(1) The Drain Layer' License issued by Concord Public Works (CPW) is not a Disposal System Installer's Permit. If you want to disconnect septic systems you must have a valid Disposal System Installer's Permit from the Board of Health as per 310 CMR 15.019.
(2) In order to obtain a Sewer Service Approval from CPW and connect to town sewer, the property owner must file Form C with the Health Division and obtain a "Review of Building on Town Sewer". This review document from the Health Division also serves as written approval from the Board of Health to abandon the septic system. No additional permits from the Health Division are needed to disconnect the septic system if a valid "Review of Building on Town Sewer" is on file.
(3) All septic systems must be abandoned in accordance with 310 CMR 15.354 (copy attached). In general, this means that:
(a) Before a septic tank or cesspool that contains sewage is disconnected, the entire contents of the tank or cesspool must be pumped by a licensed Septage Hauler as per 310 CMR 15.354(3)(b).
(b) All components that hold water (i.e., septic tanks, pump chambers) must be broken in place or removed as per 310 CMR 15.354(3)(c) so that liquid can not collect in the future.
(c) All components that contain large empty voids (i.e., tanks, cesspools, leaching pits) must be filled with clean fill so that there is no risk of future cave-ins. "Clean fill" can include uncontaminated soil found elsewhere on the site (i.e., from the sewer line trench).
(d) Since leaching beds and leaching trenches are unlikely to collapse, they may be left in place. Leaching galleys may be left in place if there is no risk of future cave-ins.
(e) Sewage-contaminated soil around septic components is not required to be removed in order for the septic system to be abandoned.
(4) Any agent from CPW who is authorized to inspect sewer connections is also authorized by the Public Health Administrator to inspect abandoned septic systems for compliance with 310 CMR 15.354.
(5) Any contractor who fails to comply with these guidelines will risk immediate suspension or revocation of the Disposal System Installer's Permit issued by the Health Division and/or the Drain Layer's License issued by CPW.
(6) For questions about sewer connections, call Water & Sewer Division at 978-318-3250. For questions about septic systems, call Health Division at 978-318-3275.
Brent Reagor, Public Health Administrator
Alan Cathcart, Water and Sewer Superintendent
July 21, 2005
| 
