[MassHistPres] Septic Vent Pipes in LHDs

[Chris Skelly]

I would hesitate to call the earthen mound a structure although there
was an interesting discussion on this listserve a few years ago on this
very topic.   

The vent pipe itself is a structure.  Chris.

Christopher C. Skelly
Director of Local Government Programs
Massachusetts Historical Commission

-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of GRETCHEN SCHULER
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 10:27 PM
To: Historic Preservation List-serv
Subject: [MassHistPres] Septic Vent Pipes in LHDs

Are there any local historic district commissions that review new septic
systems on historic properties - I am having difficulty calling the vent
pipe a structure and of course the septic system is a structure but
becomes covered with topsoil even when a mounded system is installed so
that it is essentially landsdcaped with grass.  The change is so
substantial particularly when half of the district is in a floodplain
and aquifer protection district - but who knew when those early settlers
established some of these town centers.  The Board of Health regulations
are so stringent and provide little wiggle room for design?  Any
thoughts as to whether we should even be involved? and if so how best we
can affect a good outcome.

Gretchen Schuler
Wayland Historic District Commission
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