Rowley Board of Health Approves Variated Alternative Septic System for Oyster Point Road

ROWLEY — April 26, 2019 — Rowley Board of Health unanimously approves a seven-variance alternative septic system for a failed system on a constrained waterfront lot. The board approved all three motion packages Friday for 51 Oyster Point Road, granting local upgrade variances that reduce the leaching area's setback from the adjacent salt marsh from 50 feet to 21 feet and from the on-site well from 100 feet to 19 feet, among six other reduced offsets. Applicant Dan Johnson of Domestic Septic Design presented the MicroFast passive pretreatment system paired with ultraviolet disinfection, telling the board the UV unit adds a layer of pathogen removal not typically required by the state. The board imposed enhanced maintenance conditions above state minimums, including mandatory annual UV lamp replacement and well water testing with a sodium threshold of 250 parts per million triggering installation of an infiltration system. Health Agent Frank McEacheron separately reported the town's septic betterment loan program carries a balance of $334,618 after 98 loans processed over 20 years, with a $63,439 state repayment due in two installments through January 2020.