Individual sewage disposal systems or other
means of sewage disposal shall not be approved where a common sanitary
sewer is accessible adjoining the property and where permission to
enter such a sewer may be obtained from the authority having jurisdiction
over it. The Board of Health may require the owner or occupant of
any existing building or buildings, wherever a common sanitary sewer
is accessible in an abutting way, to cause such building or buildings
to be connected with the common sanitary sewer in a manner and within
a period of time satisfactory to the Board of Health.
Every owner or agent of premises in which there
are any private sewers, individual sewage disposal systems or other
means of sewage disposal shall keep the sewers and disposal systems
in proper operational condition and shall have such works cleaned
or repaired at such time as ordered by the Board of Health. If the
owner or agent of the premises fails to comply with such order, the
Board of Health may cause the works to be cleaned or repaired and
all expenses be paid by the owner. Sewage disposal works shall be
maintained in a manner that will not create objectionable conditions
or cause the works to become a source of pollution to any of the waters
of the commonwealth.
Percolation testing shall be performed only
during the period from October 1 through June 1, or at such other
times deemed appropriate by the Board. Such measurements and testing
shall be performed only during the period from October 1 through June
1, or at such other times deemed appropriate by the Board. All such
measurements and percolation tests shall be witnessed by a member
of the Board of Health or its authorized agent.
A minimum of two deep observation pits and two
percolation tests shall be required. The observation pits and percolation
tests shall be performed in the area designated as the primary and
reserve leaching area. Additional tests will be required where the
soil structure varies or where large disposal areas are required.
A mechanical digger shall be utilized.
All disposal works construction permits shall
be issued with the condition that the location of any septic tank
access manhole which is below the ground surface or otherwise obscured
from view shall be clearly marked either by the placement of a permanent
marker above the access manhole or by the installation of a marker
on the foundation wall of the building served by the disposal system.
All repairs to existing leaching areas shall
require a plan prepared by a professional engineer or other professionals
authorized to prepare septic system plans. All work must be installed
in accordance with current state and local regulations. Approved subsurface
sewage disposal plans that have not been implemented within two years
must be reviewed and updated, if necessary, prior to the issuing of
a disposal works construction permit.
A permit must be obtained by a licensed disposal
works installer before repair or replacement of a septic tank may
be executed. Having obtained the required permit, the work shall be
completed to the satisfaction of the Board of Health within 30 days
or the permit shall be automatically canceled. If more time is needed,
the installer will be granted a hearing for extension.
[Amended 5-16-2017]
A certified statement by the design engineer, or other professional
authorized to prepare subsurface sewage disposal system plans, who
is unaffiliated with the construction disposal works installer, must
be received by the Board of Health prior to the issuance of a certificate
of compliance. The statement must ensure that the subsurface sewage
disposal system has been installed according to the Board of Health
approved plans and must include an as-built drawing prepared by the
engineer who is unaffiliated with the construction disposal works
installer, showing the final locations and elevations of all system
components.
Dewatered percolation tests, also known as "island
percolation tests," whether by the method of pumping or by removing
water mechanically with earth-removing equipment, shall not be permitted,
except on a repair to a subsurface sewage disposal system serving
a structure.
[Added 5-30-1989]
A certified statement by the design engineer
must be received by the Board of Health prior to the issuance of a
certificate of compliance. The statement must ensure that the subsurface
sewage disposal system has been installed according to the approved
plan and must include an as-built drawing showing the final locations
and elevations of the system components.
[Added 4-1-1986]
No disposal works construction permit for a
subsurface sewage disposal system shall be issued until a certification
has been made by the design engineer as to the location and elevation
of the foundation as shown on the approved plan.
[Added 10-31-1994]
The attendance of the Health Agent to witness
any percolation test and/or observation requires a fee of $75. Any
callback on this location will require an additional fee of $75 per
day.