Nantucket Board of Health seeks data, legal review as septic-variance moratorium approaches end

The Nantucket Board of Health on a special meeting agreed to gather data, request a legal opinion and schedule a follow-up session as it considers how to handle septic-system variances in nitrogen- and pathogen-sensitive areas before a moratorium on variances ends Sept. 18.

Board Chair Anne Smith said the special meeting was called because the board has spent substantial time on “variances for homes in certain districts relative to septic systems.” Smith said the board has a moratorium on variances that “is coming to an end on the September 18,” and that members needed to decide whether to extend it briefly while staff collects information. "We have a moratorium on variances that's coming to an end on the September 18," Smith said.

The board’s discussion centered on whether existing local protections are adequate and where the town should require enhanced (nitrogen‑reducing) on‑site treatment systems — often called IA or ENR systems — which can allow higher bedroom counts under state Title 5 rules. Board member Gary (last name not specified) and others noted a tension between Title 5 allowances (which can permit more bedrooms with enhanced nitrogen removal) and local rules that in some districts limit bedroom credits regardless of technology.

Why it matters

The board framed the issue as a public‑health and water‑quality question tied to Nantucket’s single aquifer, groundwater recharge areas and surface…