[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6525152,"mediaKeyId","3585522-d1ed05d66cc512131cf54ecdb1f61712","parentId",3585522,"title","Neighbors complain installer placed pump chamber on shared land; Charlton Board of Health urges negotiated fix","audioSeconds",2653,"startMs",2347000,"endMs",5000000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585522-d1ed05d66cc512131cf54ecdb1f61712&start=2347&end=5000","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585522-d1ed05d66cc512131cf54ecdb1f61712/thumbnail_2347000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6525152/Town-of-Charlton/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Neighbors-complain-installer-placed-pump-chamber-on-shared-land-Charlton-Board-of-Health-urges-negotiated-fix","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6525152-5578947f20a4dbbf5a553604c95ab56f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436921&Signature=UFYHK4wHiepJOvTrpBUOZ~Nt~m2IZf8ImEOVtNdBJod9o1auRQ~BCCYvVxTGLajl2f3gRiDmE5kLodjlfnsGgXIwmU2iBuz2p099qEIQz5NWtPnmCL4fB8gt7ICAjkGldGDvtJ7mMGD3n214v87kNZ-aM23--hpiNMokcfvkk6Ppe2kHVdUGWfBIBMkfg7iN8cAisYWereDpeipRJsQv8YKCBeGYO3lkzTw4YyRH8glZQL4GLsIBqL~Q1AHJzyqd~yJKIBNKlccCmK0pB6uUtbKO5396uWHN9Dm-LH~K3r3-kL~kT1BhjnZmxTRua3q0Olon3LdAxjVNgTqQ9HdJHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Charlton, MA","date","2025-05-24T00:00:00Z","article","Neighbors at 59 Cranberry Meadows (Shaw Road) told the Charlton Board of Health on May 6 that a recently installed septic pump chamber and excavation work extended about four feet onto their property without their permission. The board confirmed an administrative cease-and-desist was in place for the project and urged the parties to pursue an orderly remediation.

What happened

Neighbors said a contractor working for the homeowner at 59 Cranberry Meadows installed a replacement pump chamber (a sealed pump/tight tank) in place of an old cesspool and that the new chamber, heavy equipment, gravel and landscaping work encroached onto the adjacent lot. Neighbors said they discovered the work through security-camera footage while away from the property and that they did not give permission.

The board heard these points from neighbors and contractors:

- Neighbor Kelly De Domenico said the installer \"trespassed on your property\" and that she and other trust representatives emphatically denied granting permission to workers who later put the tank about \"4 feet\" onto their land.

- The contractor/site representative, Sean McGrath, said the site was difficult (boulders and irregular conditions), that the engineer revised the plan after field issues, and that field changes were made with the construction stopped and the plan revised. He said the pump chamber replaced an old cesspool that had been present for years.

- Board staff said the installed pump chamber had been placed too close to the property line and that a recorded survey shows iron pins used to determine the line; staff acknowledged a discrepancy and said it was a matter the installer and homeowner must correct.

- Board staff also said the installer (Stevens Construction) did not have a valid installer's license at the moment the installation occurred; licensing status was discussed as a separate administrative matter.

Board response and options discussed

- The board confirmed there is an administrative cease-and-desist in place for the project from the health office while the matter is resolved.

- Board members and staff urged the parties to seek a practical resolution: either allow the original contractor to return under supervision to remove the pump chamber from the neighbor's property and restore the yard \"better than it was\" or allow a licensed installer chosen by the parties to perform remediation. Several board members noted that bringing in a second contractor would substantially increase cost and that the homeowner/installer had said it would be expensive to re-route plumbing to avoid on-site constraints.

- The board said it cannot force a civil remedy (such as monetary damages) and that trespass and restoration are civil matters. The board recommended supervised remediation as the fastest way to restore the neighbor’s property and remove the immediate safety and access concerns.

Neighbor requests and outstanding items

- Neighbors said they want the tank removed from their land and the property restored; they preferred a contractor other than the original installer if trust cannot be rebuilt.

- Neighbors asked the board to ensure the pump chamber and any excavation do not damage an existing septic on their side and requested an inspection of their septic lines.

- The parties discussed survey stakes and whether a stake was moved or removed; the board noted a recorded survey and iron pins, and asked the parties to rely on a formal survey to resolve the boundary location.

Quotes from the meeting

- \"They rushed it... they just showed up,\" neighbor Kelly De Domenico said of the installation. \"We did not give them permission.\"

- \"The tank is on your property,\" a board member said after inspecting the situation in the office materials; staff confirmed a discrepancy of approximately four feet from the property line.

- \"If you're willing to let them finish it, maybe this can... get what you want, which is your land restored back to the way it was,\" a board member said when discussing remediation options.

Next steps and status

- Board staff said the installation is currently under a cease-and-desist order while the parties pursue remediation or civil remedies.

- The board encouraged the neighbors and homeowner/installer to agree to a supervised remediation so that the tank is removed from the neighbor's land and the yard is restored. If the neighbors refuse permission for any contractor to re-enter, the board said it lacks authority to force entry and the parties will need to pursue civil remedies.

- Board staff will coordinate inspections of the septic and document damage to support whatever remediation or civil process the parties choose.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Charlton: Board of Health Meeting May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Neighbors at 59 Cranberry Meadows told the Charlton Board of Health that a newly installed septic pump chamber and heavy-equipment work encroached about four feet onto adjacent property; the board confirmed a cease-and-desist and encouraged supervised remediation.","taxTitle","Town of Charlton, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",54464,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6525157,"Charlton Board of Health approves one accessory-dwelling plan, sets requirements for septic and water testing",2105,45000,2150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585522-d1ed05d66cc512131cf54ecdb1f61712&start=45&end=2150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585522-d1ed05d66cc512131cf54ecdb1f61712/thumbnail_45000.jpg","/articles/6525157/Town-of-Charlton/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Charlton-Board-of-Health-approves-one-accessory-dwelling-plan-sets-requirements-for-septic-and-water-testing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6525157-6d1f3d4e08991b718b106ed02e9ece17/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436921&Signature=n~mhOlXAprXl-3qgjXFj1o-GdYRMkrM7OMIOJSlKbqTeweZakvARt2gHJNGzu7266JY4RaE1iTd4jJUlFFxODJ0XuYewr30Dglt4BeWrKZKIOeGCwNZOPgohei64M0SS5lj-UJwRJusod7KbxZvqyY6XZwwFhdTapbtiIJB3LbVQukqtcHJKoN9XBhJfvkNLkkb~J287NuPFwoXrD1tjLowmma6NhvbUF75zBX7C1FcxV38lzfWzGu7hZPdT8lrpkdSVBhkXeGUeYmjA666yMnL~rjI7rzU~Fr40kSebkFh8vDNXZYhMpUiR5PQadXzae2QHeHPtiLcLeqw37AgRkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Charlton Board of Health on May 6 discussed new state accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules, Title 5 implications for shared septic and well systems and approved an ADU plan for 7 Linen Hill Road with a deed restriction attached.

Board members said the board must address how ADUs will interact with local Title 5 (septic) rules, shared-well arrangements and long-term ownership or rental. The board approved a site plan for 7 Linen Hill Road (VC Engineering, plan dated 04/07/2025) \"as drawn with the stipulation that a ADU restriction be put on the title,\" and voted later in the meeting to require a point-of-use water-quality test at the ADU kitchen sink before occupancy.

Why it matters: Massachusetts’ ADU changes (effective February 2 under the state law discussed at the meeting) make ADUs more common; local health officials said they need clear, enforceable steps so new ADUs do not create future public-health or property disputes. Board members repeatedly referenced Title 5 shared-system rules and deed restrictions as tools to protect both neighbors and future owners.

Key details from the meeting

- Approval: The board voted to accept the ADU plan for 7 Linen Hill Road (VC Engineering, 04/07/2025) with a deed restriction recorded before a final occupancy/certificate of compliance is issued. (Motion approved; recorded vote: \"Aye. Aye.\")

- Title 5 and shared systems: Inspectors and specialists told the board shared septic systems and shared wells require clear legal and financial mechanisms. The board heard that Title 5 provides for \"shared system\" arrangements (joint ownership, joint responsibility for operation and maintenance) and allows recording of obligations on deeds. Board speakers said shared-system recording and financial surety (bond, escrow, insurance) are possible ways to ensure future repairs are paid for if owners disagree.

- Site and sizing: Participants discussed the state’s 900-square-foot ADU sizing threshold and local variations mentioned in the draft regulations. Board members noted confusion in parts of the text about 900 vs. 1,200 square feet for attached units; the board relied on the state standard described in the applicant’s materials.

- Septic capacity and setbacks: The board discussed Title 5 limits including the rule of thumb mentioned in the meeting of about 10,000 square feet of land per bedroom in some designs and a 40,000-square-foot threshold referenced for nitrogen-sensitive loading in particular siting scenarios. Inspectors said ADUs often require a current Title 5 inspection; if the ADU increases the home’s bedroom count the septic may need modification (additional trenching, tank sizing, or other upgrades).

- Water supply and testing: Board members voted to require a water-quality test taken from the ADU kitchen-sink tap — a point-of-use sample — and submitted to an approved laboratory before issuing an occupancy permit. The board described the test as the town’s existing potable-water panel required under local regulations (not an expanded PFAS panel unless otherwise required by future regulation).

- Deed restriction practice: The board discussed making deed restrictions standard for detached ADUs to prevent future separate sales of a detached unit. The board said deed restrictions are recorded with the registry of deeds and are intended to protect the town and neighbors if ownership or use later changes.

Quotes attributed in meeting

- \"Next, we're gonna move on to the accessory dwellings, the ADUs,\" Chairman Jimmy said when the item began.

- Resident/applicant (unnamed) summarized his personal plan and financial rationale for building an ADU on his property: \"This isn't a money maker for me... I'm just doing it for either I'm gonna do this now when I die.\"

- Health/Title 5 specialist (Tom) summarized shared-system practice: \"Shared system means they're both joint owners, joint responsibility for operation and maintenance. And if the system should fail, it's joint typically joint responsibility repair and replace the system.\"

- On the board vote: \"All in favor? Aye. Aye. So you're good to go,\" Chairman Jimmy said after the motion to approve the 7 Linen Hill Road plan.

What the board decided and next steps

- The board approved the 7 Linen Hill Road ADU plan with the condition that a recorded deed restriction (showing the ADU/shared-system arrangement and any other Title 5-required recorded obligations) be submitted before a final occupancy or certificate of compliance will be issued.

- The board adopted a requirement that ADU applicants submit a kitchen-sink water-quality test from the ADU unit (point-of-use) and a current Title 5 inspection that passes before a final occupancy clearing for any ADU.

- For detached ADUs with shared septic or shared well arrangements, board staff said the applicant must provide recorded shared-system documentation, evidence of financial surety acceptable to the board or a recorded deed restriction, and any required septic upgrades identified in a Title 5 inspection.

Meeting context

The ADU discussion took up sustained time on the board’s May 6 agenda and included a resident applicant, board members and Title 5 experts; the board reopened ADU discussion later in the meeting to adopt the water-test requirement. The board directed staff to provide standardized deed-restriction templates to applicants and to update application forms to request Title 5 documentation and water-testing results.

Ending

Applicants planning ADUs were told to include a current Title 5 inspection that passes, to plan for any required septic upgrades, and to be prepared to file a deed restriction for detached ADUs. The board said staff will provide procedural guidance and a deed-restriction template and that the town will enforce the new testing and recording requirements prior to issuing occupancy clearance.

","At its May 6, 2025 meeting the Charlton Board of Health discussed state ADU rules, Title 5 implications for shared septic/well systems and approved an ADU plan for 7 Linen Hill Road with a deed restriction; the board also voted to require a kitchen-sink water-quality test for ADUs before occupancy.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6525147,"Board hears updates on LNG noise enforcement, sharps disposal plan and tobacco-sting concerns",269,3327000,3596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585522-d1ed05d66cc512131cf54ecdb1f61712&start=3327&end=3596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585522-d1ed05d66cc512131cf54ecdb1f61712/thumbnail_3327000.jpg","/articles/6525147/Town-of-Charlton/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Board-hears-updates-on-LNG-noise-enforcement-sharps-disposal-plan-and-tobacco-sting-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6525147-099bba16ed045b09bb17261c9f2c9ad3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436921&Signature=GWhx9UdYoof08WDVHRvMkvXPOCHk5ukWzq4PcuD1StTubcaizQCppSdP93n537uaxmuiVCrXNVKiEMEhNLtqLLEB-A6yiZkUYiLOf1uophuLhnA0cHn8o15Tvh9V7adc-hEDRZteq~sc-ZIVIl3cN~HGOqsmYRoQRMXW42YJ6wKyA~73fFJGog5s9Ao8Zh10-0TTZaq9NBHAwiBtZzdmt9yalhpDls9VVNRLOebnSJLJay0m4SJCB6s7Hw4jdLMaFbLpiHtHwuVuEm03xSXkyDIZYnW6Mym1iqfihdEV7YsvrO7eAQmvbGM31sS-KilKAhF8gvh2eCb1F0UNCCGkQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its May 6 meeting the Charlton Board of Health received three separate departmental updates: ongoing noise complaints at a nearby liquified-natural-gas (LNG) facility with DEP enforcement anticipated, a planned sharps-collection/destruction purchase to reduce town disposal costs, and a review of tobacco-inspection enforcement after contested inspection results.

LNG facility noise and DEP involvement

Board staff reported continuing neighbor complaints about low-frequency noise from an LNG facility in the area. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has stepped in; staff said DEP’s noise enforcement and legal offices are preparing to require additional mitigation and that a new sound survey and potential enforcement action were expected by the end of the month. Staff said DEP asked the town to step aside from direct enforcement while DEP pursues the legal process, but the board retains authority for local nuisance claims and will be kept briefed.

Sharps disposal (needle) machine purchase

The Health Department reported plans to purchase a sharps-destruct unit (to sterilize and render needles inert) at about $68,000 with an estimated $5,000 annual operating cost. Staff said available grant funds will cover much of the cost; the fire department will take on the recurring disposal expense, and the town expects the equipment to pay for itself in about five years. The machine will allow 24/7 drop-off through the fire department and reduce recurring disposal costs paid by the health department.

Tobacco-inspection enforcement and sting procedure review

The board discussed recent tobacco inspections run through the local/regional tobacco-coalition program (state-funded coalition inspectors). Staff said one inspection result has led to a serious accusation about inspector conduct; the town is holding off on issuing fines until an internal step-by-step review is complete and the board has an opportunity to hear facts from the inspector and the store. Board staff said they prefer to give retailers notice and opportunity to comply and will bring the matter to the board for discussion before any final administrative fines are imposed.

Quotes and context

- On DEP action: board staff said, \"By the end of the month, there will be affirmative action against [the operator] for the noise violations because they made an agreement… so they will be doing another sound survey.\" (paraphrase of staff report in meeting)

- On sharps disposal: staff described the unit as \"about $68,000\" and estimated a five-year payback because the town will no longer pay recurring collection fees.

- On tobacco-sting process: staff said enforcement requires careful documentation and that the town has delayed issuing fines until the board can review the inspector's handling and the underlying evidence.

Next steps

- Board staff will remain in contact with DEP and report any enforcement actions or requirements back to the board when DEP releases them.

- Sharps-destruct procurement will proceed under the grant; staff will finalize purchase details and coordinate with the fire department for 24/7 drop-off and ongoing costs.

- Board staff will brief the board on the tobacco-inspection matter in an upcoming meeting; fines will not be issued until the board reviews the consolidated facts.

","During department reports the Charlton Board of Health heard that DEP has stepped in on noise complaints about a nearby LNG facility, the board plans to buy a sharps destruct unit with grant/FD support, and tobacco-inspection enforcement is under review pending an investigation of inspector conduct.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors complain installer placed pump chamber on shared land; Charlton Board of Health urges negotiated fix

Charlton Board of Health approves one accessory-dwelling plan, sets requirements for septic and water testing

Board hears updates on LNG noise enforcement, sharps disposal plan and tobacco-sting concerns