Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Septic Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board holds public hearing on draft septic pumping ordinance; schedules town information session
Summary
Staff and a consultant presented a draft septic ordinance emphasizing required pumping, inspections and tracking. The board and residents raised questions on inspection types, enforcement, cost credits and record tracking; the board agreed to hold an August/September public information session before any final action.
Town staff and consultant Lisa Murphy presented a draft septic ordinance designed to improve water quality by encouraging regular septic pumping and inspections. The draft was developed with grant support from the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership and the town’s advisory group.
Lisa Murphy described the draft as a ‘‘pumping ordinance’’ focused on maintenance and public education rather than harsh penalties. Health officer and building inspector Jamie Jennison explained how state law already prohibits failed systems and reviewed the enforcement tools available to the health officer, including inspections and required replacements where systems are in failure.
The board and residents raised practical questions: how to credit homeowners who recently pumped their tanks, whether and how to track compliance (tax-bill submission, permit software or other reporting mechanisms), the definition and trigger for seasonal dwellings, and the range in inspection depth (from basic service-provider observations to full leach‑field evaluations tied to seasonal high-water tables). Jamie outlined inspection types and noted state standards for seasonal high water and system failure.
Public commenter Don Buer urged delaying votes until the advisory group minutes are published and an informational session is held so residents can ask detailed questions. After extended discussion the Select Board agreed to postpone formal adoption and directed staff to plan a public information session in August or September with substantial outreach to affected lakefront and shoreland residents.
Board members asked staff to use grant outreach funds for that educational effort, to provide clarifying draft language about what inspections will cover and how prior pumping will be credited, and to present options for record-keeping and enforcement steps at a follow-up meeting before any adoption vote.
