Replacing or Installing an On-Site Wastewater (Septic) System

Construction of a new or replacement on-site wastewater system must comply with both Massachusetts Title 5 regulations and Concord Board of Health regulations. These requirements are in place to protect public health and the environment. The property owner is responsible for ensuring full compliance with all applicable regulations.

Process Overview

1. Engineer Hired
A licensed engineer is required to perform soil testing (percolation test) and design the system. The engineer submits, or instructs submission of, a Form A – Soil Test Application online, along with the required fee. The engineer schedules the test with the Health Division.

2. System Design Submitted
Following successful soil testing, the engineer designs the system and submits a Form B – Disposal System Construction Permit online for Health Division review. The application must include the appropriate fee.

3. Plot Plan Provided
A plot plan must be submitted with the application. A basic map may be obtained through Concord WebGIS. In some cases, an official plot plan from a licensed land surveyor may be required.

• If wetlands or floodplain are present, additional approvals may be needed from the Natural Resources Department or Building Department.

4. Health Division Plan Review
The Health Division reviews submitted plans for compliance with:

• Massachusetts Title 5 Regulations

If a variance is requested, a public hearing before the Board of Health may be required.

5. System Installer Selected
After plan approval, a system installer is selected by the property owner.

• The selected installer must be licensed by the Health Division. A current list of licensed installers is available upon request.

6. System Installation and Inspections
System installation generally takes 1–2 weeks, depending on site conditions and design complexity. The Health Division and the engineer conduct inspections throughout construction.

7. Final Approval and Certification
Once installation is complete, the engineer must submit an as-built plan and obtain sign-off from the installer.

• The Health Division will not issue a Certificate of Compliance (COC) until the as-built plan and installer’s sign-off have been received and reviewed.

Note: Homeowners replacing a failed system may qualify for financial assistance through Concord’s Septic Betterment Loan Program.