The most recent revisions to Title 5 of the
State Environmental Code are by far the most technical to date. As
more septic systems are repaired and new systems installed, it is
imperative that contractors have the technical skills necessary to
properly construct these systems. This is particularly important with
respect to new and constant changes in alternative technologies. Since
training for contractors is not currently required or offered in this
area, the Board of Health intends to address this need for training
through an on-going educational and certification program to be conducted
by the Berkshire County Boards of Health Association (BCBoH).
[Added 11-3-2014, effective 1-1-2015]
A. The Board of Health, or its designated agent, will witness all septic
systems inspected under Section 15.300, and following, of 310 CMR
15.000. A fee, set by the Board of Health, will be collected prior
to inspection.
B. Any inspection of the septic system for a dwelling that has been
unoccupied will undergo a follow-up inspection six months after the
date of reoccupation.
[Amended 6-6-2016]
(1) The Board of Health or its agent shall have the authority to determine
whether a system in an unoccupied dwelling need undergo a follow-up
inspection and, if so, the time frame to perform that inspection.
(2) The determination shall be based upon, but not limited to: the age
of the system, information about the system on file (designs, previous
inspections, pumping records), soil surveys, condition of system components,
and length of time the system has not been in use.
[Amended 1-5-2004]
Any person applying for a disposal system installer's
permit must show proof of satisfactory completion of the contractor
certification training as specified under § 157-3D of these
regulations prior to issuance of said permit.
A. Continuing education. Contractor certification shall
remain valid provided the contractor attend Berkshire County Boards
of Health Association (BCBoH) or other recognized training sessions
not less than once per calendar year.
B. Certificates not transferable. A contractor certification
is not transferable from one person to another.
If a court determines that any provision of
these regulations is invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions
shall not be affected thereby, but shall continue in full force and
effect.
The effective date for this chapter is January
1, 2002.