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Dennis Board of Health approves multiple septic variances with strict monitoring and UV requirements
Summary
The Board approved a slate of variances for renovation and new construction projects across Dennis, attaching conditions including no garbage disposals, certified as‑built plans, quarterly O&M testing for alternative systems, and in several Phase 1 cases a requirement to hook up to sewer within 90 days of availability.
The Town of Dennis Board of Health on March 12 approved a series of septic‑system variances for properties across the town, requiring engineers and owners to meet strict monitoring, recording and disinfection conditions before final permits are issued.
Kieran Healy of BSC Group presented the conversion of two retail buildings at 247 and 255 Lower County Road into four one‑bedroom units and proposed an I/A Microfast system sized for four bedrooms. The board approved the variance with conditions including no garbage disposal, installation of water‑saving devices, recording the variance at the Registry of Deeds, submission of certified as‑built plans with elevations, and signed operation and maintenance (O&M) agreements. The O&M agreements require testing four times per year for TKN, TSS, BOD5, pH, nitrate and temperature; effluent disinfection units must be tested for fecal coliform quarterly. After two years of operation the applicant must return for Board review.
Dan Ojala of Down Cape Engineering and others presented similar plans for several properties, and the Board repeatedly attached comparable conditions: addition of UV disinfection technology where proximity to sensitive waterbodies (Swan River, Bass River, Grand Cove) was a concern; a requirement to submit revised plans showing UV when the initial design omitted it; and engineered reports to be filed after any inundation event. The Board consistently required time‑run electrical meters and maintenance agreements for alternative systems.
For properties located in Phase 1 of the town's wastewater project — including 107 & 111 Farm Lane and 26 Bass River Lane — the Board added a procedural condition: owners must connect to the municipal sewer within 90 days after connection becomes available in front of the property.
Board members emphasized documentation and oversight. Vice‑Chairman Bunce asked multiple presenters to add UV disinfection where systems sit near tidal or riverine resources. Member Chamberlain repeatedly requested certified as‑built plans and verified water‑saving fixtures prior to final sign‑off.
The motions to approve the listed variances carried unanimously or by recorded majorities where noted. Approvals included specific operational testing schedules and reporting requirements intended to reduce nitrogen loading and protect adjacent wetlands and waterbodies.
The Board recorded approvals and conditions at the Registry of Deeds and set return reviews and inspection benchmarks as described.
