Lakeville Board of Health approves local septic setback reduction for 18 Lakeside Avenue

The Lakeville Board of Health voted Feb. 18 to approve a local upgrade request that reduces a septic-tank setback from a tributary at 18 Lakeside Avenue from 200 feet to 100 feet, subject to a passing Title 5 inspection and the submission of architectural plans confirming the house will remain a three-bedroom.

The applicant was represented by Darren McKales of Foresight Engineering, who told the board the existing system, installed when the property was purchased in 2000, will remain in place while a new house is built and the owner raises the existing structure. "We'll do a Title 5 when the springtime comes," McKales said, adding the firm will perform the inspection "as soon as the snow melts." He said the new tank will be placed just outside the 100-foot zone — approximately 101 feet from the tributary — and the board had previously granted a variance for the system itself.

Board members said they had no objections to the proposal, noting the bedroom count must be confirmed. An unidentified board member moved to approve the local upgrade request to reduce the setback from 200 to 100 feet, subject to a passing Title 5 inspection and submission of the house plans; the motion was approved unanimously by those present.

Next steps: the applicant must complete a Title 5 inspection in the spring and provide architectural plans that confirm a three-bedroom house before permits are issued.