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Board of Health approves FAST septic upgrade, grants six local variances for 3 Waterview Drive
Summary
The Lakeville Board of Health approved a proposed FAST (advanced treatment) replacement for a failed septic system at 3 Waterview Drive, granting five requested variances plus an additional variance for tank-to-pond setback; board members said the new system will provide better nitrogen removal than the existing installation.
Jason with West Outback Engineering presented a proposal to replace a failed septic system at 3 Waterview Drive with a FAST (advanced treatment) system and asked the Lakeville Board of Health for local setback variances.
The proposal will locate the new system essentially in the same footprint as the existing system and adds advanced treatment to improve wastewater and nitrogen removal. "This is an eccentric upgrade of a failed septic system for 3 Waterview Drive," said Jason, identifying himself as an engineer with West Outback Engineering. He told the board the lot is undersized and the FAST system is proposed because the property is near a pond.
Board members discussed the site constraints. Ed (Board of Health agent) confirmed abutters were notified and that submitted paperwork included a water test tied to Title 5 records; the exact well depth and location relative to the system were not fully documented in the file. Board member Chris and others noted there was little room on the lot to relocate the system and that the replacement would remain "pretty much" where the existing system sits.
The board voted to approve the subsurface sewage disposal system upgrade at 3 Waterview Drive, granting the five variances listed in the application and adding a sixth variance specifically for the distance from the septic tank to the pond. The board discussed setback distances during the vote: the tank-to-pond distance in the plan is 220 feet versus the typical 400-foot guideline discussed during the hearing. A board member moved the motion to approve with the additional variance; it was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Why this matters: the applicant is replacing a failed system with an advanced treatment unit intended to reduce nitrogen loading adjacent to the pond and to improve wastewater treatment for the property. Board members emphasized that the chosen layout reflects site constraints and that the FAST technology is intended to provide improved treatment relative to the previous system.
Details and conditions: The approved plan keeps the new system in roughly the existing location. The board recorded that concrete chambers with stone will be used and that deeper installation allows H-20 vehicle loading for the new field. The board also confirmed that abutters were notified by certified mail. The motion added a variance specifically for the tank-to-pond setback; board staff indicated that any final permits or certificates of compliance remain contingent on required inspections and filing of all paperwork.
The board did not amend or change federal/state standards; the vote reflected local approval of variances and the replacement system as presented. No additional enforcement or monitoring requirements beyond typical inspection and permitting were stated at the meeting.
Board members present voiced their support. After the vote the board thanked the applicant for the presentation and closed the item.
