Regulations, Standards & Compliance Steps
(2025 Update)
Subsurface Sewage Disposal - ANSW✔️Wastewater treatment method for non-centralized areas.
Title 5 - ANSW✔️Massachusetts regulation for sewage disposal system inspections.
System Inspectors - ANSW✔️Trained individuals responsible for sewage system inspections.
Department of Environmental Protection - ANSW✔️State agency overseeing sewage disposal system
training.
Septic Tank - ANSW✔️Watertight container for initial sewage treatment.
Effective Liquid Capacity - ANSW✔️Minimum 200% of design flow for septic tanks.
Minimum Tank Size - ANSW✔️1,500 gallons for new septic tank construction.
Two-Compartment Tank - ANSW✔️Required for non-single family dwellings over 1000 gallons.
Garbage Grinder - ANSW✔️Prohibited in systems with elevated septic tanks.
, Distribution Box - ANSW✔️Distributes clarified liquid from septic tank to leaching facility.
Leaching Facility - ANSW✔️Area where treated wastewater is absorbed into soil.
Scum Layer - ANSW✔️Floating layer of grease and lighter solids in tank.
Sludge Layer - ANSW✔️Bottom layer of heavier solids in septic tank.
Inspection Program - ANSW✔️Systematic checks to ensure sewage system compliance.
Training Course - ANSW✔️Required education for aspiring System Inspectors.
Written Examination - ANSW✔️Assessment requiring 75% score for certification.
MassDEP - ANSW✔️Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
On-site Sewage Treatment - ANSW✔️Local wastewater management without centralized systems.
Watertight Container - ANSW✔️Septic tank must prevent leakage of wastewater.
Access Ports - ANSW✔️Ports for inspection and cleaning of septic tanks.
Soil Absorption - ANSW✔️Process of treated wastewater entering the ground.
Installation Requirements - ANSW✔️Septic tanks must be level and properly compacted.
Inspection Access - ANSW✔️No structures allowed over septic tank access.