The Harvard Board of Health (BOH) members have read the story regarding the proposed Craftsman Village project on Ayer Road (Harvard Press, March 16, 2018). We would like to clarify a few points that we feel are important for the reader to understand:
Drinking water sources (wells) and subsurface sewage disposal system requirements (“septic systems”) have different rules and definitions that define their oversight. A water supply that serves more than 25 people is regulated by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and is defined as a “public water supply.” A sewage disposal system that serves more than approximately 90 people is regulated by DEP. Below these limits, wells and septic systems are permitted by the local Board of Health. Craftsman Village has a planned population of 72 people; the septic system will remain under BOH oversight. The water supply, however, might not. The BOH has determined that with the planned 72 residents, the water system qualifies as a public water supply with all the protections that offers.
While the developer and the BOH have both corresponded with the state DEP related to the water supply, the BOH has not stated or discussed any possible outcome related to DEP actions or how they could relate to the BOH’s responsibilities.
The BOH requires standby power (backup power) for multiunit dwellings. Standby power is important to maintain drinking water and sewage disposal to protect the health and safety of the residents for the duration of any power outage. The developer’s reported comment that “the septic systems’ temporary holding tanks should be sufficient to hold two to three days of waste” is not consistent with the requirements of Title 5. Title 5 requires either that the subsurface sewage disposal system has the capacity to store waste for a minimum of 24 hours or that a backup power system is in place; with backup power there are no time constraint worries.
More information is available from the Board of Health or our health agent
Libby Levison, for the Board of Health
Old Shirley Road
