https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-15000-septic-systems-title-5

There is an ongoing discussion on the Cape about proposed changes to MassDEP regulations concerning Title 5 (septic systems). Recently, MassDEP agreed to extend the period for public comment about these regulatory changes until 5pm on January 30. MassDEP also is sponsoring two virtual hearings this week for people to find out more about what’s going on and to make comments. The online hearings are scheduled for this Tuesday 1/24 and Wednesday 1/25, from 6-9pm.

The hearings are free and open to everyone, but pre-registration is required to participate. I’ve created event pages on Facebook for these hearings with links to help you register:
Tuesday: https://www.facebook.com/events/758217451835298
Wednesday: https://www.facebook.com/events/870752100672862

I encourage everyone with an interest in this issue to consider participating in one of the online hearings, and to submit written testimony directly to MassDEP in advance of the January 30 deadline. If you do submit written comment to MassDEP directly, please consider sending a copy to my office so I know how you feel about this issue and how proposed changes would affect you.

This is an issue I am following very closely, and I am in communication with MassDEP officials about my own personal thoughts about these regulations (I’m concerned about the cost/burden of the proposed changes; I’ll post those comments separately) and about what people in the 5th Barnstable district are saying to me.

As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions or comments.