Board of Selectman Call for Public Hearing to Discuss Town Code for Septic Pumping

At their Sept. 8 meeting, Brookfield’s Board of Selectman discussed a change to the town code to track how often Brookfield homeowners pump their septic systems.

Currently, septic systems are supposed to be pumped every four years, however, according to the meeting minutes, there is no tracking system in place to regulate if they are being pumped.

The Town Code Chapter 182 states:

“Sections 19-13-B103a through 19-13-B103f of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, and all amendments thereto hereinafter adopted, are hereby incorporated by reference in this article and made a part hereof. Said sections are hereinafter referred to as the “Public Health Code.” However, no on-site sewage disposal system which is in existence on the effective date of this article shall be required to conform to the design and construction provisions of the Public Health Code unless said system malfunctions. In the event of malfunction, all portions of the system which require repair shall be repaired in accordance with all requirements of the Public Health Code, subject to variances which may be granted pursuant to the provisions of Section 19-13-B103d of said code.”

The code further states:

“Initially, an operating permit shall be issued following an on-site inspection of the sewage disposal system by the Health Director or his representative, which inspection does not disclose any malfunction of the system. Said permit shall be valid for a period of four years from the date of issue unless sooner revoked, pursuant to the provisions of § 182-4B of this article.”

Click here to read the current town code regarding sewage removal systems.

The Board of Selectman made a motion to hold a town meeting where public comments can be made regarding this matter. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield.

Image by Soil Science, via Flickr Creative Commons