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1. Do Title 5 inspectors have to be licensed by the Town of Cohasset?

Yes. Any Massachusetts licensed Title 5 inspector can become licensed by providing the Board of Health with a copy of their valid Title 5 inspector license, accompanied by a one-time registration fee. The permit will automatically renew as long as the state license is valid. If a state license expires, beyond one renewal cycle, the fee will have to be paid again.

2. How do I locate my septic system?

The Board of Health has records available for many of the properties in the Town of Cohasset, who are still connected to septic systems. These include as-built plans, past Title 5 System Inspection Reports, and design plans.

If the Board of Health does not have any records for your specific property, you can locate your septic system by contacting a Professional Land Surveyor (if you need certified plans), a Professional Engineer, a Title 5 System Installer, or a Title 5 System Inspector.

3. How long is my Title 5 inspection report valid?

Title 5 System Inspection Reports are valid for 2 years from the date of the inspection, pursuant to 310 CMR 15.301(1). Exception, if the system has been pumped annually, a 1 year extension is automatically granted, extending this period to 3 years.

4. How often should my septic system be inspected?

Title 5 requires that septic systems be inspected prior to the sale and or transfer of property and title, with some exceptions and special conditions listed in 310 CMR 15.301(2-4). Prior to any change in type of establishment, increases in design flow, or prior to any expansion of use, for which a building permit or occupancy permit from the local building inspector is required.

Shared systems must be inspected every 3 years, or less. All pumps must be inspected annually if the design flow is less than 2,000 gallons per day. All others must be inspected quarterly. Inspections also need to be carried out any time that an inspection is ordered by the Cohasset Board of Health and/or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

If your property is served by an Innovative / Alternative (I/A) system, inspection and maintenance must comply with the technology-specific requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. These can be obtained through the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs website.

5. How often should my septic tank be pumped?

Officially, the rule is: whenever the top of the sludge or solids layer is within 12 inches or less of the bottom of the outlet tee, or the top of the scum layer is within two inches of the top of the outlet tee, or the bottom of the scum layer is within two inches of the bottom of the outlet tee. Typically, this translates to every 2-3 years, depending upon use of the system.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recommends that pumping be performed annually if a garbage grinder is present.

6. Where can I obtain a copy of my most recent Title 5 inspection report?

If the Title 5 Inspector submitted a copy to this office, which they are required to do prior to issuance to their client, a copy can be obtained at the Board of Health office during regular business hours. Prior to making the trip to Town Hall, you can call the Permits and Inspections Department at 781-383-4105, ext. 100 in order to find out if a Title 5 Inspection Report is available for your specific property.

A fee of $0.20 per page will be assessed. Title 5 Inspection Reports are typically 17 to 20 pages in length.