Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan Ad Hoc Committee | May 19, 2025
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the adoption of nitrogen-reducing septic systems (NRS).
Watch the meeting. AI supported summary below. Corrections welcome.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the adoption of nitrogen-reducing septic systems (NRS).
The committee reviewed the different approval levels for these systems (pilot, provisional, general) and the state's BART (Best Available Nitrogen Reducing Technology) list, which includes several provisionally approved systems like Nitro and Nitrix.
Concerns are raised about the rigorous Massachusetts approval process, contrasting it with the more widespread adoption of IIA systems, particularly the Fuji system, in New York's Suffolk County. The committee members debated the potential costs and benefits of mandating NRS, particularly in areas near the watershed, and explore the possibility of incentivizing adoption through tax credits or other measures.
The committee analyzed data showing the number of parcels within various distances (500ft increments) of the estuary, categorized by existing septic systems, inclusion in the CWMP, and proximity to sewer phases. The discussion highlights the complexities of using distance as the sole criterion for NRS implementation, considering factors like time of travel, sub-watershed contributions, and the existing CWMP.
The committee members debated the merits of a town-wide, phased approach versus a trigger-based approach (new construction, system failures, property sales). The challenge of balancing environmental goals with political realities and potential costs is a recurring theme, particularly given the upcoming town council elections.
The meeting concludes with a decision to draft a policy recommendation based on the discussion, incorporating a 500-foot setback from water bodies as a starting point, considering natural system life cycles as a trigger for upgrades, and exploring the potential for tax incentives.
The committee agrees to revisit the topic in their next meeting, incorporating additional data on time of travel and sub-watershed analysis.