State to hold informational session on septic regulations Jan. 18

Jan 6, 2023

Event has passed

An information session regarding possible changes to state septic tank regulations will be held at UMass Dartmouth on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.

The meeting, hosted by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, comes after the agency decided to extend its comment period on the issue to Jan. 30 at the request of of the town's representatives on Beacon Hill, State Rep. Chris Markey (D-Dartmouth) and State Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).

In an effort to decrease the amount of nitrogen entering the region’s waterways, the state proposes towns either apply for “watershed permits” or have septic system owners upgrade their tanks to ones using “best available nitrogen technology” — which is estimated to cost upward of $15,000 per installation.

According to MassDEP, there are about 2,700 homes connected to septic systems in the Dartmouth watersheds that would be affected by the regulation change.

The proposal has generated significant pushback from Dartmouth officials. Proponents argue that revising the regulations is the best step to take to ensure clean waters, while local officials are skeptical if this is the most effective route to take.

This latest information session will be held at UMass Dartmouth’s Marketplace conference hall, which is located near Lot 5. Those who cannot attend in person can tune in via Zoom by visiting us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9hhEmYWWTSqq_UZf8suOgQ

Registration is not necessary for those attending in-person.

The DEP is also accepting written comments until 5 p.m. on Jan. 30. Comments can be submitted by email to dep.talks@mass.gov and must include “Title 5 and Watershed Permit'' in the subject line.

All comments submitted must include the name and contact information of the resident.

Event has passed

Event Date: 

Friday, January 6, 2023 - 6:00pm