Board of Health changes handling of Title 5/percolation reports; stops routine third-party review

Board members reviewed Title 5 (septic) and percolation (perk) reports and agreed to change the board’s handling of those files. Historically the board had one outside reviewer (identified in the meeting as Phil) look over reports; that practice generated review charges and often duplicated work because state-registered inspectors prepare and sign the tests.

The board instructed staff that going forward Sadie (administrative assistant) need not routinely forward every Title 5/perk test to the outside reviewer unless there are specific questions; the board will ask for further review on a case-by-case basis. Members said the outside reviewer rarely found substantive problems in the files reviewed and that eliminating the automatic extra review will lower costs and duplicative work. One invoice from the sanitarian for prior work was discussed and included on the warrant for payment; the board approved that warrant item.

The board confirmed an address correction for a recent Title 5 on 63 Gardner Road and directed staff to continue reviewing scanned reports and to maintain records in the town system. Members emphasized that if an inspector’s work raised a technical question, they could still request outside engineering or sanitarian input and would be prepared to authorize and pay for that service when justified.

Ending: The board will continue to receive Title 5/perk reports at meetings, but routine, automatic third-party review will cease unless the board directs further investigation.