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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptic Failure & Garbage Grinder Letter - Correspondence - 125 GRAY STREET 8/7/2023 �wgTLED i6q� • North Andover Health Department (ommunity and Economic Development Division DATE: August 7,2023 RE: Letter of Noncompliance—Notice of Septic System Failure ADDRESS: 125 Gray Street To Whom It May Concern: i The North Andover Health Department has received and reviewed the Title 5 Inspection Report that was jgenerated from the inspection of the septic system at 125 Gray Street. The inspector hired has determined that the septic system is FAILING to protect public health or the environment according to the Title 5 of the State Sanitary Code. Please be advised that the present owner has two years from the date of the Title 5 inspection to complete the necessary upgrade. To begin the process, it is required to retain the services of a Massachusetts licensed Professional Engineer(P.E.)or Massachusetts Registered Sanitarian(R.S.)to design a new septic system in compliance with Title 5 and North Andover Board of Health regulations. The North Andover Health Department can provide details regarding the local process. It is recommended that a septic hauler be hired to periodically pump the septic tank until such time as a repair can be completed. The Board thanks you for your willingness to help protect the environment,the ground water and public health.Please do not hesitate to call the Health Department office at the number below if you have any questions. Sincerely, Brianan ALaGrasse, CEHT Director of Public Health Encl. P.E. list Installers list Guide to Septic Installation Process Cc: File Page 1 of 1 North Andover Health Department, 120 Main Street North Andover, MA 01845 Phone: 978.688.9540 Fax: 978.688.9542 Town of North Andover Health Department— Guide to the Septic Installation Process How to go from a Title 5 inspection to repairing or replacing a septic system: If you need a Septic System Inspection done,you need to hire a licensed Tide 5 Inspector. Title 5 Inspectors are licensed by the state of Massachusetts and also permitted to work in the Town of North Andover. A list of current inspectors can be found at www.townofnorthandover.com, Health Department section. The Inspector will perform their assessment and then submit the Septic System Inspection report to the Health Department within 30 days with a check made out to the Town of North Andover in the amount of$50.00.The result will be either'?ass", "Fail", or "Conditional Pass". In the event that you have a Title 5 Inspection done and you receive a Pass, there is no further action required of you at this time. The report will be submitted to the Health Department office within 30 days of completion and will become public record. In the event that you have a Title 5 Inspection done and you receive a Conditional Pass (which means the system will pass if a specific item is repaired) the following steps must be followed: ➢ The homeowner hires a Septic Disposal Works Installer (SDWI) permitted by the Town of North Andover. The list of SDWI's is posted on the Town of North Andover website in the Health Department section or is available at at the Health Department office. NOTE: If the Inspector is also a permitted septic installer in North Andover,he or she can perform the installation provided he gives the homeowner a full list of installers permitted in North Andover. ➢ The hired installer submits an application with a fee of$125 for a component replacement/repair and the application is reviewed and a permit is generated. The installer is notified by phone that the permit is ready for pickup. If you only need a component repair, such as a pipe or a tank, design plans generally do not need to be submitted, except in the case where placement is different. If plans are needed see Design Plans below. In the event that you have a Title 5 Inspection done, and you receive a Failing status report, the following steps must be followed: Soil Testing ➢ An application to schedule soil and percolation testing must be completed by an engineer, sanitarian or soil evaluator that you hire, and a fee of$360 (or$425 for undeveloped lots) must be attached,made payable to the Town of North Andover. Jiuic 2015 ➢ A request is then sent to the Town's septic consultant to schedule soil and percolation testing. The soil testing usually takes place within two weeks. ➢ The consultant notifies the soil evaluator when the testing will take place. ➢ Soil testing is completed and results are sent to the Health Department and engineer. Design Plans ➢ The homeowner hires an engineer or sanitarian to design a septic system and produce a plan reflecting the placement of the system and all pertinent information. ➢ The septic plan is submitted to the Health Department with an application and a fee of$225.00. Plans will be sent by mail for review, however if the engineer or sanitarian has provided the Health Department with a PDF copy of the plan,the accompanying paperwork and the PDF are emailed that day to our Septic Consultant. ➢ The Health Department strives to complete reviews of design plans within three weeks' time. Maximum time allowed is 45 days though this is rarely needed. ➢ Once reviewed, an approval or disapproval letter is generated and sent to the homeowner and engineer or sanitarian. If approved, the homeowner can hire an installer to build the approved septic system as described below. If disapproved,the engineer or sanitarian must address the missing or deficient criteria, and submit a revised plan for re-review. ➢ If site constraints are such that the plan cannot comply with the standards in the regulations and requires a variance request from those standards to be reviewed, the engineer or sanitarian will note that on the plan and make a request in writing to be present at an upcoming meeting of the North Andover Board of Health. Once the plan is substantially approvable it will be placed on the next available monthly BOH meeting. ➢ Some septic system projects will require review and approval from other Town departments or boards in addition to the Health Department and Board of Health. If needed this is usually from the Conservation Commission if the work is proposed in their jurisdiction. You can learn more about this from your engineer or sanitarian or the Conservation Commission office. Repair/Replacement ➢ The homeowner must hire a Septic Disposal Works Installer permitted by the Town of North Andover. The list of SDWI's is posted on the Town's website or paper copies are available at the Health Department office. ➢ The hired installer submits an application with a fee of$250 ($125 for work on an individual component only) and the application is reviewed and a permit is June 2015 generated. The permit, and a copy of the septic plan approval letter are stapled to the approved stamped plans, and the installer is notified by phone that the plan and permit are ready for pickup. ➢ The installer will have a pre-construction meeting with Health Department Staff to review site-specific issues. ➢ The installer might need to acquire additional permits for work depending on what is proposed to be built at your property.These might include electrical permits for any pumps or alarms,building permits for certain walls,or trench permits for excavation. Your installer should be able to guide you through the permits needed, as can the various Town Department who might be involved. ➢ The installer will have their work overseen by Health Department staff and/or the Town's outside consultant. Here is a summary of the inspection process: Tank hole inspection—Installer shall request inspection to confirm the location of the excavation and to show a minimum of 6 inches of stone on the bottom of the tank hole.Also confirmed will be the tank's distance to the building and its orientation to the system. Bottom of Bed (BOB) —(if there is a retaining wall it should be done first) The installer shall inform the Health Dept. of the proposed timing of installation.The installer must request the inspection of the BOB,but does not have to be present. Inspector will respond in a reasonable time. Excavation should be complete and if needed for the installation, 1 load of septic sand shall be available on site for observation. Multiple inspections may incur a re-inspection fee of$50 if the installer puts in a request and the site is found not ready. Final Inspection—The design engineer or sanitarian will first complete an inspection of the system to confirm compliance with the approved plans and the various regulations. The engineer or sanitarian will call or email the Health Department upon their satisfactory assessment of the construction, after which the installer calls to set up an inspection time for the health department or their outside consultant to perform a final inspection. The licensed installer must be present for this inspection. With a pump system, a permit must be acquired through the Building Department All electrical work must be ready and able to cause the pump to work and alarm to function.The Town will contact the consultant,who will in turn contact the installer. Final Grade—Installer must request an inspection when all grading is complete. This includes loam and seeding of the septic areas.The installer does not have to be on site. Note that the Final Grade inspection cannot be completed when the system is covered in snow. If the homeowner does not want seeding to be placed on top of the septic system at the time of final grade inspection,they may submit in writing their wishes to waive this requirement. June 2015 Almost There! ➢ Once the inspection process is complete, a Certification of Installation Form needs to be submitted, signed and dated by the engineer or sanitarian, and the installer. This document certifies that the installation was completed per the plan and regulations. ➢ In addition, an As-Built Plan,which is the final plan of the septic system,must be submitted with the certification form. ➢ Once the above items are received, a Certificate of Compliance is issued by the Health Department to the property owner. ➢ The process is now complete. We appreciate your understanding of the time and various processes involved. At the end,we hope you will agree that the Town of North Andover,you as a resident, and out mutual environment are all being bettered by you undertaking the above steps. If you have any questions about these matters please do not hesitate to contact the health department at 978-688-9540 or healthdept@townofnorthandover.com. June 2015 Health Department 200Engineers and Sanitarians LIST 23 The names below are a sample of several MA PE's or Sanitarians who have done business in North Andover in the past 3 years. Seth L. Lajoie and Associates,Inc. Sullivan Engineering Group, LLC Seth L. Lajoie Jack Sullivan 27 Becket Street P.O. Box 2004 Salem, MA 01970 Woburn, MA 01888 774-230-7029 781-854-8644 The Morin-Cameron Group, Inc. Williams& Sparages John Morin Chris Sparages 66 Elm Street Greg Hochmuth Danvers,MA 01923 189 North Main St. Suite 101 978-777-8586 Middleton, MA 01949 978-539-8088 LJR Engineering Soilsmith Designs Luke Roy Douglas J. Smith 234 Park St. 98 Whittington Street No. Reading, MA 01864 Manchester,NH 978.664.8141 603-487-2298 Merrimack Engineering Ben Osgood,Jr. PE Vladimir Nemchenok 157 Bluff Street 66 Park Street Salem,NH 03079 Andover, MA 01801 978-435-1324 978 475-3555 bosgoodpegmail.com Andover Consultants Inc. Joseph J. Serwatka,P.E. 1 East River Place P.O. Box 1016 Methuen,MA 01844 North Andover,MA 01845 978-687-3828 x 13 978-314-8731 j oeserwatka(&comcast.net 2023 Offal Haulers as of 03.0.2023 Record# Applicant Name Applicant Email Business Name: City Address: State PhoneNo 40680 James Boraczek boraczeksseptic@gmail.com Boraczek's Septic and Drain Hampstead 4 Hazel Dr NH 978-479-5236 41023 Daniel Smart petestoiletrentals@gmail.com Pete's Toilet Rentals LLC Plaistow 124 Forrest St NH 603-490-2774 41577 Richard D.Daigle office@ rootermannorth.com Rooter-Man Lawrence 46 Portland St MA 978-688-1181 41951 Anthony Mottolo anthony@johnzannipumping.com John Zanni Pumping Co N Reading 5 Hallberg Park MA 781-944-0149 41952 Bill Hickey chrisbi1123@yahoo.com AB Septic Andover PO Box 4082 MA 978-423-9064 48072 Cheryl Welch cwelch@servicepumpingdrain.com Service Pumping&Drain Co N Reading 5 Hallberg Park MA 978-276-0217 48549 Peter Johnson hygreet@aol.com Pete's Sewer Service Plaistow 124 Forrest St NH 603-382-1691 51189 James Currier jhcurrier@jays-septic-drain.com J's Septic&Drain Middleton 131 Forest St MA 978-774-6685 51295 Charles Roux crouxllc@gmail.com Tewksbury Sewer Service Tewksbury 213 Patten Rd MA 978-640-9984 51525 Vinnie&Brenda MacDonald rooterman0101@yahoo.com B.N.V.Enterprises,Inc Billerica 67 Andover Rd MA 978-671-0101 51725 John L.DiVincenzo kathy.stewarts@outlook.com J&S Development Corp Bradford 58 So.Kimball St MA 978-372-7471 53713 John Morrison jomorisnnh@yahoo.com Thompson's Sewer Service Windham 17 Roulston Rd NH 603-898-7016 57268 Donna Becker jdbecker83@comcast.net Becker Transportation, Inc Candia 240 Raymond Rd NH 603-235-8611 57278 Robert Ratta edurkee@rmratta.com RM Ratta Corp Ayer 81 Westford Rd MA 978-772-1600 62743 Chris Poliquin chris@unitedcompressor.com United Compressor&Pump Services Plaistow 157 Plaistow Rd NH 603-819-6730 63446 Donald Elliott elliott_don@msn.com Ivester and Elliott Services LLC N Andover 11 Riverview St MA 978-794-1326 63595 Jonathan Fairbank fairbankseptic@gmail.com Fairbank Septic Pumping LLC Sudbury 239 Nobscot Rd MA 978-562-4457 63849 Alexandra Ryan alex@agricycleenergy.com Agri-Cycle Energy Lowell 111 Quebec St MA 207-405-1737 64052 Todd Bateson beilll@comcast.net Bateson Enterprises Inc Andover 111 Argilla Rd MA 978-815-2703 64152 Daniel Giard dnlnaaj@aol.com Giard General Services N Andover 130A.Appleton St MA 978-423-8588 64188 jKaren King kking@actionkingservices.com Action King Services Lowell 26 Livingston St MA 978-452-7750 64595 Timothy A.Giard tgiardplb@yahoo.com Timothy A Giard&Son Plumbing N Andover PO BOX 782 MA 978-689-8336 64706 Stephen Chase pphilbrick2l@gmail.com Triangle Portable Services Derry 29 Chester Rd NH 603-432-3101 64985 Daniel Regan reganseptic@gmail.com Regan Septic Pumping LLC Wayland P.0 Box 5003 MA 508-655-5779 69758 Raymond Lepore leporeandsons@hotmail.com Dee Ray Inc Wilmington 66 Adams St MA 978-479-1337 69987 Becky Gayton info@dfclark.com D.F.Clark,Inc Ipswich 22 Mitchell Rd MA 978-356-5638 70091 1 Raymond Lundberg queenpamular@comcast.net R.Lundberg&Sons Septic Tank Salem 6 Easy St NH 603-898-2608 70144 Richard Briscoe Iouann2554@gmail.com R.A.Briscoe Inc. Groveland 61 Garrison St MA 978-372-2200 70210 Donald Wilkinson dawilkinsonllc@gmail.com DA Wilkinson LLC Newbury 41 Low St MA 978-880-2522 70255 Tisha Brusett tbrusett@rapidflowinc.com Rapid Flow Inc Revere 80 Hichborn MA 781-289-7106 46 Lizotte Drive,suite 70405 Kelly Fuller lkfuller@wrenvironmental.com Wind River Environmental Marlborough 1000 IMA 978-841-5162 StiT'TLBD l6g6. North Andover Health Department Community and Economic Development Division August 7,2023 Address: 125 Gray Street All North Andover Residents with Septic Systems and Garbage Disposals Please note that due to a recent review of a Title 5 Report, your property has been identified as maintaining a working garbage disposal that is being used in conjunction with a septic system. The Health Department is concerned for the longevity of your septic system. Garbage disposals are never recommended where septic systems are used,but if they are installed,the system must be specifically designed to handle the waste from them; your system may not be able to handle the waste as designed. Please note that continued use of this disposal could quickly cause a pre-mature failure of your septic system,resulting in a large expenditure to replace it. The North Andover Health Department recommends that the disposal be remove from your home as soon as possible. Some information regarding regular maintenance of your septic system is included. Please call the Health Department at 978.688.9540 if you have any questions, or e-mail your questions to healthdept@,northandoverma.gov. Thank you for taking the time to consider the impact that your current setup has on your septic system and the environment. Sinc rely, r rian aGrasse, CENT irector of Public Health 120 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts 01845 Phone 978.688.9540 fax 978.688.9542 Web http://www.northandoverma.gov Caring for your Septic System: A Reference Guide for Homeowners Caring for Your Septic System Septic Systems Explained Septic systems are individual wastewater treatment systems (conventional septic systems, innovative/alternative(I/A)systems, or cesspools)that use the soil and bacteria to treat small wastewater flows, usually from individual homes.They are typically used in rural or large lot settings where centralized wastewater treatment(sewer system to a treatment plant) is impractical and unavailable. There are many types of septic systems in use today. While all systems are individually designed for each site, most systems are based on the same principles. A Conventional Septic System A conventional septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box and a leach field. Your septic system treats your household wastewater by temporarily holding it in the septic tank where heavy solids and lighter debris are allowed to separate from the wastewater and bacteria begin to break everything down.The solids sink to the bottom and are called the sludge layer; the lighter debris such as hair, oils and grease float to the top and are called a scum layer; and the wastewater or effluent is left in the middle. This separation process with the initial decomposition is known as primary treatment. .... . .�i.,.�• ..r.-s r InSpectFori(puirrp V. Fee awl► .�... � . .. � _. ; � x Scum - gutleE`tread Inlet:seMM . witsteivater ties er,tersfroin house B to dist6bution 4ax and drain field w4tewatar sludge. After the partially treated wastewater(effluent)leaves the tank it flows into a distribution box. The distribution box separates this effluent evenly into a network of pipes called septic lines within the leach field. Small holes throughout the bottom of each septic line allow the effluent to slowly drain into gravel and sand layers where bacteria further treat and purify the effluent. This is known as secondary treatment. A properly functioning septic system purifies the effluent through primary and secondary treatment and does not pollute the groundwater. Caring for Your Septic System (Conventional Septic System, Innovative/Alternative (I/A)System, or Cesspool) The accumulated solids in the bottom of the septic tank should be pumped out every two years to prolong the life of your system. Septic systems must be maintained regularly to stay working. Neglect or abuse of your system can cause it to fail. Failing systems can: • Cause a serious health threat to your family and neighbors, • Degrade the environment, especially lakes, streams and groundwater, • Reduce the value of your property, • Be very expensive to repair, and • Put thousands of water supply users at risk if you live in a public water supply watershed and fail to maintain your system. Be alert to these warning signs of a failing system: • Sewage surfacing over the leach field (especially after storms), • Sewage back-ups in the house, • Lush, green growth over the leach field, • Slow draining toilets or drains, • Sewage odors. Save Money by Maintaining Your Septic System • A major reason to maintain your septic system is to save money. Failing systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Preventive maintenance is a whole lot cheaper than repair or replacement. For example, it could cost up to$40,000 or more to replace a failing system with a new one, compared to approximately$300 to$400 to have a system inspected, and pumped every couple of years. Maintaining a septic system is like maintaining a car.A small effort on a regular basis can save a lot of money and significantly prolong the life of the system. • Innovative/Alternative (I/A)systems, although providing more advanced treatment, also require more frequent oversight and maintenance. 0 Please refer to our Septic Installers list for licensed contractors. Tips to Avoid Trouble DO have your tank pumped out and system inspected every 2 years by a licensed septic contractor, If the tank fills up with an excess of solids, the wastewater will not have enough time to settle in the tank. These excess solids will then pass on to the leach field,where they will clog the drain lines and soil. More information on pumping. DO keep a record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance. Use the back page of this brochure to record maintenance dates. DO practice water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets, run washing machines and dishwashers only when full, avoid long showers, and use water-saving features in faucets, shower heads and toilets. DO learn the location of your septic system and leach field. Keep a sketch of it handy for service visits. If your system has a flow diversion valve, learn its location, and turn it once a year. Flow diverters can add many years to the life of your system. DO divert roof drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides away from the septic system. Keep sump pumps and house footing drains away from the septic system as well. DO grow grass or small plants (not trees or shrubs)above the septic system to hold the drain field in place. Water conservation through creative landscaping is a great way to control excess runoff. DO use only additives that have been allowed for usage in Massachusetts by MassDEP.Additives that are allowed for use in Massachusetts have been determined not to produce a harmful effect to the individual system or its components or to the environment at large. DO take leftover hazardous household chemicals to your approved hazardous waste collection center for disposal. Use bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with product labels. DON'T allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system. The area over the leach field should be left undisturbed with only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage your septic lines. DON'T plant trees within 30 feet of your system or park/drive over any part of the system. Tree roots will clog your pipes, and heavy vehicles may cause your septic lines to collapse. DON'T make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health department permit. Use professional licensed contractors when needed. DON'T use commercial septic tank additives other than those allowed for use in Massachusetts by MassDEP.These products usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the long run. DON'T use chemical solvents to clean the plumbing or septic system. "Miracle"chemicals will kill microorganisms that consume harmful wastes.These products can also cause groundwater contamination. DON'T perform excessive laundry loads with your washing machine. Doing load after load does not allow your septic tank time to adequately treat wastes and overwhelms the entire system with excess wastewater.You could therefore be flooding your leach field without allowing sufficient recovery time.You should consult a septic professional to determine the gallon capacity and number of loads per day that can safely go into the system. DON'T use a garbage grinder, garbage disposal or any type of in sink food disposal,which feeds into the septic system. If you do have one in the house, severely limit its use or remove it. Food materials do not break down the same way as wastewater and adding food wastes or other solids severely reduces your system's capacity, increases the need to pump the septic tank and can damage your system. DON'T use your toilet as a trash can by dumping non-degradable items down your toilet or drains.Also, don't poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain.They can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater. Small amounts of standard household cleaners, drain cleansers, detergents, etc.will be diluted in the tank and should cause no damage to the system. Keep the following materials out of your system: NON-DEGRADABLES ITEMS: Cooking grease, disposable diapers, plastics,dental floss, cigarettes, etc. POISONS: Gasoline, oil, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, polyurethane, dyes, disinfectants, antifreeze, etc. Water Softeners Many homes or small businesses may decide to install water softeners to address"hard water" and the resulting mineral deposits that build up from it.The Title 5 regulations prohibit water softener backwash or reject wastes from going into a septic system (conventional septic system, I/A system, or cesspool), in any amount. However, the backwash from water softeners or from other water purification or filtration devices can be discharged into a drywell that has been properly designed and is approved by the local Board of Health. Backwash is wastewater generated from the cleaning of water and wastewater treatment filters. A drywell is a pit with open-jointed lining or holes that allow infiltration to the surrounding soil. For more information on having a drywell designed for your home or business, you should contact the Health Department.