Proposed changes to the Massachusetts Title 5 onsite rules were met with opposition from the public and local government officials over the timeline and cost of the proposed rules that would designate nitrogen-sensitive areas.
Towns in targeted areas would have to upgrade to nitrogen-reducing systems within five years after the state Department of Environmental Protection regulation is finalized. Towns would have to use the best available technology, but that could include nontraditional technologies such as permeable reactive barriers filled with wood chips to remove nitrogen as water flows through. Towns may also be able to apply for watershed permits, which would
