Board Marks Septic System Passed With Recommendations
The Shutesbury Board of Health voted 4-0 to mark a septic system inspection "passed, with recommendations" after a homeowner said the prior "needs further evaluation" designation had already cost her a sale.
Board of Health · Meeting of August 19, 2026
SHUTESBURY — The Shutesbury Board of Health voted 4-0 to mark a septic system inspection "passed, with recommendations" after a homeowner said the prior "needs further evaluation" designation had already cost her a sale. Administrative Consultant Catherine Hilton and member Arleen Read attended in person, with two other board members joining by Zoom for roll-call votes. Resident Debra Pichanek, joined by realtor Matthew Crowner, said a buyer backed out after reading the board's concerns about her septic system's proximity to her well.
"Your system does not fail... it passes, but with concerns," a board member told her, citing Title V rules that dropped a "marginal" category decades ago, leaving only pass, fail, or further evaluation. The board also approved a septic construction permit for 101 Leverett Road, 4-0, and heard that a regional training on new battery energy storage system regulations, taking effect October 1, will be held September 10 in Leyden.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 1,885 words
Source: the Board of Health meeting of August 19, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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