Lakeville Conservation Commission continues hearing on 4 South Ave septic upgrade to Feb. 24

The Lakeville Conservation Commission on Feb. 10 continued a Notice of Intent hearing for work at 4 South Avenue and adjacent 3 Walnut Street after members said they needed the Board of Health’s final plan and an on-site verification of wetland flags before they could act.

The project as described by Greg Drake of Outback Engineering would replace the existing subsurface sewage disposal system to meet Title 5 requirements by installing a pump and a Presby sand bed. Because of sizing constraints the proposed sand bed is sited on the neighboring lot (3 Walnut Street), which the applicant also owns. The filing identifies the property as DEP number SE192952 and cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 131 (the Wetlands Protection Act).

Commissioners raised several outstanding issues: the applicant had not yet filed the final plan with the local Board of Health; members said Board of Health review could change the design and that the commission requires a plan of record that matches any Board of Health approvals. Commissioners also noted wetland flags are present but on-the-ground verification is blocked by snow and asked staff to perform or schedule a site visit once conditions allow.

Board members discussed potential Title 5 variances and a deed restriction limiting occupancy to a two-bedroom designation because the proposed system was sized for two bedrooms. The applicant acknowledged the next step was Board of Health submission and said he would check with the designer and the Board of Health’s calendar.

The commission moved and unanimously voted to continue the hearing to Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lakeville Police Station, giving the applicant time to obtain Board of Health action and for staff to verify wetland flags. A nearby resident addressed the commission about historic wetness and potential flooding impacts to their backyard and was advised to monitor the town calendar and the Board of Health docket for opportunities to raise concerns.

Next steps: applicant to file with the Board of Health, staff to perform a site visit to confirm flags when snow melts, and return to the Conservation Commission on Feb. 24 or request an additional continuance if needed.