What
is Title 5?
Title 5 of the Massachusetts State Environmental Code sets
standard guidelines and requirements for the inspection, design,
site planning, construction, upgrade and expansion of on-site
wastewater treatment and disposal systems in the towns of
Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven, West Tisbury, Chilmark
and Aquinnah. The onus usually falls upon the seller for compliance.
The most recent version of Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000) took effect
on March 31, 1995, except for the rules dealing with approval
of innovative/alternative technologies (November 10, 1994)
and the requirement for the use of an approved Soil Evaluator
(January 1, 1996). Title 5 has also been modified to increase
the allowable percolation rate for on-site wastewater disposal
systems from 30 to 60 minutes per inch, effective January
1, 2004.
On-site wastewater disposal systems include conventional septic
systems, cesspools, and innovative/alternative systems. They
are individual systems that treat small wastewater flows,
usually under 10,000 gallons per day. Over 30% of homes in
Massachusetts use on-site wastewater systems, as well as small
businesses and institutions in areas without sewers. On Martha's
Vineyard, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and Tisbury (Vineyard Haven)
are working diligently to connect more and more households
to town sewer lines. Contamination of our aquifer caused by
ever increasing housing density on Martha's Vineyard should
be one of our greatest concerns.
On-site systems that are not properly sited or maintained
contribute pathogens and nutrients to groundwater and surface
water, endangering drinking water supplies, shellfish beds,
and surface water bodies.
Title 5 protects you, your family, and your neighbors from
these public health threats. DEP, local Boards of Health,
and system owners all share the responsibility for the proper
site planning, construction, upgrade, and maintenance of on-site
systems.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection web
site has an excellent General
Information Section for Frequently Asked Questions
| MARTHA'S VINEYARD BOARD
OF HEALTH OFFICIALS |
Edgartown
Matthew E. Poole, Agent
Janet Hathaway, Assistant
P.O. Box 1596
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-6120
Fax: (508) 627-6124
email: mpoole@edgartown-ma.us
email: jhathaway@edgartown-ma.us
|
West Tisbury
John J. Powers, Agent
1059 State Road, 1st Floor
Town Hall
P.O. Box 278
West Tisbury, MA 02575
(508) 696-0105
Fax: (508) 696-0103
email: boh@westtisbury-ma.gov |
Oak Bluffs
Shirley Fauteux, Agent - x116
Natalie Woodruff, Assistant - x117
P. O. Box 1327
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
(508) 693-3554
Fax: (508) 693-6280
email: sfauteux@oakbluffsma.gov
email: nwoodruff@oakbluffsma.gov
|
Chilmark
Marina Lent, Agent
Town Hall
401 Middle Road
P.O. Box 119
Chilmark, MA 02535
(508) 645-2105
Fax: (508) 645-2121
email: boh@chilmarkma.gov
|
Tisbury
Thomas Pachico, Agent
Maura Valley, Assistant
Catherine M. Fuller, FAQ Admin
99 Highpoint Lane, Left Trailer
PO Box 666
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 696-4290 x1125
Fax: (508) 696-7341
email: tpachico@tisburyma.gov
email: mvalley@tisburyma.gov
email: cfuller@tisburyma.gov
|
Aquinnah
Amanda Hutchinson
65 State Rd.
Aquinnah, MA 02535
(508) 645-2307
Fax: (508) 645-2310
|
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