Littleton Board of Health approves three septic variances and local upgrade approvals

The Littleton Board of Health on May 27 approved local upgrade approvals and variances to allow replacement septic systems at three properties, citing constrained lots and groundwater interference.

Board Chair Matt Wiesen said the approvals are aimed at repairing failing systems while protecting neighboring properties and groundwater. The board took roll‑call votes and approved each request unanimously.

At 18 Long Lake, Dan Carr of Stamps and McNary said the project replaces a failed system for a three‑bedroom house and seeks two waivers: a two‑foot reduction in the required offset to the seasonal high groundwater (an allowance for the Presby alternative per MassDEP guidance) and a locally required setback waiver to allow fill within 10 feet of a property line. Health Director Francis Daigle described the site as "very tiny" (about 0.17 acres) and recommended the location as the only feasible placement. Kevin Baker moved approval; the motion passed with all board members voting yes.

At 19 Christina Street the presenter (identified in discussion as Ted) described a repair design complicated by high groundwater and an alternative laboratory‑based percolation analysis; a neighbor, Dave Estolfi, said he had reviewed the plan and was satisfied the proposed swale and grading would preserve existing drainage. The board adopted an amendment adding a reduction of the groundwater offset from four feet to two feet before approving the local upgrade and setback variance.

At 504 Great Road, Jack Maloney (representing the owner) requested reduction of the groundwater offset from five feet to three feet for a Presby system; Francis Daigle noted a town light‑easement constrained system siting. The board voted to grant the local upgrade approval.

Votes at a glance (roll call outcomes as recorded): - 18 Long Lake: Variance and local upgrade approval granted (motion by Kevin Baker) — yes votes recorded for Kevin Baker, Libby Donegan, Dan Kane, and Chair Matt Wiesen. - 19 Christina Street: Local upgrade approval, setback variance and amendment (groundwater offset reduced 4'→2') — approved unanimously. - 504 Great Road: Local upgrade approval reducing groundwater offset 5'→3' — approved unanimously.

What the votes mean: Each action authorizes the use of a Presby alternative treatment and a local variance or upgrade that lets the designer reduce certain state‑or town‑prescribed offsets because physical constraints (small lots, easements, or high groundwater) would otherwise prevent repairing the failing systems.

Next steps: Permit issuance and construction follow standard permitting and inspection by the health department; staff (Francis Daigle) indicated she would follow up with applicants on bedroom counts and final paperwork.