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.