The Manchester-by-the-sea Water Resources Protection Task Force has proposed providing the Board of Health with increased responsibility in reviewing construction projects. The Board of Health would require a hydrogeological investigation to assess the impact of any proposed sewage or wastewater discharge on all potentially impacted groundwater sources of potable water.
If enacted, the hydrogeological investigation requirement would apply to development in Manchester’s water protection zones (currently about 40% of Manchester’s footprint) and in any area that is within 400 feet of actual or potential future sources of potable water. This impact study would be triggered by the following “significant developments”:
Onsite septic systems that use 2000+ gallons per day
Removing or disturbing 350+ cubic yards of materials
Impervious surfaces of 2000+ square feet
Development in the Water Protection Overlay District already requires a special permitting process under the planning board. It is unclear how the Board of Health’s review would intersect with the existing special permitting process.
The regulation would likely require a 2/3 majority vote at a future Town Meeting. Updates, including future public hearings dates and times, will be posted to the NSR blog.
