The Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection (MassDEP) has released changes to the Title 5 and other regulations which will impact Cape Cod communities, effective July 7, 2023.
Communities have two years to opt into the watershed permitting process to address nitrogen pollution and restore estuaries. Failure to obtain a watershed permit within those two years will require new septic systems in nitrogen-sensitive watersheds to include enhanced nitrogen-reducing treatment technology.
Homeowners will have to update their septic systems with these nitrogen-reducing systems if their communities do fail to obtain a watershed permit within that period of time. Existing septic systems in these watersheds will need to upgrade within five years.
This page will be kept up-to-date with important information and links to relevant sources throughout the implementation process.
Funding Resources for Septic Systems and Watershed Projects
Cape Cod and Islands Water Protection Fund – https://www.capecodcommission.org/our-work/cape-cod-and-islands-water-protection-fund/
Community Septic Management Loan Program – https://www.mass.gov/guides/the-community-septic-management-program
EPA list of funding sources for watershed protection and restoration – https://www.epa.gov/nps/funding-resources-watershed-protection-and-restoration
Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development – Massworks Infrastructure Program – https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massworks-infrastructure-program
Housing and Community Development – Community Development Block Grant Funding – https://www.mass.gov/service-details/community-development-block-grant-cdbg
MassDEP SFY 2023 Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program (mailchi.mp)
Southeast New England Program Watershed Implementation Grant funding – https://estuaries.org/snep-watershed-grant/
State Revolving Fund/ Clean Water Trust – https://www.mass.gov/service-details/srf-clean-water-program
