Gloucester Board of Health Targets 108 Non-Compliant Septic Systems Near Niles Beach

GLOUCESTER — January 9, 2025 — Gloucester Board of Health moves to enforce septic compliance for 108 non-compliant properties near Niles Beach. Health Director Dominique Curley told the board Thursday that of 168 properties with private septic systems in the Niles Beach area, just 57 are current on pump-out documentation, leaving 108 out of compliance — a figure she said reflects a citywide problem where only about 15 percent of septic system owners are compliant. Groundwater testing detected human DNA in nearby waters, prompting a three-step enforcement campaign: an educational letter, a more directive legal notice, and for non-responders, mandatory appearances before the board. Of the 108 non-compliant properties, 35 appear to have access to public sewer laterals. The board debated whether to require full Title V inspections or standard pump-out inspections, with member Marco Pelazola cautioning against burdening owners of older systems that are still functioning. Separately, Curley reported that Biobot Analytics began its first wastewater tests for the city on January 9 under a new contract covering respiratory disease and substance use surveillance, providing what she called "an early read — almost a month before we see things manifest in the hospital."