The Mass. Department of Environmental Protection has extended the comment period for the proposed Title 5 regulations that could result in the state forcing huge numbers of residents to replace or modify their septic systems.
Two meetings are scheduled on January 24 and 25; and two public information webinars on January 17 and 18. Visit https://www.mass.gov/regulations/314-CMR-2100-watershed-permit-regulations to join the remote sessions
According to the DEP website, written comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on January 30, 2023 (which is an extension from the origical December deadline).
All comments submitted must include the name and contact information of the person providing the comments. Please submit comment by e-mail to dep.talks@mass.gov and include Title 5 & Watershed Permit in the subject line. Written comments may also be submitted by mail and should be sent to: MassDEP, Bureau of Water Resources – Division of Watershed Management, Attention: Title 5 & Watershed Permit, 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02114
For more information, visit https://www.mass.gov/regulations/314-CMR-2100-watershed-permit-regulations
PROPOSED REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Name & Citation of Regulation: Title 5, State Environmental Code: 310 CMR 15.000 and Watershed Permit Regulations: 314 CMR 21.00
Brief Explanation and Rationale for Changes: MassDEP is proposing to amend the Title 5 regulations, 310 CMR 15.000, to enhance protection of embayments and estuaries particularly on Cape Cod, the Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts from nitrogen pollution originating from wastewater and other sources.
The Title 5 regulations establish minimum standards for the proper siting, construction, upgrade, and maintenance of on-site sewage disposal systems and the appropriate means for the transport and disposal of septage in order to protect public health, safety, welfare and the environment. The current regulations do not have nitrogen reduction provisions for natural resource areas.
MassDEP is also filing new draft regulations at 314 CMR 21.00 to provide a watershed permitting approach to control nitrogen and other pollutants from entering the embayments and estuaries.
More information on the proposed regulations can he found at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massdep-public-hearings-comment-opportunities.
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