SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS FOR SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
TOWN OF CARLISLE
In accordance with its authority under M.G.L. c. 111, Section 31 and M.G.L. c. 21A, section 13 and 310 CMR 15.003(3) the Board of Health of the Town of Carlisle enacts the following supplementary regulations.
JUSTIFICATIONS
Title 5 of the State Environmental Code sets minimum requirements for the disposal of sewage in unsewered areas. The following supplementary regulations for the Town of Carlisle are keyed to the 1995 Title 5 requirements (310 CMR 15.00 - 15.505)
1. The Carlisle Board of Health feels the long term health interests in our town can only be served by adopting certain regulations which are stricter than Title 5, which was written as a minimum protection standard in 1977, revised in 1995 and in 2006 and designed to cover all towns in Massachusetts utilizing subsurface disposal systems.
2. Carlisle has no town water backup. Unlike a number of StateMassachusetts towns covered by Title 5, if a residence or a business loses a well to pollution, there is no town water which can be brought in, nor any town wells at all.
3. Carlisle geographically is an area of extensive wetland, high water table, and extensive ledge. Safeguards in the original septic system installations are necessary because alternative repair locations are often unavailable.
4. Carlisle presently has no municipal sewerage to hook up to in cases of septic system failure.
5. Current estimates indicate that the distance viruses and bacteria travel is much greater than previously estimated. In Carlisle, where groundwater travels some distance through bedrock crevices, pollution may not be adequately filtered in gravel or sand with Title 5 percolation rates used for design.
SUBPART A: GENERAL PROVISIONS
15.002 - Definitions
Board means Carlisle Board of Health
Title 5 means Title 5 of the State Environmental Code, 310 CMR 15.00
Soil Absorption System is defined the same as in Title 5 and includes alternative technologies; synonymous with leaching area.
Wetland is defined the same as in Title 5 and in the Carlisle Wetland Bylaw.
15.020 - Disposal System Construction Permit
Application: The application shall consist of a completed application form accompanied by six (6) copies of the plan for a proposed sewage disposal facility (five (5) copies if a new well is not proposed), the required fee, and for existing houses a floor plan to verify room count. An electronic copy of the proposed design must be filed in Portable Document Format (.pdf). A design that requires a waiver must provide a letter describing the waiver requested and explaining the reason(s).
Approval of the plan does not constitute a construction permit. A Disposal System Construction Permit (DSCP) will be issued when all conditions have been satisfied.
The redesign of an already approved plan is not considered a new application and the original expiration date applies. A resubmittal of an expired plan is considered a new application.
Fees: The application fee for a disposal works construction permit must be paid at the time the plans are submitted. Plans may be resubmitted after revision one time without additional fee. The amount of the fee will be set from time to time by the Board of Health.
15.220: Preparation of Plans and Specifications
TITLE BLOCK 1) Street Address, 2) Assessor’s Map No. And Lot No. for which the design is prepared, 3) Professional seal and signature of designer, 4) If revision plan, revision number, description of revision, and revision date, 5) Address including street number and telephone number of owner and design engineer.
PLAN VIEW
The following additional requirements must be shown on the plan:
1. Every plan for a system shall be at a scale of one inch = 20 feet.
2. Pertinent topographic features.
3. All ledge outcropping and ledge encountered in exploratory digging.
4. Results, conditions, and locations of all high water and percolation tests within 50’ of the design area (passed as well as failed). These shall be used in the design calculations.
5. Wetland zoning district boundaries on the lot(s) or within 100 feet of the proposed leaching facility even if not on the same lot(s).
6. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood plain boundaries on the lot(s) or within 100 feet of the leaching facility even if not on the same lot(s). Design engineer shall verify that the flood plain boundary conforms to the Federal Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), if applicable.
7. Existing or proposed well location, 100 foot well radius and waterline to the building.
8. Location and radii of all wells within 200 feet of the proposed leaching facility even if not on the same lot.
9. Proposed and existing sewage disposal systems and existing systems within one hundred (100) feet of the proposed system on abutting lots.
10. Location and grading for all existing or proposed driveways on the lot(s).
11. Drain lines, culverts, and curtain drains on the lot or within 100 feet of the proposed leaching facility even if not on the same lot(s).
12. Details of septic tank, distribution box, and leaching system including dimensions, materials, inverts, and a scaled profile of the system. For pumped systems, the inside dimensions of the pump chamber shall be shown.
13. Invert elevation at both ends of all pipes and at changes in grade.
14. Elevation of foundation, basement, and first floor of proposed or existing buildings.
15. Number of bedrooms for proposed design flow capacity.
16. Zoning District in which the lot(s) is located.
17. Special topographical conditions outside of the property boundaries which may impact the siting of a septic system in compliance with Title 5 and these regulations for 100’ beyond the property lines such as flood hazard zone and wetlands to the best of the applicant’s ability including the use of available maps and/or field survey with appropriate permission of land owners.
18. All previous testing within fifty (50) feet of the leaching field area be shown on a plan submitted for approval.
PLAN NOTES: 1) The first 2' of pipe from the distribution box shall be set level. 2) The system shall be staked in the field, and benchmark set, by the design engineer. 3) All top and subsoil over the leaching area and between trenches and for a distance of 5' extending around the leaching area in all directions shall be removed and stockpiled before the bottom of bed or trench is excavated, and the 5' excavation shall be shown on the plan. 4) Finished grade over the leaching area shall have a minimum slope of 2%.5) Retaining walls shall not exceed five (5) feet in height (reveal).
All revised plans shall be accompanied by a letter from the designer which details in an itemized form how each of the items in the Board's engineering consultant's review letter were addressed and/or mitigated on the revised plan. Additionally, any issues discussed at a Board meeting and directed by the Board to be incorporated into the revised plan shall be explained in the letter.
For a new lot which is not part of a subdivision, the applicant shall provide recording information to show that the sewage disposal system is on a legally created lot prior to approval of the design.
The Board of Health reserves the right to revoke an approval that is found to be based on a material misrepresentation of fact.
15.019 Disposal System Installer’s Permit
The Board of Health will administer a written examination. Installers seeking permits are required to take and pass an initial examination. An annual renewal license will be issued as long as the installer has worked in Carlisle during the previous twenty-four months and the work has been satisfactory. An application fee is required for taking the examination and renewing a license. A list of licensed installers will be maintained at the Board of Health office. The Board reserves the right to require new or additional examinations to be administered to any installer at any time.
15.021 Certificate of Compliance
Only DEP approved forms shall be used. The Certificate of Compliance will not be released without the signature of the design engineer and installer on the DEP approved form.
Inspections and Engineered As-Builts - An agent designated by the Board of Health will inspect the sewage disposal system at four (4) phases of its construction: 1) After excavation is complete but before any stone or fill is d; 2) For a fill system fill material must be inspected and approved prior to ment and following ment of sand (if deemed necessary by the inspector at the time of the excavation inspection); for systems not in fill, the bottom of each trench must be inspected and approved before the installation of stone and piping; 3) After all components are installed but before any component is covered, at which time two copies of an as-built survey performed by the design engineer shall be submitted and the system shall not be backfilled until the designer has submitted at least the following: plan of
the as-built showing the horizontal location of all the system components in relation to the intended design, a table of elevations comparing the installed elevations to the design elevations and a written, signed and stamped certification by the designer that the system has been installed as per his/her design and within standard and customary engineering tolerances. 4. After the system has been covered and final grading completed, the Engineer shall determine final grades and verify on the as-built plan, the depth of cover over the system components (see Attachment A for as-built requirements).
Inspections are to be scheduled (usually for Wednesdays) by contacting the Board of Health Office.
The Board of Health will not waive any required inspections. In the event that severe weather is imminent, such as freezing temperatures, snow or rain, the installer shall contact the Board to arrange a non-scheduled inspection so that the system can be backfilled before being negatively impacted by weather conditions.
15.024: Violations of 310 CMR 15.000 and Carlisle Supplementary Sewage Disposal Regulations
Any person who violates any provision of this Regulation may be punished by a fine of not more than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) per offense. Each day or portion thereof during which a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense, and each provision of the Regulation violated shall constitute a separate offense.
Any licensed installer found to be in violation of either 310 CMR 15.00 or the Town of Carlisle Supplementary Sewage Disposal Regulations shall be subject to the following and shall have the right to a hearing before the Board:
a) First violation – a written warning.
b) Second violation within a twelve month period – for the following calendar year, and upon successful completion of the installer’s examination, the Board will issue a license limited to the six month period from July 1 through December 31 prior to which no installation work or Board of Health related activities can be conducted.
c) Subsequent violations – within the same twelve-month period the penalty will incur a fee of up to $100 per day for each violation and each day shall be considered a separate violation.
15.027 Septic System Additives
Only approved Title 5 additives may be used and only with prior approval from the Board of Health.
15.030 Records
All percolation and deep observation hole test results (presented on DEP approved forms) and a test location plan (TLP) shall be prepared and submitted to the Board of Health within 60 days of the test date.
The TLP shall include the following criteria:
1. Title block including owner’s name, address and phone, date, engineering consultant, name of soil evaluator, lot number(s) and book and page.
2. Lot lines, pertinent or outstanding site features (ledge outcrop, stone walls existing buildings etc.), north arrow, adjacent street names. Test locations shall be shown with taped distances from such features.
3. Scale drawings are not necessary, however sufficient information and dimensioning shall be shown so that tests can, if necessary, be located in the field. Two copies are required.
A TLP is not required if a septic plan, showing all testing, is submitted to the Board for approval within 60 days.
SUBPART B: SITING OF SYSTEMS
15.100 General Provisions
An agent of the Board of Health will witness all deep observation holes (high water tests) and percolation tests. Witnessing of tests will be scheduled (usually on Wednesdays) upon advance application and payment of the required fee to the Board. The owner of the lot, or owner’s agent, is responsible for the payment of the fee. Fees for the witnessing of high water tests and percolation tests will be established from time to time by the Board of Health.
The spring high ground water season is from March 15 through May 15 unless otherwise set by the Board of Health
It shall be the responsibility of the design engineer to notify and receive approval from the Conservation Commission prior to gaining access to sites through environmentally sensitive areas. If it is found that access has been gained and testing performed without this approval, this testing shall become void.
A Pre-existing Non-Conforming System shall not be used to support the construction of a new dwelling or the rebuilding of a demolished dwelling in a new or the same location until the system is brought into full compliance with Title 5 and local regulations.
Systems having a design wastewater flow of 2000 gallons per day or greater, a hydrogeological evaluation utilizing a three dimensional model such as ModFlow shall be performed by a qualified engineer or geologist, at the expense of the applicant, to be reviewed and approved by the Board of Health prior to the issuance of a DSCP. Models shall predict no rise in groundwater elevation and no greater than 5 mg/L of total nitrogen at the perimeter boundary. Monitoring wells used for the hydrogeological study shall remain in, unless their removal or capping is authorized by the Board of Health. The Board of Health reserves the right to maintain the wells and continue monitoring as it deems appropriate. System owners are required to test available monitoring wells for fecal coliform, TSS, BOD and Total Nitrogen
and submit the results to the Board of Health at least once every three years and in conjunction with the required Title 5 inspections.
15.103 High Groundwater Elevations
High groundwater elevation shall be determined in accordance with the methods described in 15.103(3). When testing results are inconclusive, the preferable method will be to use an offset correction using Carlisle monitoring wells as index wells. All groundwater offset calculations are the responsibility of the Board’s engineering consultant.
15.104 Percolation Tests
No test shall be discontinued if it is within thirty (30) feet of the field area. The slowest rate obtained within 30 feet of a leaching facility design location shall be utilized as the design application rate.
Acceptance of percolation tests done in a different area is not automatic. When percolation tests are done at a time other than the high water tests, an additional deep hole test may be required at the discretion of the approving authority and shall be dug to a depth of four (4) feet below the elevation of the proposed percolation test to verify the soil consistency. Percolation tests shall be conducted no more than twenty (20) feet or less than ten (10) feet from its accompanying deep observation hole.
SUBPART C: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF ON-SITE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
15.211 Distances
The minimum setback distance between a leaching area and wetlands is one hundred (100) feet. Other components (septic tank, pump chamber, distribution box) must maintain Title 5 Minimum Setback Distances. Depending on specific site conditions, it is possible that some designs which fail to meet the 100’ set back may be allowed if the Board finds that the waiver will provide an environmental benefit. The burden of proof is on the applicant with documented testimony. Such approvals are dependent on the Board’s review of soil conditions, topography, site development impacts, mitigation of environmental impacts and whether an alternative technology approved for nitrogen reduction is proposed. The Board may table action on a waiver if it decides to seek input from other town boards or departments.
For any variance to this setback, the applicant must show that a primary system inclusive of required soil testing can be installed on the lot without the granting of a waiver. This waiver request requires a public hearing and may also require permits from other town boards, commissions, or department for soil testing and/or design approval.
The minimum setback distance between a system 2000 GPD or larger to a well is 150’.
15.221 General Construction Requirements for All System Components
Every new soil absorption system constructed in Carlisle shall meet the following design flow requirements:
No. of Bedrooms |
Total GPD* Required per Bedroom |
Total GPD Required Without Garbage Grinder |
Total GPD Required with Garbage Grinder |
Three |
165 |
495 |
495 |
Four |
150 |
600 |
660 |
Five |
125 |
625 |
825 |
Six |
110 |
660 |
990 |
>Six** |
110 |
110 per bedroom |
165 per bedroom |
The minimum design flow requirement is 495 GPD.
*GPD is Gallons per day
**To a maximum of 2000 GPD.
15.223: Septic Tanks
Every new soil absorption system constructed in Carlisle shall require a dual compartment septic tank or two tanks in series whether or not a garbage grinder is proposed or installed.
Where the septic tank and/or pump chamber location has no room for error (example: setback distance from well or wetland) the location shall be staked in the field by the design engineer with construction verified by the installer during construction with ties, coordinates, or some other acceptable method.
15.251 Leaching Trenches
Specifications - There shall be at least three (3) trenches.
Stone - The stone shall extend not less than twelve (12) inches deep beneath the bottom of the distribution pipe.
Cover – Planting of any vegetation other than grass or Board approved vegetation is prohibited. Soil d as backfill over the soil absorption system shall be a minimum of twelve inches, including topsoil, in areas intended for the grazing of livestock.
15.252 Beds or Fields
Specifications - The minimum number of lines per field shall be three (3).
Stone - The stone shall extend not less than twelve (12) inches deep beneath the bottom of the distribution pipes.
Cover – Planting of any vegetation other than grass or Board approved vegetation is prohibited. Soil d as backfill over the soil absorption system shall be a minimum of twelve inches, including topsoil, in areas intended for the grazing of livestock.
15.280-288 Alternative Systems
The Carlisle Board of Health supports and encourages the use of alternative technology for required or voluntary upgrades and new construction.
15.290-15.293 Shared Systems, Condominiums and Systems over 2000 GPD
1. Definitions:
a. Shared Systems as defined in accordance with 310 CMR 15.290
b. Condominium as defined in MGL Chapter 183A, Section 1.
2. The Board of Health will set the amount of the application fee for such systems from time to time.
3. An insurance policy, bond, or other financial instrument must be provided to guarantee long term operation and maintenance of the system and shall have a face value not less than the current rement cost of the system as determined by a professional engineer, registered sanitarian or licensed installer and shall be submitted annually along with the annual sewage disposal system report (SDSR) to the Board of Health.
4. The land in which the system is located shall be permanently set aside by deed as commonly owned land. The deed shall accurately locate the boundaries of the septic system, including the septic tank(s), distribution box(s), and leaching field(s). The deed shall permanently prohibit construction of any building or structure above or below ground, grazing of any livestock above the field or tank, planting of any vegetation above the system other than grass or Board approved vegetation, use of the site for disposal of rubbish or other debris, and shall in general prohibit any use above or below the system not specifically approved by the Board of Health. These same prohibitions shall apply to the designated reserve area.
5. Systems defined “a” and “b” above and systems with design flows of 2000 gpd or greater shall meet a minimum design flow requirement of 165gpd per bedroom. Monitoring wells used for the hydrogeological study shall remain in, unless their removal or capping is authorized by the Board of Health. The Board of Health reserves the right to maintain the wells and continue monitoring as it deems appropriate. System owners are required to test available monitoring wells for fecal coliform, TSS, BOD and Total Nitrogen and submit the results to the Board of Health at least once every three years and in conjunction with the required Title 5 inspections.
6 Garbage grinders are prohibited in all housing units sharing any septic system components and a deed restriction shall be recorded on the master deed.
7 Septic systems shall be pumped annually.
8. A cumulative water meter shall be installed to determine the flows to each system by a common meter or a meter in each dwelling unit and read once a year, tabulated per system and a report filed with the Board of Health.
9. An authorized representative shall be appointed by the Homeowner's Association to be the liaison with the Board of Health and in the event of an identified septic system failure shall be authorized to proceed with the necessary repairs.
10. The Association representative shall submit an annual SDSR to the Board of Health which report shall include:
a. report of annual pumping
b. certified inspection report (extent of inspection to be determined by the Board)
c. updated rement cost of the system
d. copy of current rement provision policy, bond or other financial instrument
e. annual water usage per dwelling unit.
15.401 Waivers and Variances
Any request for a waiver from these Supplementary Regulations, a Title 5 variance, or a waiver under the Local Upgrade Approval requires a public hearing before the Board of Health. Requests shall be submitted to the Board of Health in a separate cover letter which shall accompany the plans for the proposed system. In addition all variances and waivers must be listed on the plan. The request shall clearly state the variances or waivers sought and the reasons. Past practices are not necessarily adequate reasons for granting variances or waivers.
No waiver or variance shall be granted except after the applicant has notified all required abutters by certified mail at the applicant’s own expense or by hand with proof of receipt at least ten (10) days before the Board of Health meeting at which the waiver request will be on the agenda. The notification shall state the specific waiver sought and the reasons therefore.
SEVERABILITY: So far as the Board of Health may provide, each section of these supplemental regulations shall be construed as separate to the end that if any section, item, sentence, clause or phrase shall be held invalid for any reason, the remainder of these rules and regulations shall continue in full force and effect.
Adopted December 1, 1983
Amended October 20, 1987 (Additional design requirements)
Effective December 1, 1987
Amended December 13, 1989 (Accessory apartment)
Effective January 15, 1990
Amended November 30, 1993 (Engineered As-Builts, Installations)
Effective January 1, 1994
Amended February 28, 1995 (1995 Title 5)
Effective March 31, 1995
Amended March 14, 1995 (Plan note 3)
Effective April 8, 1995
Amended July 23, 1996 (As-Built, Testing, Reserve Areas, Shared Systems)
Effective September 15, 1996
Amended May 26, 1998 (Barriers, Anticipating Failures, Violations, Testing for Repairs)
Effective July 1, 1998
Amended March 25, 2008 (Design flows, Large Systems, Minimum Setback Distances, Title 5 Rev 4/21/06)
Effective April 4, 2008
BOARD OF HEALTH
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Jeffrey A. Brem, Chairman
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Leslie A. Cahill, Vice-Chairman
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William Risso, Clerk
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Michael Holland
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Christopher Deignan
Date:
ADDITIONAL TOWN POLICIES
1. Board of Health requires full compliance for new construction and maximum feasible compliance for voluntary upgrades and repairs.
2. Interceptor Drains
Interceptor drains (curtain drains) may be employed to route the flow of groundwater away from a proposed septic system. Such interceptor systems shall be gravity flow only. No pumped interceptor system may be relied upon to protect a sewage disposal system. Interceptor outfalls shall be confined to the particular lot and shall not affect adjoining lots. In a case where the percolation rate is slower than twenty (20) minutes per inch the design engineer shall provide calculations demonstrating the adequacy of the interceptor drain. In Class I soils (sands), such calculations are not required.
Connection of interceptor drains into town catch basins or manholes will be permitted subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen in each case. The Selectmen will require, as a minimum, a notarized statement from the owner to be recorded with the deed stating that the Town will be held harmless in the event of system failure.
2. Accessory Apartments:
In order to determine whether adequate disposal of sewage, waste and drainage has been provided, the Board of Health requires the following:
1. Application Form.
2. Fee as determined by the Board.
3. A Title 5 Inspection Report within six (6) months of the date of application.
4. Three (3) copies of a Preliminary Plan for a Proposed Sewage Disposal Reserve Area to be implemented if the present system fails. The Preliminary Plan must be designed by a registered professional engineer or other authorized person and include the following:
a. Lot location (Street Address, Assessor's Map and Lot).
b. Location and dimensions of the system.
c. Design calculations for the total number of bedrooms in the house plus the apartment.
d. One (1) percolation test in the reserve area.
e. Two deep observation holes in the reserve area.
f. Wetland boundaries and well location within 100 feet of the system.
g. Contour map at ten (10) foot intervals.
In lieu of the Preliminary Plan, the Board will accept a valid Sewage Disposal System Plan showing the recalculations for the increase or decrease in the system, which is certified for its adequacy by a registered professional engineer or other authorized person.
If all of the above requirements have been met, the Board will issue a letter of approval for the accessory apartment to the PersonNamePlanning Board.
3. Deed Restrictions
Under its authority as established in 310 CMR 15.00 (Title 5) and the Town of Carlisle General Bylaws, section 3.24.3, the Board of Health is authorized to accept from a property owner a deed restriction in of upgrading a septic system for a proposed addition.
The Board will consider an applicant’s request for a deed restriction when the proposed addition results in a maximum increase of two rooms and has had a preliminary review by the Board’s agent as to whether a restriction might be appropriate. The Board will consider the size of the addition, usage, age and functioning of the system and whether the system could be upgraded to include the design flow requirement for the new addition in full compliance with Title 5 and the Carlisle Supplementary Sewage Disposal Regulations.
Information Required:
1. An 8 ½” x 11” (11” x 17” maximum) floor plan of the existing dwelling noting the total square footage of the dwelling, room dimensions and labels. The homeowner can prepare this if building plans are unavailable.
2. An 8 ½” x 11” (11” x 17” maximum) floor plan of the proposed addition noting the total square footage being added, room dimensions and labels. It is not necessary for the Board to keep a full set of building plans on file, but it is helpful to have the plans for reference. Building construction plans can be returned to the owner.
3. A current Title 5 Inspection (within two years) or a current Certificate of Compliance for a new installation (within two years).
4. Septic Plan listing the existing capacity and installation date. If there is no septic plan on file, an engineered As-Built of the system must be provided showing the location of the system, estimating system capacity and ability to upgrade in full compliance with state and local regulations.
5. Engineered Survey Plan showing the location of the new foundation and the setbacks to the septic system, well, reserve area and any wetlands. The survey plan must verify that the new foundation does not infringe on the setbacks to the existing system or the ability to upgrade the system in full compliance with Title 5 and the Carlisle Supplementary Sewage Disposal Regulations when the system is red.
6. If there are no changes to the foundation, an approved septic plan, which includes a reserve area, will be sufficient.
7. Application fee of $50.00
If there is a question that the property may not be able to upgrade in full compliance, an engineered “conceptual” sewage disposal plan for a rement system will be required.
If there is no septic plan available and it is not possible to estimate system capacity, location, or ability to upgrade, the system does not qualify for a deed restriction and must be upgraded for the purposes of the addition.
Conditions of Approval:
1. Recording of the deed restriction at the Northern Middlesex Registry of Deeds and proof of recording submitted to the Board.
2. Recording of a garbage grinder restriction at the Northern Middlesex Registry of Deeds and proof of recording submitted to the Board. The Board requires verification that the disposal has been removed from the property.
3. System must be inspected every three years* from the date of the last Title 5 Inspection with a report filed with the Board of Health.
4. If the system fails the Title 5 Inspection, the system must be upgraded to reflect the actual room count and design flow criteria in accordance with 310 CMR 15.00, as it may be amended.
Applicants are advised that the above criteria are minimum requirements to be used as a guideline for the Board in making its decisions. Granting of a deed restriction in lieu of upgrading the septic system is a discretionary approval from the Board of Health. The Board has the right to request additional information and impose additional conditions necessary to protect the public health. Any application that the Board deems inappropriate for a deed restriction will be denied.
*This timeframe is for the purpose of maintaining a valid deed restriction. For the purpose of transferring a property the Title 5 Inspection is legally valid for only two years, but can be extended to three years if the system is pumped annually and pump out reports attached to the Inspection Report. Owners should consider pumping the septic tank annually so that the Inspection remains valid for transferring property under Title 5. If the initial inspection is satisfactory and the system was installed in accordance with the 1995 Title 5 Code, the owner may apply to the Board for relief from the inspection schedule.
4. Failure of a Septic System
System Failure: If the Board of Health is advised of a failure, the Board may require its consultant to visit the site at the owner's expense. Repairs shall be carried out in the same manner as new construction, except for determination of high groundwater. All other design plan preparation requirements apply. Procedure for Repair: Minor Repairs require the following: Distribution Box Rement - notification to the Board to arrange for an inspection by the Board’s agent prior to covering. Inspection will include observed location and water test to determine equal flow distribution to the lines. Septic Tank Replacement. Submittal of three copies of a septic tank rement plan; engineered as-built showing tank location and invert elevations.
approval of as-built and inspection by the Board’s agent prior to backfilling and final grading. Fees for the above will be set from time to time by the Board.
The Board allows minor adjustments to a system following a Title 5 Inspection such as replacing covers, bringing manhole covers to within 6” of grade, non-chemical cleaning of lines, replacing broken straight line pipes less than 20’ in length either from the house to the septic tank or tank to the distribution box. If the installer is uncertain he must check with the Board.
5. Voluntary Upgrade
Owners who are concerned about a potential failure may install a new system with the same daily flow rate of the existing system before it fails. The design of the new system must include spring high groundwater testing. All other procedures for the design and installation of the system can be in accordance with the regulations for the repair of a septic system.
6. Timetable for Installing Septic Systems
Installations must be completed within ninety (90) days from excavation to final grading and final inspection. Extensions may be granted at the discretion of the Board of Health or its agent.
Installation of septic systems is prohibited during the months of December, January and February. Any system already in progress prior to December 1 shall have all work including all inspections, final grading, loaming and seeding completed prior to the winter cut off date of November 30. No system installation can begin after October 1 unless approved by the Board’s agent as authorized by the Board of Health. If circumstances such as freezing temperatures do not permit the application of loam and seed, the installer shall stabilize all sloped areas susceptible to soil erosion using either hay, anchored filter fabric or jute mesh.
If final grading over the leaching area and system components is in prior to the winter cut-off date, submittal and approval of the final grade as-built can occur after November 30th and a Certificate of Compliance issued if appropriate.
7. Construction Site Toilet Facilities
Construction sites in operation over thirty (30) days shall provide toilet facilities for workers either in the existing residence or by use of commercially available portable chemical toilets.
8. Building Permit Applications
Building Permit applications that require review by the Board of Health must submit a current pumper’s report (performed within one year prior to the request). If there is a question regarding the condition of the tank or system, the Board shall require a full Title 5 Inspection of the system within 30 days of the receipt of the report. If a full inspection cannot be done due to weather conditions, the applicant has 90 days to complete the inspection and submit the report. A Title 5 Inspection shall be considered valid if done within two years of the date of application to the Board unless otherwise determined by the Board.
No building permit shall be issued for an accessory building or structure having a permanent foundation, or other semi-permanent facility such as tennis court or swimming pool, until the applicant presents a plan showing a reserve area with adequate testing.
ATTCHMENT A
SURVEY AS-BUILT REQUIREMENTS
FOR SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
ELEVATIONS AND STADIA LOCATION
a) Invert out of foundation
b) Invert in septic tank
c) Invert out of septic tank
d) Invert in D-box
e) Invert out of D-Box. All pipes must be level for 2 feet minimum.
f) Invert in pit or
g) Invert high end of all leaching lines
h) Invert of bends and changes in direction
i) Invert in and out of pump chamber, grease trap
j) Measure spacing between float switches
k) Bottom of leaching area (s)
l) A minimum of five (5) spot grades shall be taken over the leaching area; one (1) in each corner and one (1) in the middle. Two (2) spot grades each (at either end) shall be taken over the septic tank and pump chamber, and one (1) over the d-box to determine the depth of final grades. The engineer shall state on the as-built whether or not topsoil has been added to the rough final grade and whether excessive or insufficient amounts of cover have been placed, in conformance with 310 CMR 15.221(7).
STADIA LOCATION
a) Corners of foundation nearest to system
b) TBM’s
c) Well
d) Leaching area inspection ports
TAPING
a) Tank manhole to foundation corners
b) Outside dimensions of leaching area
c) Pipe lengths
d) Foundation to septic tank and pump chamber (if approaching minimum offset).
e) System to well if close to minimum.
f) Edge of leaching area to nearest property line (if approaching minimum offset).
MISCELLANEOUS
a) Verify depth of stone under leaching lines
b) Repairs: If a driveway has been rerouted over any system component, or if the proposed
repair called for any system component to be located under the existing driveway, the new driveway, or existing driveway location shall be located during the final grade as-built and shown on the as-built plan. New Construction: If the new driveway is not constructed in the proposed location and is constructed over any system component, or if the proposed plan called for any system component to be located under the proposed driveway, the driveway location shall be located during the final grade as-built and shown on the as-built plan.
PIPE SLOPES
a) Foundation to tank: 0.01 Minimum
b) Tank to D-box: 0.005 min. If greater than 0.08 check for Inlet Tee
c) Leaching lines: 0.005
PLAN PRESENTATION
a) The as-built layout of the installed system shall be drawn over the design original so that any variation from the original intent is evident.
b) An “As-Built Table of Elevations” shall be shown on the as-built drawing which compares the design elevations with the as-built elevations, and which shows any difference between the two.
c) Items 2 and 3 shall be shown in plan while all other items can be included in the as- built table of elevations.
d) Two copies of the as-built drawing, stamped, signed and dated by a registered engineer with the engineer’s certification (typically a paragraph stating that the system has been installed in conformance with all state and local codes and within allowable tolerances) shall be submitted to the Board of Health.
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