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Action Plan 5:
Managing On-Site Wastewater Disposal Systems
October 17, 2011 draft finalAbout the new Buzzards Bay CCMP Action Plans
The Buzzards Bay NEP is now updating our 1991 landmark Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) to reflect the great progress achieved since that plan was finalized. It will include new or updated goals, objectives, and management solutions to meet the environmental needs for Buzzards Bay and its surrounding watershed throughout the next decade.
On this page is a draft action plan from the updated Buzzards Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The text on this page is a public draft provided to invite comment and discussion of the subject by residents and stakeholders. It may contain goals and recommendations that have not yet been endorsed or approved by the Buzzards Bay Steering Committee. The views or information contained here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the US Environmental Protection Agency.
We want your feedback on this action plan. First, please read the entire action plan Managing On-Site Wastewater Disposal Systems (October 17, 2011 draft final, pdf file). Then at the bottom of this page click the "Rate the Goals and Objectives now" button to provide comments on each goal, objective and defined management approach contained in this Action Plan. Based on your feedback, we will update and revise all the action plans in the new CCMP.
Managing On-Site Wastewater Disposal Systems
Problem
TThe preponderance of the use of conventional septic systems poses a threat to many embayments and freshwater ponds in the Buzzards Bay watershed. Failed and inadequate septic systems also remain a source of pathogens contributing to water quality impairments. The 1996 updates to Title 5 required both new standards and inspection and replacement of inadequate systems at time of property transfer, and these regulations have eliminated many problem systems. However, many properties have not changed hands since 1995, and many inadequate systems remain in place. Moreover, local regulations need to be adopted to address special local environmental needs. This action plan addresses the need for improved and more effective onsite wastewater treatment designs to meet the needs of protecting sensitive areas of Buzzards Bay.
The nutrient impacts of septic systems remain a significant problem, and controlling these eutrophication impacts are addressed in Action Plan 1. Managing Nitrogen-Sensitive Embayments. While there will be a push to sewer many more areas in the Buzzards Bay watershed, homes in the less densely developed areas will continue to use onsite septic systems for years to come, and in some cases may need to be upgraded to nitrogen removing septic systems. The increased use of alternative design onsite wastewater systems will pose a management challenge for local and state government
Goal
Goal 5.1. Prevent public health threats and environmental degradation from on-site wastewater disposal systems.Objectives
Objective 5.1. Enforce the provisions contained in Title 5 regulations such as, siting and design, inspection and upgrades, training, maintenance, mapping and designation of nitrogen sensitive areas, etc.
Objective 5.2. Where special local conditions exist, encourage boards of health to adopt local regulations to ensure and/or improve environmental and public health protection.
Objective 5.3. Improve management and local oversight of onsite wastewater disposal systems within a municipality.
Objective 5.4. In areas where advanced nutrient removal is required, encourage community scale alternative technology systems as a preference over individual alternative systems.
Solutions
To meet the goals of this action plan, installed or upgraded onsite systems must meet all state and local regulations. When appropriate, municipalities must adopt local regulations to meet special local needs to protect public health, safety, and the environment. Some of these local requirements could include more stringent setbacks, or accounting for sea level rise in nearshore areas by increasing separation to groundwater.
For watersheds of embayments listed as nitrogen impaired on the state impaired waters list, or where warranted by TMDL, or as part of local Comprehensive Water Management Plans (CWMPs) local government can require the use of nitrogen removal septic systems. Such an approach could include nitrogen discharge standards more stringent than the state specified minimum of 19 ppm. As an interim measure, towns could request DEP to designate nitrogen sensitive embayments pursuant to 310 CMR 15.000, Section 15.215(2).
Costs and Financing
Most of the solutions identified in this action plan have negligible costs to government, although some initiatives would increase the workload for staff, or new staff may be required. Some initiatives, like a regional online innovative system tracking system would likely cost less than $10,000 to create, and may cost $10,000 per town to annually staff thereafter. Management solutions that incorporate the use of innovative onsite treatment systems can add to the costs incurred by developers and property owners, but these costs will need to be evaluated and weighed against the costs of conventional sewering.
Measuring Success
For this action plan, programmatic actions are the chief measure to track progress toward the goals of this action plan. Some of those actions, like the type of local regulations needed is subjective, and each municipality must assess its needs and the most effective solution.
To fully understand the basis of these goals and objectives, and possible management approaches, please read the complete Onsite wastewater system management Action Plan (October 17, 2011 draft final, pdf file).