Oakham Board of Health Continues Maple Street Septic Variance, Eyes Pre-Treatment Fix

OAKHAM -- April 7, 2025, Oakham Board of Health continues Maple Street septic variance hearing, with nitrogen pre-treatment emerging as a possible resolution. The board, chaired by Diana, heard from engineer Michael Votruba and project representative Mike Cook, who are seeking a variance to replace a decades-old cesspool with a Presby advanced septic system that cannot meet Title 5's 100-foot well-setback requirement, the proposed leach field sits roughly 60 feet from the abutting neighbor's drilled well. The neighbor, who attended the hearing, confirmed he would reject the variance outright if his water-supply concerns are not addressed, telling the board he is "100 percent sure" he would block the plan absent adequate protections. Acting health agent Phil proposed adding a nitrogen-reduction pre-treatment unit ahead of the Presby system, a technology more commonly mandated on Cape Cod, combined with a baseline water test, biennial follow-up testing, and mandatory tank pumping every three years; the neighbor indicated he could accept that framework. No vote was taken; the applicant's team was directed to resubmit a revised plan incorporating the pre-treatment component.