The Lakeville Conservation Commission on Sept. 23 reviewed a proposal by Richard and Deborah Hanson to remove and replace a septic tank and associated piping where portions of the work fall inside the 100‑foot buffer to Long Pond and directed the applicants to file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the commission.

Attorney/engineer Matt Leone of Schneider, Divignant & Leone presented the plan and said the Board of Health approved the new septic design the previous week. Leone said the existing tank sits roughly 88 feet from Long Pond and the proposed tank will be approximately 89.5 feet from the pond, moving the tank slightly farther from the water. The existing distribution box was described as lying on the 100‑foot buffer line; the proposal relocates that box roughly 30 feet west into upland. Work in the buffer includes excavation to remove the existing tank and piping and installation of the new tank and associated piping and leaching field. Silt fence is already in place and will be maintained during construction.

Commissioners and the applicant discussed whether the pool house above the garage contains a bedroom; if the property is considered four bedrooms under Title 5, the leach field footprint would need to increase, but the tank and distribution box likely would remain unchanged. The board of health agent said he planned to visit to confirm whether the accessory structure qualifies as a bedroom. Leone said the applicants’ intention is a voluntary upgrade of a functioning system.

Commissioners expressed concern about piecemeal filings. The applicant said he may combine the septic NOI with a forthcoming plan for a proposed patio and landscaping to present a single, comprehensive NOI. The commission noted that multiple RDAs submitted piecemeal can limit the board’s ability to condition work and recommended a consolidated NOI when multiple items will be done in or near the buffer.

After discussion the commission voted to require a Notice of Intent filing for the septic replacement and to grant a credit toward commission fees for prior payments. The commission asked that the board of health confirm any bedroom/occupancy determination for the pool house before the NOI is finalized.

Why this matters: septic system upgrades inside the 100‑foot buffer to Long Pond can affect water quality; the commission’s request for a Notice of Intent creates an opportunity for fuller review and conditions to protect the pond.

Next steps: Applicants will confirm the occupancy/bedroom question with the board of health, finalize plans and file an NOI; the commission encouraged combining the septic and any proposed patio/landscaping into a single NOI for review.