Title 5/Septic Systems Policies & Guidance

Covers industrial wastewater, hazardous waste management and other requirements.

This guidance applies to applications for Local Upgrade Approval for system upgrades where percolation testing in accordance with Title 5 cannot be performed.

A deed notice that must be included in the chain of title for a property served by an alternative sewage-disposal system.

This deed restriction serves to limit the number of bedrooms that a property can have according to the Title 5 regulations.

Guidance for Boards of Health in considering local upgrade approvals under Title 5.

Design and installation criteria for these features when required for a system constructed in fill.

How to calculate nitrogen loading limitations under the provisions of Title 5.

Guidelines for the design and construction of on-site wastewater pressure distribution systems consistent with the requirements of Title 5.

This guidance explains the exemptions from Title 5 inspection requirements when property is transferred between family members.

Guidance for the design of alternative septic systems using recirculating-sand-filter technology.

Analysis of the scientific and engineering principles underlying the regulation of subsurface sewage-disposal systems under Title 5.

Guidance for system owners and system inspectors for evaluating the adequacy of existing septic systems.

Guidance for the approval of moldering privies at existing hike-in/paddle-in campsites in Massachusetts.

Guidance on the application of 310 CMR 15.000 (Title 5) to the use of land or structures for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

Further clarification of the "Guidance on Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000) Compliance for Accessory Dwelling Units" in question and answer format.

Inspection and sampling for Remedial and General Use I/A systems in single-family homes with design flows of less than 2000 gallons per day.

The equipment and sampling protocols that should be utilized when conducting field tests or collecting wastewater samples for laboratory analysis from innovative/alternative treatment systems.

This policy addresses the issue of whether an innovative/alternative treatment technology approved by DEP to reduce nitrogen should be required for system upgrades in areas subject to the nitrogen-loading limitations of Title 5.

Title 5 systems should be removed from Zone I's whenever possible, otherwise upgraded to a fully-compliant Title 5 system.