Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sewer Phase Relief topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board grants temporary relief for homeowners in active Phase 1 sewer area, sets 90‑day hookup rule
Summary
Facing active sewer construction, the Dennis Board of Health granted temporary relief for multiple properties with failed or substandard septic systems but required ongoing pumping or repairs and a 90‑day hookup timeline once town sewer service becomes available.
Several homeowners and their engineers asked the Dennis Board of Health on Sept. 11 for temporary relief from requirements to install innovative alternative (IA) septic systems, citing proximity to the town’s phased sewer construction.
At a show‑cause hearing, the board heard from homeowners and counsel representing affected estates. For 18 Rangeley Lane, Ted Contaxas, representing the estate of the late homeowner, said engineering is underway but the cost of a replacement system and the upcoming sewer hookup make immediate installation impractical. Board members responded that because the property is in an active Phase 1 construction zone, they would not permit a new septic installation now; instead, the board granted temporary relief on the condition that the owner maintain the existing system and contact the health director about pumping schedules if the house is occupied. The board clarified that once sewer service arrives at a property, owners will have 90 days to connect.
Engineers for other properties (including Zach Naczynski of Bracken Engineering) described failed Title‑5 systems and proposed structural repairs or monitored use until sewer availability. The board repeatedly approved relief findings for properties such as 3 Riverway, 31 Ferry Street and 20 Debbie’s Road with similar stipulations: repair or regular pumping under health‑department direction, monitoring as needed, and mandatory hookup within 90 days of sewer availability. Several motions were seconded and passed unanimously.
Board members emphasized the evolving nature of sewer planning and regulation and said the health department will work with incoming buyers or owners to ensure maintenance and future hookups. In some cases the board continued matters for periodic updates from counsel or the health director; in others it removed items from the agenda after applicants provided required paperwork or plans.
