The Alternative

The Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) is a program of the

Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment

What is a Non Sewered Sanitation System and How Would the Cape Benefit From Them?

A non-sewered sanitation system, or NSSS, is a sanitation solution that does not rely on a centralized sewer network for the collection, treatment, and disposal of human waste. Instead, it involves on-site treatment and management of waste, often through containment units or other technologies. These systems are typically used in areas lacking sewer infrastructure or where connection to a sewer network is impractical or not feasible.

MASSTC was recently awarded a $2.8 million grant from the Gates Foundation to establish the first U.S.-based ISO 30500 testing platform for these non-sewered sanitation systems.

These advanced, self-contained systems are designed for areas lacking centralized sewer infrastructure and play a vital role in improving public health and environmental conditions in underserved communities around the world.

While the certification has global significance, it could also directly benefit Cape Cod by providing alternatives to traditional septic systems and supporting housing development on smaller lots and in environmentally sensitive areas.

Stay tuned.

WANTED: AquiFund Billing Specialist

The Barnstable County, department of Health & Environment, is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented AquiFund Billing Specialist to join our Community Septic Management Loan Program.

The successful candidate will be responsible for billing, collections, and providing general administrative support for the Cape Cod AquiFund.

Apply below!

Calling All Volunteers!

Do you want to work with us? We're looking for people to help around MASSTC doing lots of interesting things. Let us know what you're good at and what kind of time you'd have to volunteer with us!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Our amazing volunteer Harry Swift retired from a 40+ year career as a consulting environmental geologist. Harry says he wanted to stay involved in the scientific community. 

"During my working career, I had focused on assessing and remediating contaminated soil and groundwater, as well as conducting safety planning, both for contamination work, but also for industry. About two years ago I reached out to a contact at MASSTC about possible volunteering; when the MASSTC team reviewed my resume, my background in safety consulting appeared a good match for some needs." 

Harry says "I have found the team at MASSTC to be lively and engaging; there is rarely a dull moment there and it’s a great place to volunteer!"

Local Wastewater Updates

(Falmouth Enterprise) Betterment Policy Adopted For Great Pond Sewer Project

"Monday evening, Wastewater Superintendent Amy Lowell presented the board with two 70/30 betterment policies. Homeowners in the project area would be responsible for paying 70% of the cost applicable to the service area, while the town covers 30%."

(Cape Cod Chronicle) Herring River Watershed Report ID’s Solution To Nitrogen Issue

"A report presented to the select board Monday found a unique, cost-effective way to mitigate nitrogen in the town’s nitrogen sensitive Herring River Watershed and fulfill state requirements: buy a conservation restriction on land in neighboring Harwich."

(Provincetown Independent) Grant Support for Septic Systems

"At the select board’s July 22 meeting, member Josh Yeston suggested that the town revisit a grant program for residents upgrading to best-available nitrogen-reducing septic systems. It was a proposal suggested by members of the affordable housing trust, of which he is also a member, he said."

(Provincetown Independent) Wellfleet’s Wastewater Choices

"The state’s new requirements for towns like Wellfleet with coastal waters threatened by increased nitrogen pollution involve heavy financial burdens. It is important to understand why these new requirements are being imposed."

(Dennis Board of Health) New Sewer Regulations

(Cape Cod Chronicle) Meetinghouse Pond Sewer Work Nears Completition

"The second phase of sewering in the area of Meetinghouse Pond is nearly complete. But additional properties that were approved for inclusion in the second phase won’t be included."

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