851 Septic Inspection 2003 BOARD OF HEALTH
MEMBERS
RICHARD P.BRUNSWICK,M.D.,
MPH,Chair
ROSEMARIE KARPARIS,R.N.,MPH
JAY FLEITMAN,M.D.
PETER J.McERLAIN,Health Agent
CITY OF NORTHAMPTON
MASSACHUSETTS 01060
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF HEALTH
210 MAIN STREET
01060
(413)587-1213
September 26, 2003
Margaret Baker
851 Florence Rd.
Florence,MA 01062
Dear Ms.Baker
RE• Sewage Disposal System Inspection
851 Florence Rd..,Florence
The Northampton Board of Health is in receipt of a report on the Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Inspection
conducted by Thomas Leue at 851 Florence Rd.,Florence on September 22,2003.That inspection report indicates that
your subsurface sewage disposal system fails to protect the public health and the environment as defined in Section
15.303 of CMR 15.000,State Environmental Code,Title 5.
Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of 310 CMR 15.000 of the State Environmental Code Title 5,and under
authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 21A, Section 13,you(or the subsequent owners of the property)are
hereby ordered to repair the subsurface sewage disposal system at 851 Florence Rd.,within two(2)years of the
date of the inspection,(by September 22,2005). If further degradation of the sewage disposal system occurs(e.g.
sewage flowing to the surface of the ground),you maybe required to complete the repairs sooner.
All work to repair/upgrade the subsurface sewage disposal system must be performed by a licensed sewage disposal
system installer, in accordance with the requirements of 310 CMR 15.000, and with plans prepared by a Registered
Sanitarian or Registered Professional Engineer and approved by the Northampton Board of Health.
Please be advised that you are entitled to a hearing on this order to upgrade your subsurface sewage disposal system,
provided that you file a written petition requesting such a hearing in the Board of health office within seven(7)days of
the receipt of this notice.
Please feel free to contact the Board of Health office, at 587-1213, if you have any questions concerning this notice.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this matter.
Very truly yours,
Peter J.McErlain
Health Agent
Certified Mail#7001 1940 0005 1331 4537
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS I )�I
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Se' 2 6 200
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTI(f L
e
TITLE 5
OFFICIAL INSPECTION FORM - NOT FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENTS
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FORM
PART A
CERTIFICATION
Property Address. 851 Florence Road. Northampton, MA
owner's Name: Margaret Baker
Owner's Address: g51 Florence Rd. , Florence, MA 01062
Date of Inspection: g/.220 3
Copy to: card of Health. Northampton: Holt Realty
Witness: Bill Boyle Number: SSDS-839
Name of Inspector: Thomas S. Leue
Company Name: Homestead Inc.
Mailing Address: 1664 Cape St. . Williamsburg. MA 01096
Telephone Number. (4131 628-4533
CERTIFICATION STATEMENT
I certify that I have personally inspected the sewage disposal system at this address and that the information
reported below is true, accurate and complete as of the time of the inspection. The inspection was performed
based on my training and experience in the proper function and maintenance of on-site sewage disposal
systems. I am a DEP approved system inspector pursuant to Section 15.340 of Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000).
The septic system condition must be evaluated and classified into one of the following four conditions:
Passes
Conditionally Passes
Needs Further Evaluation by the Local Approving Authority
Fails
The system condition: Fails
Inspector's Signature:
Date: i,egtamher 22. 2003,
The System Inspector shall submit a copy of this inspection report to the Approving Authority (Board of Health
of DEP)within thirty (30)days of completing this inspection. If the system is a shared system or has a design
flow of 10,000 gpd or greater,the inspector and the system owner shall submit the report to the appropriate
regional office of the DEP. The original should be sent to the system owner and copies to the buyer,if
applicable and the approving authority.
Notes and Comments
****This report only describes conditions at the time of inspection and under the conditions of use at that
time.This inspection does not address how the system will perform in the future under the same or
different conditions of use.
Title 5 Inspection Form 6/15/2000
page 1 of 9
Homestead Inc.
OFFICIAL INSPECTION FORM - NOT FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENTS
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FORM
PART A
CERTIFICATION
Property Address: 851 Florence Road, Northampton, MA
Owner: Margaret Baker
Date of Inspection: 9/22/03
Inspection Summary: Check A,B, C,D or E/ALWAYS complete all of Section D:
A. System Passes:
N I have not found any information which indicates that any of the failure criteria as described in 310
CMR 15.3W or in 310 CMR 15.304 exist. Any failure criteria not evaluated are indicated below.
Confluents.
B] System Conditionally Passes:
N One or more system components as described in the "Conditional Pass" section need to be replaced or
repaired. The system, upon completion of the replacement or repair, as approved by the Board of
Health, will pass. Answer yes,no,or not determined(Y,N,or ND)in the for the following
statements. If"not determined"please explain.
(1) N The septic tank is metal and over 20 years old*or the septic tank(whether metal or not)is
stmcturally unsound, exhibits substantial infiltration or exfiltration, or tank failure is imminent. The system will
pass inspection if the existing septic tank is replaced with a complying septic tank as approved by the Board of
Health. *A metal septic tank will pass inspection if it is structurally sound,not leaking and if a Certificate of
Compliance indicating that the tank is less than 20 years old is available.
ND explain.
(2) N Observation of sewage backup or break out or high static water level in the distribution box due
to broken or obstructed pipe(s) or due to a broken, settled or uneven distribution box. System will pass
inspection if(with approval by the Board of Health). _ broken pipe(s)are replaced
obstruction is removed
distribution box is levelled or replaced
ND explain:
(3) N The system required pumping more than four times a year due to broken or obstructed pipe(s).
The system will pass inspection if(with approval of the Board of Health):
broken pipe(s)are replaced
obstruction is removed
ND explain:
(4) N Other: explain:_
CI Further Evaluation is Required by the Board of Health:
N Conditions exist which require further evaluation by the Board of Health in order to determine if the
system is failing to protect the public health, safety or the environment:
1) System will pass unless Board of Health determines in accordance with 310 CMR 15.303(1)(b)that
the system is not functioning in a manner which will protect public health,safety and the environment:
Cesspool or privy is within 50 feet of a surface water.
Cesspool or privy is within 50 feet of a bordering vegetated wetland or a salt marsh.
Title 5 Inspection Fenn 6/15/2000
page 2 of 9 Homestead Inc.
OFFICIAL INSPECTION FORM - NOT FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENTS
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FORM
PART A
CERTIFICATION (continued)
Property Address: 851 Florence Road, Northampton, MA
Owner: Margaret Baker
Date of Inspection: 9/22/03
2) System will fail unless Board of Health(and Public Water Supplier,if any)determines that the
system is functioning in a manner that protects the public health,safety and environment:
The system has a septic tank and soil absorption system(SAS)and the SAS is within 100 feet of a
surface water supply or tributary to a surface water supply.
_ The system has a septic tank and SAS and the SAS is within a Zone I of a public water supply.
_ The system has a septic tank and SAS and the SAS is within 50 feet of a private water supply well.
The system has a septic tank and SAS and the SAS is less than 100 feet but 50 feet or more from a
private water supply well** Method used to determine distance
**This system passes if the well water analysis,performed at a DEP certified laboratory,for coliform bacteria
and volatile organic compounds indicates that the well is free from pollution from that facility and the presence
of ammonia nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen is equal to or less than 5 ppm, provided that no other failure criteria
are triggered.A copy of the analysis must be attached to this form.
3) Other:
D] System Failure Criteria applicable to all systems:
You gust indicate either"Yes" or"No"as to each of the following for as inspections:
YES (Y)or NO(N)
N Backup of sewage into facility or system component due to an overloaded or clogged SAS or cesspool.
N Discharge or ponding of effluent to the surface of the ground or surface waters due to an overloaded or
clogged SAS or cesspool.
N Static liquid level in the distribution box above outlet invert due to an overloaded or clogged SAS or
cesspool.
N Liquid depth in cesspool is less than 6" below invert or available volume less than 1/2 day flow.
N Required pumping more than 4 times in the last year NOT due to clogged or obstructed pipe(s).Number
of times pumped
Y Any portion of the SAS, cesspool or privy is below high ground water elevation.
N Any portion of cesspool or privy is within 100 feet of a surface water supply or tributary to a surface
water supply.
N Any portion of cesspool privy is within a Zone I of a public well.
N Any portion of cesspool or privy is within 5o feet of a private water supply well.
N Any portion of a SAS, cesspool or privy is less than 100 feet but greater than 50 feet from a private
water supply with no acceptable water quality analysis. [This system passes if the well water analysis,
performed at a DEP certified laboratory,for coliform bacteria and volatile organic compounds
indicates that the well is free from pollution from that facility and the presence of ammonia
nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen is equal to or less than 5 ppm,provided that no other failure criteria
are triggered.A copy of the analysis must be attached to this font]
I The system fates. I have determined that one or more of the above failure criteria exist as defined in 310
CM 15.303,therefore the system fails. The system owner should contact the Board of Health should be
contacted to determine what will be necessary to correct the failure.
Title 5 Inspection Form 6/15/2000
page 3 of 9 Homestead Inc.
OFFICIAL INSPECTION FORM - NOT FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENTS
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FORM
PART A
CERTIFICATION (continued)
Property Address: 851 Florence Road, Northampton. MA
Owner: Margaret Baker
Date of Inspection: 9/22/03
E] Large Systems:
To be considered a large system the system must serve a facility with a design flow of 10,000 to 15,000 gpd.
You must indicate either "Yes" or"No"as to each of the following:
The following criteria apply to large systems in addition to the criteria above:
YES (Y) or NO(N)
�i the system is within 400 feet of a surface drinking water supply
the system is within 200 feet of a tributary to a surface drinking water supply
N the system is located in a nitrogen sensitive area(Interim Wellhead Protection Area- IWPA)or a
mapped Zone II of a public water supply well)
If you answered "yes" to any question in Section E the system is considered a significant threat,or answered
"yes" in Section D above the large system has failed.The owner or operator of any large system considered a
significant threat under Section E or failed under Section D shall upgrade the system in accordance with 310
CMR 15.304.The system owner should contact the appropriate regional office of the Department.
PART B: CHECKLIST
fleck if the following have been done.You must indicate"yes"or"no"as to each of the following:
YES (Y)or NO(N)
Y Pumping information was provided by the owner,occupant or Board of Health.
• Were any of the system components pumped out in the previous two weeks?
Y Has the system received normal flows in the previous two week period?
N Have large volumes of water been introduced to the system recently or as part of the inspection?
Were as built plans of the system obtained and examined? (If they am not available note as N/A)
• Was the facility or dwelling was inspected for signs of sewage back up?
• Was the site was inspected for signs of break out?
• Were all system components,excluding the SAS,located on site?
N Were the septic tank manholes uncovered,opened,and the interior of the septic tank inspected for the
condition of the baffles or tees,material of construction,dimensions,depth of liquid,depth of sludge and depth of scum?
The size and location of the Soil Absorption System(SAS)on the site has been determined based on:
N a) Existing information. For example, a plan at the Board of Health.
N b) Determined in the field(if any of the failure criteria related to Part C is at issue
approximation of distance is unacceptable) [15.302(3)(b)].
• The facility owner(and occupants,if different from owner)were provided with information on
proper maintenance of Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems(SSDS).
RESOURCES:
Department of Environmental Protection,Western Regional Office,436 Dwight St.,Springfield,MA
01103, (413)784-1100;Title 5 Hotline-(800)266-1122
Title 5 Inspection Form 6/15/2000
page 4 of 9
Homestead Inc.
OFFICIAL INSPECTION FORM - NOT FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENTS
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FORM
PART C: SYSTEM INFORMATION
Property Address: 851 Florence Road, Northampton, MA
Owner: Margaret Baker
Date of Inspection: 9/22/03
RESIDENTIAL
unknown
3
1
N
Y
N
N
N/A
N
continuous
FLOW CONDITIONS
DESIGN flow based on 310 CMR 15.203 (gallons/day)
Number of bedrooms(design)
Number of bedrooms(actual)
Number of current residents
Is there a garbage grinder ?(Y or N) _
Is there a Laundry Hookup?(Y or N)
Is the Laundry a separate system?(Y or N) (If yes, separate inspection required)_
Seasonal use(Y or N)
Water meter readings,if available (last two years usage)(gallons per day)
Sump Pump(Y or N)_
Date of last occupancy_
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL
Type of establishment:
Design flow (based on 310 CMR 15.203): gpd
Basis of design flow (seats/persons/sqft,etc.):
Grease trap present(yes or no):
Industrail waste holding tank present(yes or no):
Water meter readings, if available:
Last date of occupancy/use:
OTHER(describe):
GENERAL INFORMATION
Pumping Records
Source of information: Dumped around 1997, says Owner
Was system pumped as part of the inspection (Y or N)
If yes, volume pumped: gallons--How was quantity pumped determined?
Reason for pumping:
Comment:
TYPE OF SYSTEM:
X Septic tank, distribution box, soil adsorption system.
Single cesspool
Overflow cesspool
Privy
N Shared system(Y or N) (if yes,attach previous inspection records,if any)
Innovative/Altemative technology. Attach copy of the current operation and maintenance contract(to
be obtained from system owner)
Tight tank(Attach a copy of the DEP approval)
Other(describe):
N Were sewage odors detected when arriving at the site(Y or N)
Title 5 Inspection Fonn 6/15/2000
page 5 of 9 Homestead Inc.
OFFICIAL INSPECTION FORM - NOT FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENTS
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FORM
PART C:
SYSTEM INFORMATION(continued)
Property Address: 851 Florence Road. Northampton, MA
Owner: Maraaret Baker
Date of Inspection: 9/22/03
APPROXIMATE AGE All components, date installed, and source of information
Septic plan: said to be 1960 ' system with new tank possible in 1989
Source of Information Owner
BUILDING SEWER
80
20
cast iron
Comments:
(located on site plan)
Depth below grade (inches) Anti matod Average
Distance in feet from private water supply well or suction line
Materials of Construction
Way deep in ground, under slab
SEPTIC TANK
Concrete Materials of Construction
80 Depth below grade
0 Riser depth
56 Septic tank width
86 Septic tank length
58 Septic tank height
1,212 Calculated gross volume
Air space in tank
Net Volume
Baffle depth
Sludge thickness
Scum thickness
Top Sludge: Bottom Baffle
Bottom Scum : Bottom Baffle
Top Scum : Top Baffle
(located on site plan)
(inches)
(inches)sai d to
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(gallons
(inches)
(gallons
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
(inches)
be in of ace.
but not found
galculated
Cal ciliated
Average
Average
cal onlated
Calculated
Calcu]ate@
Comments:
Very deep tank, locatd, but not fully excavated. Inlet
baffle appears to be missing. Outlet likely to be similar.
Recommendations:
Replace tank 5 ' or more higher.
PUMP CHAMBER
8 Pump part of septic system: (Y or N)
Pumps in working order: (Y or N)
Alarms in working order: (Y or N)
Comments:
Title S Inspection Form 6/15/2000
page 6 of 9
Homestead Inc.
OFFICIAL INSPECTION FORM - NOT FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENTS
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FORM
PART C:
SYSTEM INFORMATION(continued)
Property Address:
Owner:
Date of Inspection:
851 Florence Road, Northampton, MA
Margaret Baker
9/22/03
DISTRIBUTION BOX (located on site plan)("D-box")
N D-box part of septic system: (Y or N)
Depth of liquid level above outlet invert
Comments: Could not excavate leaching facility due to excessive dept$
of system. D-box presence not known.
SOIL ADSORPTION SYSTEM (SAS): Technology Used (located on site plan by estimate):
leaching pits&number:
leaching chambers and number
leaching galleries and number:
leaching trenches,number,length:
leaching fields, number, dimensions:
overflow cesspool,number:
innovative/alternative system,Type:
Comments: (note soil conditions, signs of hydraulic failure, level of ponding, condition of vegetation, etc.)
If SAS not located
explain why: Great depth of system precluded opening and tracing pipe tc
leachfield
TIGHT OR HOLDING TANK (tank must be pumped at time of inspection)
N Tight tank part of system: (Y or N)
Depth below grade (inches) Measure4
Tank width (inches) from Plan
Tank length (inches) From Plan
Tank height (inches) From Plan
Calculated gross volume (gallons Calcu&ated
Materials of construction
Design flow: gallons/day
Pumps in working order: (Y or N)
Alarms in working order: (Y or N)
Date of last pumping
Comments: (conditions of inlet tees, condition of alarm and float switches,etc.)
PRIVY (locate on site plan, if any)
N Privy part of system: (Y or N
Materials of construction:
Dimensions:
Depth of solids:
Comments: (soil conditions, signs of hydraulic failure, level of ponding, condition of vegetation,et
Tide 5 Inspection Form 6/15/2000
page 7 of 9
Homestead Inc.
OFFICIAL INSPECTION FORM - NOT FOR VOLUNTARY ASSESSMENTS
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FORM
• PART C:
SYSTEM INFORMATION(continued)
Property Address: 851 Florence Road. Northampton MA
Owner: Margaret Baker
Date of Inspection: 9/22/03
S P I OLS (cesspool must be pumped as part of inspection)
B Cesspool part of system: (Y or N)
Number and configuration:
Depth-top of liquid to inlet invert
Depth of solids layer
Depth of scum layer
Dimensions of cesspool
Materials of construction
Indication of groundwater inflow(cesspool must be pumped as part of inspection)
(note soil conditions, signs of hydraulic failure, level of ponding,condition of vegetation
Commen
GREASE TRAP (Usually present in certain commercial systems)
N Grease Trap part of system: (Y or N)
Materials of construction:
Depth below grade (inches) tleasured
Dimensions:
Depth of solids layer
Depth of scum layer
Top of scum to top outlet
Date of last pumping
Bottom of scum to outlet. calculated Inches
Scum thickness (inches) Average
Comments: (recommendation and conditions)
ralcnt aced Inches
SITE EXAM
Slope
Surface water
Check Cellar
Shallow wells
(Source of Information)
76 Estimated depth to ground water (inches)
Please indicate(check) all the methods used to determine high groundwater elevation:
Obtained from system design plan on record
Date of design plan reviewed
Y Observed site(abutting property/observation hole within 150 feet of SAS)
Checked with local Board of Health-explain:
Information: Found wet soil at about this depth.
Actual groundwater to be determined during repair.
Title 5 Inspection Form 6/15/2000
page 8 of 9
Homestead Inc.
Outline of end of house.
deck
2B, vp
septic tank --
' a a t a:fi 51 W;O:C401
Note: No drinking water sources within 100' radius. speculative location of leachfield
4 North
e Date: Owner:
As-Built Drawing HOMESTEAD INC.
Existing Septic System 9/22/03 Margaret Baker Thomas S. Leue R.S.
851 Florence Road
Scale: 1 : 20' Revision Date: Florence, MA 01062 / , 1664 Cape St.
�� Williamsburg,MA 01096
Except as Noted °'/ [413)628-4533