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Board of Health

Setback Requirements:

• Septic to house - 10 feet
• Leach field to house - 25 feet
• Well to septic tank - 50 feet
• Well to system - 100 feet

How long are my permits, certificates, and tests valid for?

• Title V Inspection - 3 years. You must have records to prove that your system was pumped annually since the inspection.
• Perc Test - No expiration date as long as area tested and surroundings have not been disturbed since the perc test. Contact the Board of Health office if you have any questions.
• Disposal Works Construction Permit - 3 years from date of approval.
• Certificate of Compliance - 2 years

More important information..

• Realtors and homeowners may not advertise more than the number of bedrooms that are stated in the Disposal Works Construction Permit.
• Hampden Board of Health will not approve a 2BR design w/o the deed restriction in its hands.
• New Construction: minimum of 1500 gallons for septic tank
• For homes with garbage disposal, minimum size of septic tank is 1500 gallons. It should also have 2 compartments.
• If a 2 BR home is designed for only 2 BR, the homeowner cannot add additional rooms by enlarging the septic system. Homeowner must check with the registry of deeds in Springfield.

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Title 5 Facts for Consumers

• Improperly functioning sewage systems and cesspools are a major cause of the pollution of our coastal waters, rivers and water supply. As of March 31, 1995, the state environmental code governing septic systems, commonly known as TITLE 5 regulations, requires inspections of septic systems and cesspools before a home is sold or enlarged. Inspection results are reported to local boards of health. Most systems will pass inspection. Systems that fail must be repaired or upgraded.
• In most cases, applications to install new systems or to upgrade existing systems submitted after January 1, 1996, will require that the soil evaluation test be performed by a DEP-approved soil evaluator. The regulations were revised on November 3, 1995, to encourage compliance with the regulations and to minimize financial hardships and delays for homeowners.
• Homes that are not connected to a sewer system use septic systems or cesspools, both of which are regulated by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and local boards of health. A septic system has a tank, a distribution box, and soil absorption system commonly known as a “leach field.” A cesspool has a pipe carrying waste from the home to a pit which distributes the liquid waste.

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Overview

Office Hours: Mon. - Thurs: 9AM to 3PM

Email: health@hampden.org
Phone: 413-566-2152
Fax: 413-566-2010

Members
John Flynn, Chair
Richard Green
Duane Mosier
Jane Budynkiewicz, Clerk