Commission declines to issue notice of violation after New Town Health finds septic functioning

The Roxbury Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission reviewed a complaint by Dennis McDonald about septic work and whether nearby wetlands or wells had been affected. Members discussed a letter from the New Town Health Department reporting field tests showed the septic system “is working” and that the health office planned to issue a permit after locating missing historical files. With that information, commissioners said there was no present evidence requiring a notice of violation and agreed to keep the complaint open pending any further health‑department findings.

Commissioners emphasized the difference between an active complaint and a formal NOV. The minutes were amended earlier in the meeting to remove language indicating an NOV had been issued; the corrected minutes state the septic complaint remains active and will be continued to the next meeting. The commission did not record a formal vote to issue an NOV and said it would rely on any additional direction the New Town Health Department provides.

The complaint also included an assertion that parts of the property had once been wetlands and were filled; commissioners reviewed aerial photos and a site walk and said they did not see evidence that the current house or septic system was causing wetland impacts. The commission noted some supporting files from older records were missing and that the health department would supply the permitting determination. The commission did not take enforcement action at the meeting.