TOWN OF CARLISLE, MA

Disposal System Construction Permits for new and replacement septic systems follow the same procedures (see Supplementary Sewage Disposal Regulations). Copies of the local septic system regulations are available for $2.00 at the Board of Health Office.

Soil Testing –Testing is conducted on Wednesdays. A Board of Health representative must witness testing. Applications are available and appointments must be made through the Board of Health Office. A pre-payment of $250 is required to confirm the appointment. This fee covers up to three hours of the consultant’s time. A $100 pre-payment is required for additional testing dates for the same property. Additional costs will be billed. Most systems require two percolation tests and three test pits. These tests are conducted year-round but high water testing (required for new construction and voluntary upgrades) can only be done during high water season (March and April). Groundwater offsets based on town monitoring wells are also required. The design engineer must obtain the offset prior to submitting a design. A test location plan or sewage disposal plan must be submitted along with the required soil logs within 60 days of the testing.

Plans – Six copies of the proposed plan (five for repairs not requiring replacement of the well) must be submitted to the Board of Health along with the standard DEP application form and fee. A floor plan must be submitted when replacing a failed system. The filing fee ($750) includes up to two reviews of the plan and up to four inspections as the system is being installed. A certified Professional Engineer or Registered Sanitarian must prepare the plans. The Board’s consultant reviews the plan and makes recommendations. The Board’s agent is authorized to approve plans that are in full compliance. Plans are reviewed in the order of the date filed.

The Board will consider local upgrade approval waivers in accordance with Title 5’s maximum feasible compliance criteria for repairs and voluntary upgrades. The Board does not grant waivers or variances for new construction. A public hearing before the Board is required for designs needing waivers. Abutters within 100 feet of the property must be notified by certified mail at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. A certified abutter’s list must be obtained from the Assessor’s Department.

Construction Permit - Upon approval of the plan, a septic permit will be issued along with a letter of instructions. The Board does not allow installations during the months of December, January or February unless there is a public health emergency. The applicant must pick up the signed plans and permit from the Board of Health Office. The installer is also required to pick up a copy of the plan.

Inspections – Four inspections are normally required: bottom of the bed before any stone or fill is placed, fill material prior to placement (sample on site and a sieve analysis from the source), installation of all components and an installation as-built approved by the Board’s consultant prior to backfilling. The fourth is the final grade inspection and submission of a final grade as-built. Additional inspections may be required at the discretion of the inspector. An additional fee will be charged ($50) for each additional inspection beyond four.

Certificate of Compliance Certificate of Compliance – Following approval of the installation work and prior to its issuance, applicant arranges for the installer, design engineer and the inspector to sign the Certificate of Compliance. This is the legal record that the system has been installed according to all local and state regulations.

Release for Occupancy - for new construction the final Board of Health sign-off requires a Certificate of Compliance for the system, water analysis and pump test, verification of well head height (18" min) following final grading, and the payment of any additional fees. When all of the conditions have been satisfied, a Board of Health release will be sent to the Building Inspector.

Tax Credit – An owner of a principal residence requiring the upgrade of a failed septic system may be eligible for a state tax credit of up to $6000 in costs. Information is available on the state tax form.

The Board’s agent reviews building applications for additions or renovations in order to determine whether there will be an increase in flow to the system or an expansion of the foundation that will impact the system. Title 5 defines an increase in flow as when the proposed addition (bedroom, change in use, or when the total number of rooms divided by half and rounded down in dwellings of greater than eight rooms) exceeds the septic capacity of gallons per day per bedroom. Applicant needs to provide existing and proposed floor plans with room measurements, septic or site plan with as-built septic location, and septic tank pump-out report (valid up to one year prior to application).

• Increase in flow with adequate system capacity – Title 5 Inspection to show system in good working condition.
• Increase in flow with inadequate septic capacity – (1) upgrade system or (2) record deed restriction limiting number of bedrooms to septic capacity (requires Board approval).
• Expansion of foundation – show that proposed foundation footprint complies with required setbacks to all system components.

A Board of Health review of the project may be required at the agent’s discretion. Once a project is reviewed and approved, a letter will be issued to the Building Inspector (copy to the applicant) stating that all Title 5 issues have been satisfied.

Underground Oil Tanks (UST) Permit – Applications for a new underground tank made of either double-walled steel or fiberglass with an interstitial monitoring device are available at the Board’s office, along with the Town of Carlisle Petroleum Storage Regulations ($2.00). Applicant must present a site plan, tank and monitoring specifications, and an installation plan for approval.

Well and Pump Permits – Ralph Metivier, Pump and Well Inspector (978) 318-6959. Installations must comply with Town of Carlisle Water Supply Regulations. Applications for a new or replacement well, pump installation or repair should be submitted to the Board’s inspector. The inspector should be notified 48 hours in advance of any inspection. Emergency repairs can be done immediately once the inspector has been contacted. For a replacement well, owner must submit a plan to the inspector verifying that adjacent septic locations have been checked at the Board of Health Office and the proposed location meets the 100’ setback required.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Water Test - a basic water quality test (valid up to one year) must be provided to a new owner prior to signing a P&S. A copy must be provided to the Board. For properties located in Zoning District A (town center) the analysis must include testing for Volatile Organic Compounds.

Title 5 Inspections – Inspections are required upon the transfer of property or an increase in flow to the system. An inspection is valid for two years, three years if the system is pumped annually. Sellers are required to provide copies to potential buyers. DEP maintains a list of state certified inspectors. Inspectors must file a copy of the inspection with the Board of Health within 30 days. Voluntary Assessments are not reported to the Board of Health. Systems are graded as passed, failed, conditional, or requiring further evaluation. A failed system must be replaced within two years unless a shorter period is set by the Board of Health.

Licenses and Permits – Application should be made to the Board for the following licenses: Septic System Installer (annual examination required), Septage Haulers, and Well Pump Installers. The Board issues Food Service Establishment Permits annually. Kitchen facilities are inspected on a regular basis. Prior to the event out-of-town caterers must submit a copy of a valid permit to the Board of Health.

West Nile Virus – the Board participates in the state surveillance program, including the submittal of dead birds. Call the Board of Health Office to report dead birds, and to inquire about prevention.

Communicable Disease Surveillance – The Board is required to report instances of local communicable diseases to the Department of Public Health for surveillance purposes. All information provided is confidential. The Board does not provide medical services. Emerson Home Care, the Board’s contracted nursing service, does required follow-up surveillance, usually by telephone.

Lyme Disease – The Board participates in the state surveillance program.

• Hazardous Waste Collections – spring and fall. Held at the DPW facility.
• Rabies Clinic – Held in the spring. Domestic cats and dogs of residents only.
• Flu Clinic – Held in the fall. Senior residents only.