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Board discusses multiple Title V reviews: conditional passings, failed systems and requested E. coli testing
Summary
The Board reviewed several Title V/Title 5 septic reports and permits: 10 Elm Street received a conditional pass pending a kitchen-sink E. coli/coliform water test; 25 Flag Road and 126 New Westminster passed; 8 Adams Road failed and will require replacement.
At its April 8 meeting the Town of Hubbardston Board of Health reviewed several Title V (Title 5) septic reports, signed installer permits and discussed actions for failed systems.
The board flagged 10 Elm Street for a conditional pass contingent on a water test that specifically shows E. coli and total coliform results taken from a kitchen sink (the well), not from the septic or distribution box. Board members noted current analyses listed nitrate and ammonia as nitrogen but lacked E. coli/coliform data; they directed staff to ask the applicant to provide a kitchen-sink water test that includes E. coli and coliform results before the board will sign off on the Title V certification.
Two properties—25 Flag Road and 126 New Westminster Road—were presented as passing and circulated among members for review. Board members signed installer permits, including for Roddy and HG Construction, to allow work to proceed. Several copies of septic engineering plans were reviewed for 148 Ragged Hill (three-bedroom house with a 1,500-gallon tank and a triple-filter system) and a new-construction site at 30 Grams Road; conservation commission review and wetland setbacks were noted for the latter.
The board reviewed a failed system at 8 Adams Road; members discussed that a full replacement may cost tens of thousands of dollars (board members gave an estimated range of roughly $20,000–$50,000 during discussion) and that the system was backing up into the residence and distribution box. The board noted the public-health implications of backup into living spaces and the need for system replacement planning.
The board also reviewed one-stop water test results, including low manganese and iron readings for a submitted sample, and signed multiple permits so installers could start work.
Separately, staff reported the Title V loan program balance ($97,458.02) is available for low-interest loans to help residents repair or replace septic systems; the loans are added to property tax bills and require paperwork for eligibility. The board discussed availability and the administrative process for applicants.
Members also noted the MassDEP well-driller program reminder sent to municipal boards of health, asking boards to ensure certified well drillers supervise well work and submit a well completion report to MassDEP within 30 days of completion.
