Board hears engineer on failing Otter River Road septic, discusses 2‑foot groundwater reduction request
May 13, 2026 | Gardner City, Worcester County, Massachusetts
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The Gardner Board of Health on May 11 heard an engineer and staff describe a full replacement of a failing septic system at 350 Otter River Road and a request for a local upgrade approval to reduce the required separation to groundwater from 5 feet to 3 feet.
Staff member introduced Chris, the project engineer, and said the project packet included a local upgrade approval form and plans. "So the system was in failure. They're doing a full system replacement," the staff member said, summarizing the condition that prompted the request. Chris explained the proposal would use an unconventional CRESB system that, combined with additional treatment, would allow a two‑foot reduction in groundwater separation from five feet to three feet because of the added effluent treatment.
Board members and staff noted the lot is long and narrow and that the existing system appeared undersized. Chris said the existing system likely dates from before current Title 5 rules and that high groundwater on the site led to system failure. He also described constraints posed by nearby wells: "We're almost clipping" a neighboring well and the site has limited space for a conventional septic field.
On maintenance and longevity, Chris said modern designs are for a 20‑year design life but that with proper maintenance and pumping he expects longer service: "You're gonna get 30 plus on this as long as they pump it. I put in a statement to pump it every 2 to 3 years." Staff and the engineer said the presby/CRESB approach provides an additional treatment layer that is the basis for permitting the reduced separation.
A board member said, "I'll make a motion to... the request," and the Chair asked to check details. The transcript shows discussion and a motion being introduced about the request for 350 Otter River Road, but a formal roll‑call or recorded yea/nay tally for that motion does not appear in the provided segments.
Next steps: the board circulated related paperwork and continued with other agenda business; the record in the available transcript does not include a documented final vote on the local upgrade motion.
The board discussed related permitting and will address outstanding technical details as needed at a later time.
Staff member introduced Chris, the project engineer, and said the project packet included a local upgrade approval form and plans. "So the system was in failure. They're doing a full system replacement," the staff member said, summarizing the condition that prompted the request. Chris explained the proposal would use an unconventional CRESB system that, combined with additional treatment, would allow a two‑foot reduction in groundwater separation from five feet to three feet because of the added effluent treatment.
Board members and staff noted the lot is long and narrow and that the existing system appeared undersized. Chris said the existing system likely dates from before current Title 5 rules and that high groundwater on the site led to system failure. He also described constraints posed by nearby wells: "We're almost clipping" a neighboring well and the site has limited space for a conventional septic field.
On maintenance and longevity, Chris said modern designs are for a 20‑year design life but that with proper maintenance and pumping he expects longer service: "You're gonna get 30 plus on this as long as they pump it. I put in a statement to pump it every 2 to 3 years." Staff and the engineer said the presby/CRESB approach provides an additional treatment layer that is the basis for permitting the reduced separation.
A board member said, "I'll make a motion to... the request," and the Chair asked to check details. The transcript shows discussion and a motion being introduced about the request for 350 Otter River Road, but a formal roll‑call or recorded yea/nay tally for that motion does not appear in the provided segments.
Next steps: the board circulated related paperwork and continued with other agenda business; the record in the available transcript does not include a documented final vote on the local upgrade motion.
The board discussed related permitting and will address outstanding technical details as needed at a later time.
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