|
Board of Health - Frequently Asked Questions
 Board of Health
Town Hall
41 Highland Avenue
Cohasset, MA 02025
Tel: 781 383 4116
Fax: 781 383 4111
Email: boh@townofcohasset.org
Q. I am selling my home. What do I do first in terms of the septic system?
A. Title 5 has changed since January of 1995. This change necessitates an inspection of all septic systems by a licensed Title 5 inspector. In some cases depending on the type of expansion to your home may trigger a Title 5 Inspection. At any time the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Board of Health may order a Title 5 Inspection.
Q. Are Board of Health Meetings open to the public?
A. All of our meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to attend. The only exception to this is those portions of a meeting that require the Board to go into Executive Session.
Q. What records are open to the public?
A. All records (minutes, correspondence, septic system plans, etc.) kept in this office are available to the public with the exception of sensitive medical matters.
Q. How do I locate my septic system?
A. The Board of Health has files on most properties in Cohasset. Many files include septic plans, as-built drawings and plot plans.
Q. How do I obtain Board of Health sign off on my building permit application?
A. New homes: After a perc test has been performed by your engineer and observed by a Health Agent, your engineer will submit four sets of site/septic plans and a Title V application to the Board of Health for approval. Once it has been approved your licensed septic installer must come in and sign the Title V application. The permit will then be issued to the installer. Please note: if the property is serviced by a private well, a well permit must be issued and satisfactory water-test results must be received by the Board of Health prior to issuance of the septic permit. Additions/alterations/pools/sheds: Health Agent must be informed of septic/leaching locations and exact nature of project before signing off on building permit application. Other requirements may be necessary.
Q. How do I get the Board of Health to sign off on my occupancy permit (for new construction)?
A. The Board of Health must have on file: a) as-built cards from the engineer and septic installer, and b) acceptable water test results (less than one year old) if on a private well OR proof of connection to town water.
Q. Who is licensed to repair my septic system?
A. The Board of Health has a complete list of licensed septic installers in the Town of Cohasset available. Also available are lists of licensed septic pumpers and engineers.
Q. I am selling my house. How do I get my septic system inspected?
A. The Board of Health has a list of DEP licensed inspectors available at their office.
Q. How often do I need to have my septic system pumped?
A. Every 2-3 year is recommended for most systems.
Q. How often does the Board of Health inspect restaurants in Cohasset?
A. Health Agents are required to inspect all restaurants in Cohasset at least twice per year.
Q. How do I obtain a copy of my septic system inspection report?
A. The State requires inspectors to submit a copy of the report to the Board of Health in that town unless it's a voluntary inspection without transfer of ownership. Feel free to call us for a copy.
Q. How often are the beaches in Cohasset tested?
A. All public bathing beaches are tested every week throughout the summer months for Enterococci.
|
