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Across Massachusetts, failing cesspools and septic systems are a leading cause of contaminated drinking water, tainted shellfish beds, weed-choked lakes and ponds and polluted beaches. In 1995, the Department of Environmental Protection with the help of key stake-holders revised Title 5 of the State Environmental Code to protect the health of Massachusetts citizens and the state’s natural resources. This was the first time the state’s septic system rules were revised since 1978. The revised code reflects a new understanding of the impact of septic
systems on the subsurface environment, groundwater and surface waters like rivers, lakes and ponds. Title 5 requires inspection of private on-site sewage disposal systems before properties using them are sold, expanded or undergo a change in use. Systems deemed to be failed are required by Title 5 to be repaired, replaced, or upgraded to protect the public health and the environment.
To help homeowners comply with the revised Title 5 rules, the Commonwealth has invested approximately $164 million dollars in various assistance programs aimed at either upgrading septic systems, building community systems, or new sewers. The Community Septic Management Program (CSMP) was developed through the collaboration of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, the Office of the State Treasurer, and the Department of Revenue. Funding for the Program was provided by the 1996 Open Space Bond Bill which authorized DEP to spend $30 million dollars to assist homeowners comply with Title 5. DEP will use the appropriation to fund loans to communities through the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust (the Trust). Using the State Revolving
Fund (SRF) loans from the Trust, communities can provide betterment loans to assist homeowners who must address septic system failures.
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