Concord Board of Health affirms April fines for failed septic system at 141 Katarina Heights

The Concord Board of Health on June 17 affirmed fines invoiced to the owner of 141 Katarina Heights for an apparent failed septic system and related public‑nuisance complaints.

Melanie Den, Concord’s public health director, told the board the department first identified the system as a “septic system of concern” in late 2023 and issued an order of non‑compliance in January 2024. Den said a permit was issued this spring but little construction activity occurred through March, prompting the department to invoice a fine. “I issued an invoice on 4/28 and issued a fine for $200 per day as allowed by Max General Law … totaling $3,000” for April 1–15, Den said.

Homeowner Janine Olsen addressed the board to appeal the fines and described household and logistical challenges that delayed repairs. Olsen said she obtained a Betterment loan last September, contracted with an installer in early April and paid a deposit, and that excavators were staged on site. She told the board the system was completed on May 25 and apologized for the delays: “We’re not intentionally delinquent and delaying…we have five children, four of whom live at home,” Olsen said, asking the board to weigh those circumstances.

Board members pressed staff and the homeowner on the timeline, communications and documented attempts to start work. Den said she had not documented sufficient contractor activity before April and that issuing the initial daily fines prompted movement toward compliance. The board voted to affirm the invoice covering April 1–15; members noted the board retained discretion to consider additional fines for other time periods but did not apply them at this meeting.

The department confirmed a final inspection has been conducted but that a Certificate of Compliance remains pending while as‑built plans and final documentation are completed.