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Collaborative seeks clearer process after unpermitted septic installation
Summary
Members described a recent case where a septic installer worked without permits and raised proposals to improve inter-town communication, use the county certification list, and create a formal complaint/investigation process for egregious installers.
Board members raised concerns after staff reported an incident in which a septic installer performed work without pulling permits and the installation required remediation.
An environmental health agent recounted the case and urged the collaborative to design a more formal communication and complaint pathway so towns learn quickly when an installer’s performance is substandard. "A septic installer basically didn't pull any per and no notification to us and put the system in very wrong," the agent said.
Members pointed to the county BCB installer-certification list as a verification tool but noted limitations: revoked licenses may still appear on some lists and towns often lack timely notice when an investigator pursues decertification. One member proposed adding an affidavit to permit applications asking whether installers have had actions taken against their certification in the past five years to flag potential issues early.
The collaborative discussed options including a shared complaint intake, a centralized investigation or hearing process, and improved publishing of revocations on the certification list to prevent installers who have had action taken from moving between towns unnoticed.
Members also suggested pairing newer installers with experienced contractors as an apprenticeship approach and urged the BCB to consider offering more frequent or virtual certification classes to reduce permit delays caused by limited in-person training slots.
The group agreed to continue the discussion at the next meeting and asked staff to bring a proposal for an inter-town notification and complaint mechanism.
