Under the Title 5 Regulations (310 CMR 15.000), MassDEP must approve an innovative/alternative septic-system technology before it can be used in Massachusetts. There are 4 categories of approval:
- General Use systems will provide a level of environmental protection at least equivalent to that of a conventional on-site system designed in accordance with Title 5.
- Piloting is intended to provide field-testing and technical demonstration to determine if the technology can or cannot function effectively.
- Provisional Use approval is intended for evaluation of alternative systems that appear technically capable of providing levels of protection at least equivalent to those of a standard on-site disposal system.
- Remedial Use systems improve existing conditions at a particular facility or facilities served by a failed, failing, or nonconforming system.
Please note that MassDEP approval does not constitute an endorsement of any specific technology.
In each case, the system owner must follow the inspection and testing schedule required by the approval. Contact the manufacturers listed for schematics of these technologies.
In addition to the approval categories listed above, Title 5 also allows the use of effluent tee filters at the outlet of the septic tank in lieu of an outlet tee.
Summary Table
The following summary table lists all approved technologies by category. This table contains the most recent address for each company. Address changes are not noted on the individual approvals.
Summary Table of Innovative/Alternative Technologies Approved for Use in Massachusetts