What
is Title 5?
Title 5 of the State Environmental Code sets standard guidelines
and requirements for the inspection, design, siting, 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
siting, construction, upgrade, and maintenance of on-site
systems.
| MARTHA'S VINEYARD BOARD
OF HEALTH OFFICIALS |
Edgartown
Matthew E. Poole, Agent
P.O. Box 1596
Edgartown, MA 02539
(508) 627-6120
Fax: (508) 627-6123
email: eboh@vineyard.net
|
West Tisbury
John J. Powers, Agent
Town Office - P.O. Box 278
West Tisbury, MA 02575
(508) 696-0105
Fax: (508) 696-0103
email: boh@town.west-tisbury.ma.us |
Oak Bluffs
Shirley Fauteux, Agent
P. O. Box 1327
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
(508) 693-5502
Fax: (508) 693-6280
email: sfauteux@gis.net
|
Chilmark
Sylvia B. Yeomans
Town Office, P.O. Box 119
Chilmark, MA 02535
(508) 645-2105
Fax: (508) 645-2110 |
Tisbury
Thomas Pachico, Health Agent
P.O. Box 666
215 Spring Street
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
(508) 696-4290
Fax: (508) 696-7341
|
Aquinnah
Janet A. Hathaway, Assistant
65 State Rd.
Aquinnah, MA 02535
(508) 645-2307
Fax: (508) 645-2310 |
|
