An Act relative to on-site sewage disposal systems

This bill allows local boards of health in Massachusetts to create stricter rules for on-site sewage disposal systems, but only after receiving approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection. To get this approval, the state department must find that the local rules are based on recognized science, represent best practices, protect unique local resources, and do not conflict with existing state standards. The law also clarifies that appeals regarding local wetland or sewage regulations must be handled by the state department rather than local authorities. These changes directly affect local governments setting environmental rules and property owners installing or maintaining septic systems.