will see that I wrote " 8" will usually do"  In fact, I am implying that the hole might have to be even deeper. It is going to depend on where your hole is and in what kind of soil. If there is an abundance of organic material (and therefore carbonic acid) 8" is enough. I also stated that the waste should be under at LEAST 5'' of cover (not a 5" deep hole). The human waste in the hole will take up 2" or 3" of space at the bottom of the hole. The cover will, then, be at least 5". 
 
Now let's consider hole location. Regardless of regulations, there's really no set distance that will always be OK. You must also use common sense (unfortunately, its not always "common") It's going to depend on the topography--- the actual 3-dimensional shape of the nearby land. And also on the type of soil.In some cases 200' is'nt nearly far enough. In other cases less than 100' will be OK. If there is a dry ravine with steep sides leading down into a creek and you can manage togo up it 200' - - - that's not an OK spot. The next big rain might wash out your hole and carry the waste into the creek. If, on the other hand, the topography is relatively flat with lots of trees and the slope above the creek is gentle and leads up to a place where it now slopes down away from the creek, then 75' might be OK with a good hole. Of course, if this location is near a heavily used campsite, go farther, to at least 200'. 
 
Again, let me emphasize that the typeofsoil is very important. If it contains lots of decaying organic material as under trees or along the side of a decaying log carbonic acid will be present. This will accelerate the decomposition of cellulose (TP) and also the fecal waste.Wetting the TP prior to filling the hole also helps start the decomposition. Peeing on it might also help discourage some critters from digging it up, but I am not sure of this. Coyotes might simply pee on top of the hole rather than dig it up. This subject might deserve research! 
 
Once again, I still recommend packing the TP out.