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Sherborn board warns of Town Counsel referral if 155 Maple Street fails to show progress on septic testing
Summary
Board members said the failed septic at 155 Maple Street remains a public-health concern after months without soil testing and agreed to seek Town Counsel guidance if the property is not confirmed on the Conservation Commission’s May 21 agenda by the Board’s May 20 meeting.
The Sherborn Board of Health on May 6 warned it may seek Town Counsel guidance if a long-running septic compliance issue at 155 Maple Street does not move forward.
Co-Chair Julie Dreyfus told the board the property “has been before the Board since early December” and said the pace of progress on scheduling soil testing was “not acceptable,” raising concerns about the town’s enforcement options. Health Agent Mark Oram said the Conservation Commission application had not been properly filed and would need correction by May 7 for possible acceptance at the Conservation Commission’s May 21 meeting. Oram outlined an administrative timeline that could yield soil testing in late May or mid-June, with design and installation following if approvals are timely.
Homeowner Julie Mourao said the household is largely staying away from using the failed system; she reported her husband has been staying at his sister’s house. Dr. Rebecca Hunnewell asked whether anyone was currently using the system; Mourao confirmed they were not.
Board members supported setting milestone dates. Daryl Beardsley said the absence of an occupant using the failed system reduced—but did not eliminate—the immediate public health urgency. The board agreed that if the property is not confirmed on the Conservation Commission agenda by the board’s May 20 meeting, Ms. Dreyfus would bring a motion to seek Town Counsel guidance on possible enforcement actions at the June meeting.
No enforcement motion was filed on May 6; the board left the timeline and the potential Town Counsel referral contingent on the Conservation Commission schedule and future staff confirmation.
