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WP 61a, 61b, 75a, 75b: Approval of Title 5 Alternative Technologies

MassDEP must approve alternative septic systems for use in Massachusetts. These approvals ensure that alternative systems work as well as or better than a conventional system.
For WP 75b only: The renewal application must be submitted at least 180 days prior to the expiration date of the existing approval or certification.
Apply online: EEA ePLACE Portal 

Contact

Septic Systems / Title 5 Contact Information

Online

Email DEP.Title5@mass.gov

The Details

What you need

The purpose of these approvals is to ensure that alternative Title 5 technologies, which have substitute or alternative components for one or more elements of a conventional on-site system, can provide the same or a higher degree of environmental and public health protection as a conventional system.

WP 61a establishes an approval process for MassDEP review of alternative technologies proposed for remedial use. 

WP 61b establishes a three-tiered approval process for MassDEP review of alternative technologies for piloting, provisional approval, or general use. 

WP 75a establishes a modification process for existing approvals or certifications.

WP 75b establishes a renewal process for existing approvals or certifications that contain an expiration date.

You must apply for these approvals if any of the following categories apply:

WP 61a and 61b: Developers of alternative technologies seeking approval for use of a technology that will treat and discharge to the ground sanitary wastewater up to 10,000 gallons per day.

WP 75a: Developers of alternative technologies that have a MassDEP Title 5 approval or certification, and who wish to have the approval or certification modified.

WP 75b: Developers of alternative technologies that have a MassDEP Title 5 approval or certification with an expiration date, and who wish to have the approval or certification renewed.

How to apply

File online via the EEA ePlace Portal. See details below.

Next steps

  1. Review the Instructions

    Guidance on how to prepare your certification and file it online, as follows:

    Instructions: BRP WP 61a,61b,75a,75b  (English, DOCX 184.69 KB)
    Instructions: WP 61, 75 - Approval of Title 5 Alternative Technologies (English, PDF 159.88 KB)
    WP61a ePLACE step-by-step instructions (English, PDF 2.04 MB)
    WP61b ePLACE step-by-step instructions (English, PDF 2.04 MB)
    WP75a ePLACE step-by-step instructions (English, PDF 1.6 MB)
    WP75b ePLACE step-by-step instructions (English, PDF 1.67 MB)

  2. Complete the Application Form

    Please fill out and save the Microsoft Word or Acrobat Adobe PDF form on your computer.

    Important Note: Even when applying online, you will still need to complete a conventional Application Form and upload it as an attachment during the online filing process. Please do not mail in these forms.

    Title 5 Approval of Alternative Technologies (English, DOCX 126.93 KB)
    Title 5 Approval of Alternative Technologies (English, PDF 100.36 KB)

  3. Claim your Authorization (for WP75a and WP75b only)

    1. If you have an existing permit with the program not already linked to the EEA ePLACE Portal, you will first need to do one important step: Claim Your Authorization. This process will allow us to link your renewal or amendment application to your existing permit and confirm your identity. Once the program staff has reviewed and completed your claim request you will then be able to continue with your renewal or amendment application. Please note: You will not be required to upload anything in the Documents section.
    2. Claim online via the EEA ePlace Portal. 
      Note: if you are a first-time user, you will need to begin by creating an account.

      See the ePlace account setup instructions and Comprehensive User Manual below. Once MassDEP has approved your claim, proceed to step 4.
    How to Claim Your Authorization Instructions (English, PDF 671.2 KB)

  4. Submit your Application and Fee Payment

    1. File online via the EEA ePlace Portal.
    2. You will have the option to pay online by credit card or automated clearing house (ACH) or pay by mail. If you select the pay-by-mail option, instructions on how to do so will be provided when you submit your online application.
    How to Create Your EEA ePLACE Account (English, PDF 479.6 KB)
    ePLACE Comprehensive User Manual (English, PDF 2.27 MB)

Contact

Online
Email DEP.Title5@mass.gov
Phone
ePLACE Help Desk 844-733-7522

Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm, with the exception of all Commonwealth & Federally observed holidays.

Online
ePLACE_helpdesk@mass.gov

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