Oakham Board of Health Approves Maple Avenue Septic, Moves to Fill Vacant Seat

OAKHAM -- June 17, 2025, Oakham Board of Health approves upgraded septic system, eyes new third-member appointment. The board, operating with a single seated member following recent town elections, unanimously approved a combined FAST pre-treatment and advanced Presby leaching system for 67 Maple Avenue, a site where two wells fail to meet the standard 100-foot setback, requiring a four-foot separation to seasonal high groundwater and a mandatory baseline Title V water scan of both wells before construction begins, estimated at about $150. The board also reached an informal agreement to allow the Oakham Fire Department to use a Board of Health-owned trailer for hazardous materials response equipment, with the stipulation that ownership remains with the board and it can be recalled. A resident identified as Liz agreed at the meeting to accept appointment to the long-vacant third seat, with a formal recommendation to the Board of Selectmen expected at the board's next available appearance, tentatively around June 23. The Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition director Michelle reported that the coalition's FY26 budget and work plan were approved the prior evening, ahead of a June 23 submission deadline, and that a fall vaccine clinic in partnership with CVS and Narcan training are both planned for Oakham. A referral to the state attorney general's office over two chronic nuisance properties, Crawford and Colbrook, remained pending, with a coalition inspector working to identify available meeting dates.