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61 Title 5 Failure Inspection 2009, System Issue Documents 1998, 2009 BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS JAY FLEITMAN,M.D.,Chair SUZANNE SMITH,M.D. XANTHI SCRIMGEOUR,MHEd,CHES Health Director PETER J.McERLAIN,R.S.,MPH Title 5 Inspector September 23, 2009 Ms. Linda Merriam 61 North Farms Rd.. Northampton,MA 01060 CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS 01060 OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH 212 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON,MA 01060 (413)587-1214 Re: Septic Inspection at 61 North Farms rd., Northampton,MA Dear Ms. Merriam: The Northampton Board of Health is in receipt of a report on the Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Inspection conducted by Thomas Leue at 61 North Farms Rd.., Northampton, on Sept. 1,2009. That inspection report indicates that the subsurface sewage disposal system at that address 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 61 North Farms Rd..within two(2)years of the date of the inspection,(bv Sept. 1,2011).If further degradation of the sewage disposal system occurs(e.g. sewage flowing to the surface of the ground),you may be 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 587-1214, if you have any questions concerning this notice. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. Very truly yours, Peter J. McErlain Title 5 Inspector Certified Mail #7003 0500 0005 2476 4168 Ben Wood From: Tom Leue [tilapia @aol.com] Sent: Friday, January 29, 2010 5:09 PM To: Ben Wood Subject: Re: FW: 61 North Farm Road Attachments: Plan-N.Farms rd.-61.pdf Mr. Wood, Thank you for the rapid attention to this matter I have redrawn the plan with the missing d-box elevations. My error. A pdf is attached, and I will send a hard copy to all parties. No wetland specialist has been engaged for this project. I have satisfied myself that there are no wetland within the 100 foot radius, but do not consider myself to be a professional wetland evaluator. I will note that there is no alternative location for this septic system on this property and 310 CMR 10.00 allows Title 5 systems to be located within 50 ft. of a wetland. However, if you require an official deliniation you should let me know and I will inform the Owner. Given the aesthetic issues of this leachfield location towards the front of the property, I am asked not to include a ventilation system. I must leave the area for the next few days on a family matter. I will be available by email and probably back by the end of next week. Thomas Leue, R.S. Homestead Inc. Original Message From: Ben Wood <bwood @northamptonma.gov> To: Tom Leue<tilapia @aol.com> Sent: Fri, Jan 29, 2010 2:23 pm Subject: FW: 61 North Farm Road Tom, Please review this report and let me know if the issues that need to be addressed are understood. The vote to approve should be no problem and I think I can get my Board together next Wednesday. I'll be in touch soon after to let you know that the permit can be issued. Ben Wood, MPH Director, Northampton Health Department 212 Main Street, Municipal Building Northampton, MA 01060 Direct Line: 413-587-1213 General Office: 413-587-1214 Fax: 413-587-1221 Email: bwood @northamptonma.gov http://www.no rthamptonma.gov/hea Ithdept BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS JOHN T.JOYCE,Chairman ANNE BURES,M.D. CYNTHIA DOURMASHKIN,R.N. PETER J.McERLAIN,Health Agent (413)587-1214 FAX(413)587-1264 November 16, 1998 CITY OF NORTHAMPTON MASSACHUSETTS 01060 OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH Mr. Michael Ciborowski,Wildlife Biologist Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife 341 East Street Belchertown,Ma 01007 210 MAIN STREET NORTHAMPTON,MA 01060 Re: The impact of a beaver pond on the septic system at 61 North Farms Rd.,Florence,MA Dear Mr. Ciborowski: At the request of Cynthia Williams of the Northampton Office of Planning and Development, on November 16, 1998, I visited the property of Mr. Philip Brooks at 61 North Farms Rd., Florence. That visit revealed that the adjacent beaver pond is about to encroach on Mr. Brooks' septic system. The rapidly growing pond is now within 90 feet of the Brooks leaching field and has very likely raised the level of the groundwater in that area to within a couple of feet of the bottom of that leaching system. In my opinion, the beaver pond will impact the proper operation of that septic system,unless steps are taken now to control the water level. A delay in lowering the water level could result in the failure of that leaching system and sewage pollution of the groundwater. Please contact the Board of Health office if you have any questions conceming this matter. Peter J. McErlain Health Agent cc: Northampton Conservation Commission Mr. Philip Brooks,61 North Farms Rd., Florence, MA Ben Wood From: Tom Leue [tilapia©aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 1:03 PM To: Ben Wood Subject: Septic System for 61 N. Farms Rd., Florence I am the septic system designer for this project. I was informed by the contractor, River Drive Excavating this morning that they were ready for a sub-grade inspection. After reviewing the site, I observed the soil type varied from one end of the field to the other, with the end farthest from the perc test location becoming more silty and less sandy. I believe this will not cause a marked change in the capacity of the leachfield since the contractor has excavated the entire Ieachfield area, including the usual 5 feet surrounding in all directions to the water table depth. This excavation will be backflled with Title 5 sand and result in a porus leaching area of 16.5 ft by 70 ft. This should make up for any reduction in LTAR of the west end of the field from the amount used in the calculations based on the east end perc rate. On a more difficult issue we discovered in your office today is that the Owner applied for a permit with a variance on December 18, 2009, but no permit has been issued to date. I have instructed the contractor to stabilize the excavation and then cease work. This is to be accomplished by adding three feet of Title 5 sand into the excavated area to cover the soil surface, and then cover the entire area with tarpaulins. No leaching system will be constructed until the Board of Health has had a chance to review the system design. The existing failed septic system will remain in use until this issue is resolved. Please contact me at any time if I can provide additional information. Thomas S. Leue, R.S. Homestead Inc. 1664 Cape St. Williamsburg, MA 01096 800 285-4533 Owner information Is requited for every page. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Title 5 Official Inspection Form Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Form-Not for Voluntary Assessments Property Address: 61 North Farms Road Owner' Name: Linda Merriam CitylTown: Northampton, MA 01060 Date of Inspection: 9/1/09 B. Certification (cont.) 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 15.303 or in 310 CMR 15.304 exist. Any failure criteria not evaluated are indicated below. Comments: 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. N The septic tank is metal and over 20 years old*or the septic tank (whether metal or not) is structurally 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. • 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 leveled or replaced ND explain. N The system required pumping more than 4 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: C. 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. T5 Revised doc•12/07 Title 5 Official Inspection Form.Subsurface Disposal System•Page 2 of 9 Owner information is required for every page. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Title 5 Official Inspection Form Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Form-Not for Voluntary Assessments Property Address: 61 North Farms Road Owner' Name: Linda Merriam City/Town: Northampton, MA 01060 Date of Inspection: 9/1/09 Inspection resmts must oe sunmunea on mis roan. inspection roans may not De arterea In any way. Owner Address: 61 N. Farms Rd. , Florence MA 01062 Copy to: Witness: Board of Health Northampton, Carol Heon Realty Owner Homestead Inc.#: SSDS-1357 A. General Information 1. Inspector: Name of Inspector: Thomas S. Leue R.S. Company Name: Homestead Inc. Company Address: 1669 Cape St. , Williamsburg, MA 01096 Telephone Number: (4131 628-4533 License Number: SI130 B. Certification 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: r74-0--a Date: 9/1/09 The system inspector shall submit a copy of this inspection report to the Approving Authority (Board of Health or DEP)within 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. ""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. T5 Revised.doc•12/07 Title 5 Official Inspection Form:Subsurface Disposal System•Page 1 of 9 \A Commonwealth of Massachusetts Title 5 Official Inspection Form Owner information is required for every page. Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Form-Not for Voluntary Assessments Property Address: 61 North Farms Road Owner'Name: Linda Merriam City/Town: Northampton, MA 01060 Date of Inspection: 9/1/09 B. Certification (cont.) 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. For large systems, you must indicate either YES (Y)or NO (N)as to each of the following, in addition to the questions in Section D. N the system is within 400 feet of a surface drinking water supply N 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 - I WPA) or a mapped Zone 11 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. C. Checklist Check if the following have been done. You must indicate YES (Y) or NO (N) as to each of the following: Y Pumping information was provided by the owner, occupant or Board of Health. _ N 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? N/A Were"as-built" plans of the system obtained and examined? (If not available note as N/A) Y Was the facility or dwelling was inspected for signs of sewage back up? Y Was the site was inspected for signs of break out? N Were all system components, excluding the SAS, located on site? system under water Y 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 scum? Y Was the facility owner(and occupants if different from owner) provided with information on the proper maintenance of subsurface sewage disposal systems? The size and location of the Soil Absorption System (SAS) on the site has been determined based on: N Existing information. For example, a plan at the Board of Health. N Determined in the field Of any of the failure criteria related to Part Cis at issue approximation of distance is unacceptable) [310 CMR15.302(5)]. T5 Revised.doc•12107 Title 5 Official Inspection Form.Subsurface Disposal System•Page 4 of 9 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Title 5 Official Inspection Form Iel Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Form-Not for Voluntary Assessments Owner information is required for every page. Property Address: 61 North Farms Road Owner' Name: Linda Merriam City/Town: Northampton, MA 01060 Date of Inspection: 9/1/09 B. Certification (cont.) 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 indicates absent 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 must indicate either YES (Y) or NO (N) as to each of the following for all inspections: Y Backup of sewage into facility or system component due to an overloaded or clogged SAS or cesspool. Y 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 N 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 50 feet of a private water supply well. N Any portion of a 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 fecal coliform bacteria indicates absent 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.] N The system is a cesspool serving a facility with a design flow of 2000 gpd-10,000 gpd. Y The system fails: 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. COMMENT. Other failure criteria may be in place. 15 Revised doc• 12107 Title 5 Official Inspection Form'.Subsurface Disposal System•Page 3 of 9 Commonwealth of Massachusetts co Title 5 Official Inspection Form Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Form-Not for Voluntary Assessments 17 _L4- Owner Information is required for every page. Property Address: Owner' Name: City/Town: 61 North Farms Road Linda Merriam Northampton, MA Q1060 Date of Inspection: 9/1/09 D. System Information (cont.) .Approximate Age: All components date installed, and source of info. 1Septic plan: House from 1939, but system newer & over 40 years old. Y Were sewage odors detected when arriving at the site (Y or N) Building Sewer: 18 Hcast iorn 20 Comments: I Septic Tank: 14 Concrete 12 (locate on site plan) Depth below grade (inches) Material of Construction Distance in feet from private water supply well or suction line No problems seen. Under floor slab. Estimated Average (locate on site plan) Depth below grade Materials of Construction If tank is metal, list age Is age confirmed by a Certificate Riser depth _Septic tank width Septic tank length Septic tank height Calculated gross volume Air space in tank Net Volume Baffle depth Sludge thickness Top Sludge : Bottom Baffle Scum thickness Bottom Scum : Bottom Baffle Top Scum : Top Baffle (inches) of Compliance? (attach a copy of certificate) (inches) (inches) (inches) (inches) (gallons) (inches) (gallons) Calculated (inches) (inches) Average (inches) Calculated (inches) Avera e (inches) Calculated (inches) Calculated Interior dimensions Interior dimensions Interior dimensions Calculated F_ _ How were dimensions determined? Comments: 'Tank backed up to about 10" above surface. Not opened or probed. Recommendations: T5 Revised doc• 12/07 Title 5 Official Inspection Fonn:Subsurface Disposal System•Page 6 of 9 Owner information is required for every page. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Title 5 Official Inspection Form Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Form-Not for Voluntary Assessments Property Address: 61 North Farms Road Owner' Name: Linda Merriam City/Town: Northampton MA 01060 Date of Inspection: 9/1/09 D. System Information Residential Flow Conditions: unknown Number of bedrooms(design) 3 Number of bedrooms(actual) 330+ DESIGN flow based on 310 CMR 15.203 (for example: 110 gpd x it bedrooms) 2 Number of current residents Y ! Does residence have a garbage grinder? • N Is the Laundry a separate system? [If yes, separate inspection required] N Laundry system inspected? N Seasonal use? about 175 Water meter readings, if available(last 2 years usage)(gallons per day) Y Sump Pump? continuous Last date of occupancy COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL Type of establishment: = Design flow(based on 310 CMR 15.203):= gpd Basis of design flow(seats/persons/sift, etc.): Grease trap present? _ Industrial waste holding tank present o _ Non-sanitary waste discharge to the Title 5 system? _ Water meter readings, if available: _ Last date of occupancy/use: OTHER (describe):= General Information Pumping Records: Source of information: pumped 1 to 2 times per years, says owner N 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: To be pumped as part of a repair. Type of System: X Septic tank,,gliskillastisalmersoil adsorption system Single cesspool Overflow cesspool Privy N Shared system (Y or N) Of yes, attach previous inspection records, if any) = Innovative/Alternative 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): _ T5 Revised doc•12/07 Title 5 Official Inspection Form:Subsurface Disposal System•Page 5 of 9 r Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Form-Not for Voluntary Assessments Properly Address: 61 North Farms Road Commonwealth of Massachusetts r Title 5 Official Inspection Form Owner Owner' Name: Linda Merriam information is required for City/Town: Northampton MA 01060 Date of Inspection: 9/1/09 every page. U. System Information (cont.) '.Distribution Box: Of present must be opened) (locate on site plan) ("D-box") N D-box part of septic system? Depth of liquid level above outlet invert Inches Comments (note if box is level and distribution to outlets equal, any evidence of solids carryover, and cut of D-box, etc. Not identified, but expected. Pump Chamber: (locate on site plan) N Pump part of septic system? Pumps in working order (Y or N) Alarms in working order: (Y or N) Comments (note condition of pump chamber, condition of pumps and appurtenances, etc.): Cesspools: (cesspool must be pumped as part of inspection) (locate on site plan) N Cesspool part of system? 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 (note soil conditions, signs of hydraulic failure, level of ponding, condition of vegetation, etc.) Comments: ;Privy: (locate on site plan) N Privy part of system? Materials of construction: Dimensions: Depth of solids: Comments: (soil conditions, signs of hydraulic failure, level of ponding, condition of vegetation, etc.) Site Exam: (Source of Information) Y Check Slope Official Pero Date _ Surface water Official Plan Date Y _Check Cellar _ _Other Official Source N Shallow wells Other Source —18 Estimated depth to ground water (inches) • Please indicate all the methods used to determine high groundwater elevation: Y Observed site (abutting property/observation hole within 150 feet of SAS) Checked with local Board of Health-explain: • • Checked with local excavators, installers-explain: You must describe how you established the high ground water elevation: Wet area near swamp. Actual depth to be determined during perc test for repair. T5 Revised.doc• 12/07 Title 5 Official Inspection Form:Subsurface Disposal System•Page 8 of 9 Owner information is required for every page. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Title 5 Official Inspection Form Subsurface Sewage Disposal System Form-Not for Voluntary Assessments Property Address: Owner'Name: City/Town: 61 North Farms Road Linda Merriam Northampton, MA 01060 Date of Inspection: 9/1/09 D. System Grease Trap: N r Information (cont.) (Comments: (Usually present in certain commercial systems) Grease Trap part of system? Depth below grade (inches) Materials of construction: Dimensions: Scum thickness (Inches) Top of scum to top of outlet tee Bottom of scum to bottom of outlet tee Date of last pumping condition 'Tight or Holding Tank: • • N Tight tank part of system? T Depth below grade Materials of construction Tank width Tank height Design flow: Alarm Level Alarms in working order? Date of last pumping Comments: (condition of alarm and float switches, etc.) Measured Average Calculated Inches Calculated Inches (tank must be pumped at time of inspection) (inches) Measured Tank length Capacity gallons/day (inches) Attach copy of current pumping contract(required). Is copy attached? Soil Absorption System (SAS): !If SAS not located explain why: (locate on site plan, excavation not required): leaching pits& number: _ leaching chambers and number: leaching galleries and number: leaching trenches, number. length: (inches) (gallons) leaching fields, number, dimensions: estimated from surface signs. overflow cesspool, number: innovative/alternative system, Type: ,Comments: (note soil condition of soil, signs of hydraulic failure, level of ponding, condition of vegetation, etc. Probably a modest sized field in a wet area. T5 Revised.doc• 12/07 Title 5 Official Inspection Form'Subsurface Disposal System•Page 7 of 9 . Garage Site of sewage breakout Y N r Ir Qz 3 bedroom 74., House Outline Leachfield, assumed size and location -" Septic tank � porch p Town water in NORTH ...4&A As-Built Drawing Date: Owner: M OF Ws 9/1/09 Linda Merriam �� � HOMESTEAD INC. Existing Septic System a morass, Thomas S. Leue R.S. 61 North Farms Ro. e l u LEti - Scale: 1 : 20' Revision Date: 7 1 1664 Cape St. Except as Noted Md FlOr @nCe, MA 01062 r #0Cy�,REO 5����� WTI r 0I096 14131 628-0533 2. Jy 2 . . \ \ yy r \t / -r � § / \\9 y \ /. �\\ d�w. \ \ \ WS \ ? . / \w � " _ ( { w } , r 2 j % 2 2 2 \ / . - { L 61 North Farms Road 4.6.10 61 North Farms Road 4.6.10