Bourne Exploring Use of Management Firm for Septic Systems
By Michael J. Rausch, Bourne Enterprise
When it comes to the complex topic of Title 5, it seems like everyone could benefit from a little guidance. That seems to be the thinking of the Town of Bourne, which is exploring the possibility of engaging an outside firm to provide managerial assistance for updated septic systems that meet the requirements of the stateâs new regulations.
Officials are considering either hiring the townâs own management firm or partnering with some or all of the other 15 towns on Cape Cod. Otherwise known as a Responsible Management Entity (RME), the management firm provides management assistance for residential innovative/alternative (I/A) septic systems. The RME manages everything from permitting and installation to operation and monitoring.
The topic of RMEs was discussed during the select boardâs meeting on Tuesday, August 15. Barnstable County officials gave a presentation on the role and services offered by the Barnstable County commissioners, which included a discussion on wastewater treatment.
Brian Baumgaertel, the Barnstable County wastewater director, spoke at length on Tuesday about the use of RMEsâin particular, the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC)âfor proper management of onsite wastewater treatment infrastructure. He suggested that while sewer systems are generally defined as part of a municipalityâs infrastructure, the same term can be applied to septic systems, particularly I/A systems.
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