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Health officer presents proposed Shoreline Septic Systems Regulations; board schedules public meeting
Summary
The town's health officer presented a draft Shoreline Septic Systems Regulations that would require evaluations and regular pumping for septic systems within 250 feet of water, set timelines for remediation and include civil penalties; the board agreed to hold a public meeting and coordinate with the lake association.
Stefan, the town's health officer, outlined a proposed set of Shoreline Septic Systems Regulations intended to reduce septic failures and protect nearby waters. He said the rules would apply to systems within 250 feet of the reference line for lakes, ponds and small streams and would require owners to have systems evaluated and provide documentation to town hall.
"So all the septic systems that are applicable to the ordinance shall be pumped at least once every 3 years," Stefan said while describing section 5 of the draft regulations. He also described a two‑year window for property owners to obtain formal evaluations after adoption for systems that lack previous DES design approvals and said the regulations would require submission of evaluation reports to the town.
Board members asked how the town would enforce the requirements and whether routine pump-out reports could substitute for a credentialed designer's evaluation. Stefan said only he or a credentialed septic designer could legally classify a system as "in failure," though pump reports provide useful warning signs. He estimated the out-of-pocket cost for an evaluation at a few hundred dollars depending on the scope and said he would draft a waiver application process and host a public session to explain the paperwork and maintenance expectations.
The draft includes definitions of failure (for example, discharge of sewage to the ground surface or into surface water, or an effluent disposal area located less than two feet above the seasonal high-water table), and a proposed correction period and penalty structure. Stefan cited an RSA that, as of September 2024, requires evaluation within 180 days for certain shoreline properties and said he would clarify with DES whether that 180‑day window is intended to run before closing or after a sale.
Board members requested a dedicated public meeting so residents can ask questions; the board also discussed tagging properties in the town's property system so owners and prospective buyers can see whether a parcel is subject to the rules. The Swansea Lake Protection Association said it supports the concept conditionally and will meet to coordinate outreach and assistance to homeowners.
The board directed staff to incorporate the small drafting changes discussed (moving penalty language into a single section and adding waiver documentation language), circulate the revised draft to members, and schedule a public meeting for further input.
