Board discussion highlights recent septic-rule changes and tank-sizing effects on redevelopment

During the review of the 33 North Star Highway concept, committee members raised a broader regulatory issue: a recent change in state septic rules that increases minimum tank sizing for dwelling units. One committee member told the board, "The septic rules changed February 1 of this year," and explained that what used to be a 1,000-gallon minimum has shifted to larger minimums for residential units in the current guidance (spoken in the meeting as '12 50').

That change matters for projects converting nonresidential space to residential because each dwelling unit now may trigger a larger required tank capacity; the board discussed options including adding an additional tank, replacing the first tank, or revising piping to avoid serial retention-time problems. Members urged applicants to consult the installing contractor and state reviewers to confirm exact sizing and compliance before filing a final plan.