Dennis Conservation Commission approves septic upgrade at 37–39 Fidlers Green Lane over one member's objection

The Dennis Conservation Commission voted to approve a proposed septic-system upgrade for 37 and 39 Fidlers Green Lane in West Dennis, granting the variances needed to place the improved system within the 50-foot buffer.

Dan Ojula, a civil engineer and land surveyor with Down Cape Engineering, told the commission the Board of Health had reviewed and approved an innovative alternative system that includes pressure dosing and UV disinfection. "We felt that the board did that we're doing as best as we possibly could on this site," Ojula said, arguing the plan met the state standards for "maximum feasible compliance." He said the design aimed to reduce pathogens and nitrogen loading while avoiding a tight tank solution that the engineer said carried practical and maintenance drawbacks.

Commission discussion focused on site constraints: the house is on a roughly 7,500-square-foot lot with a duplex, and the proposal requires multiple variances to place leaching components and associated equipment within the regulated 50-foot buffer. Commissioner Bill Clark said he preferred a tight tank and told the panel he could not vote in favor of the plan, describing the density and proximity to the wetland as problematic. The commission, deferring to the Board of Health’s technical review, approved the project and authorized the variances; the meeting record shows one member opposed and the rest in favor.

The commission closed the continued public hearing and instructed staff to prepare an order of conditions reflecting the approvals and required mitigation and operational details. The approval was limited to the plan and materials on the record; staff must supply the final order to be signed at a future meeting.