Engineer says failing septic at 186 Clinton Ave will be replaced; commission approves order of conditions

Mike Bocelli of Falmouth Engineering described the septic design for 186 Clinton Ave, a four‑unit condominium property with six bedrooms, telling the commission the existing system is hydraulically failed and no longer leaches effectively. "The existing septic system is in a state of failure," Bocelli said, describing constraints that make the rear yard unsuitable and explaining the proposed leaching field location between the house and Clinton Ave as the only practical alternative that meets current separation-from-groundwater rules.

Bocelli said the design moves the leaching system out of the more constrained backyard to provide the required separation from groundwater and avoid impacts to protected wetlands. Staff confirmed the plan shows coastal bank and buffer zones and described temporary minor regrading and a proposal to use temporary irrigation to establish planted mitigation. Commissioners reviewed alternatives, including placing the system under the driveway, and concluded that substantial grade changes would be required for the driveway option; they supported the proposed location.

A motion to issue an order of conditions for 186 Clinton Ave was made and seconded, and the commission took a roll call. Staff will include standard conditions for photographic documentation, monitoring, and any on-site pre-construction coordination in the final order.