[Adopted 5-26-2015; effective 6-23-2015]
The purpose of this article is to formally establish and define the requirement for backup (emergency) power for some multiunit projects.
On May 26, 2015, the Board of Health held a public hearing, and at the close of that hearing, a vote was taken to adopt this regulation and make it effective on June 23, 2015.
History: Over the years, the Board has generally required the inclusion of alternative (emergency) power for septic systems that utilize a pump to distribute effluent to the disposal area for projects that serve multiple dwellings. Often these septic systems are owned by a homeowner group or condominium association. At the time of this authorship, there has been more interest in providing affordable housing, in the form of rental units, within the Town's boundaries, and this has driven an increase in the development of multiunit housing projects. This Board seeks to clarify its intent with regards to this matter by creating this regulation.
The Board of Health shall require backup (emergency) power to supply energy to septic systems that utilize a pump to discharge effluent from the septic tank to the distribution area, if the septic system serves more than one household. The Board shall also require that where backup (emergency) power is provided for the septic system, this power will also be supplied to the well serving the property, unless this property is connected to the Town water district. The backup power shall be on site and ready for use. Regular periodic testing with an approved schedule is also required.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BACKUP (EMERGENCY) POWER
A source of electrical power other than the electrical grid that can be used to energize a septic system or well pump. Examples are a generator or an approved solar-powered device.
HOUSEHOLD
A single housing unit.
MULTIPLE DWELLINGS
A group of two or more housing units sharing a single septic system.
TOWN WATER DISTRICT
The Town of Harvard's municipal water distribution system.
WELL
A source of clean drinking water drilled into the earth requiring an electric pump to extract the water.