Dennis officials discuss grinder pumps, possible per‑bedroom sewer fees and change‑of‑use concerns

Town of Dennis Board of Health members raised sewer‑system implementation issues and potential fiscal impacts at a May 28 work session.

Member Diane Chamberlain said the Select Board had decided the town would buy grinder pumps for the town sewer project but that decisions on sewer fees remain with the Select Board. Chamberlain reported that a figure of $10,000 per bedroom for new construction had been suggested in Select Board discussion but was not finalized.

Why it matters: sewer infrastructure, fee structures and change‑of‑use decisions influence local tax revenue, permitting and the character of seasonal economies that depend on hotels and motels.

Chamberlain noted that Board of Health regulations allow no increase in flow and said that aligns with MassDEP’s change requiring 100% nitrogen removal. Vice Chairman Bunce observed there are procedural paths in special cases — for example, a tight tank was granted for 5 New Venture Drive — and that some property owners have been permitted exceptions while others seek alternatives.

Chamberlain said a recent change‑of‑use application had been pulled because the Wastewater commissioner had not provided direction. She warned that converting hotel or motel units to residential uses could reduce wastewater‑related tax revenue and said the Cape is not fully prepared for the sewer rollout; she framed the issue as broader than individual permits, linking it to market pressures and community character.

The Board did not take votes at the work session; members said they will pursue a joint work session with the Select Board to address overlapping questions about fees, infrastructure and regulatory compliance.

The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.