Lakeville Board of Health OKs tight‑tank variance, limits garage bathroom to a half bath

The Lakeville Board of Health on Dec. 18 voted to grant a variance from local implementation of Title 5 to allow a 2,000‑gallon tight tank to receive floor‑drain discharge and sanitary flow from a single half‑bath in a private garage at 8 Dazelle Road.

The chair moved to approve the variance to Title 5 §15.260, citing the modest sanitary flow and the significant cost and site disruption that would be required to trench about 250 feet to the existing leaching field. An engineer for the property’s project explained the request was driven by the building’s size and the low design flow for a hobby garage, not a commercial operation: “This is not a commercial operation. This is just his hobby shop,” the engineer said during the board’s discussion.

Board members asked for two specific conditions before final sign‑off: a revised plan that shows a 2,000‑gallon tight tank (the minimum sizing for sanitary use discussed) and inspection sign‑offs by Ed and the plumbing inspector. The board also required that yearly pumping reports be submitted and that pumpers specify which tank contents they removed, to ensure monitoring of both the oil/water pretreatment and sanitary waste streams.

Members amended the motion to specify the bathroom must be a half bath (no shower or full bath allowed) and approved the variance as amended. The board discussed alternatives — separate tanks, trenches, or force mains to a distant leaching field — but concluded the variance with the stated conditions was the most practical option for the site as drawn.

Next steps: the applicant must submit an updated plan marking the 2,000‑gallon capacity and obtain inspections and sign‑offs during construction. The board said the town will require annual pumping reports for the tight tank as part of the approval.

The motion carried and the board closed the discussion, with Ed confirming he will inspect and sign off once the revised plan is submitted.