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Board grants septic variance for 17 Pilgrim Lake Terrace East, requires connection when sewer is available
Summary
The Orleans Board of Health granted a variance to allow the existing 1,500-gallon septic system to serve an accessory dwelling unit at 17 Pilgrim Lake Terrace East, finding the system sized for four bedrooms; the decision requires the property to connect to municipal sewer when available.
Ezra Houseman, co-owner of Lake House LLC, asked the Orleans Board of Health for a variance from Title 5/310 CMR that would otherwise require a two-chamber septic tank after he received approval to build a one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit on his property at 17 Pilgrim Lake Terrace East. "We're requesting [a] variance from that requirement," Houseman said, noting the existing system passed inspection and is sized for a four-bedroom dwelling.
Health department staff reviewed the file and told the board the existing system was installed in 2008 and is composed of a 1,500-gallon tank, distribution box and a soil absorption system. "The system did receive a passing Title 5 inspection report in May of this year," Meredith, health department staff, reported, and the proposed work would add only one bedroom within the current design flow.
A neighbor, Andrew Delore of 15 Country Lane, spoke in support of the variance, saying replacing the system would cause significant noise and disruption for nearby residents.
Board members discussed the limited increase in demand and the impending Phase 3 municipal sewer project. The board moved to grant the variance to 310 CMR 15.2023, accepting the existing 1,500-gallon tank as adequate for the proposed ADU, with the proviso that the property must connect to the municipal sewer as soon as it becomes available. The motion passed unanimously (4-0-0).
The board noted that an order to connect for Phase 3 will require owners to make the connection within one year of the order; the variance does not waive that future connection requirement.
Next steps: the variance is granted with the connection condition; staff will record the board’s decision and monitor compliance when Phase 3 sewer connections proceed.
