Berlin Board of Health Approves Linden Street Septic Variance, Launches Transfer Station Composting

BERLIN -- May 5, 2026, Berlin Board of Health approves septic variance and moves toward composting at transfer station. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve two variances for a redesigned septic system on Lot 2 of Linden Street, one allowing a pumped reserve area when the primary system is gravity-fed, and one tied to a 24-inch groundwater observation in the reserve test hole, with engineer Stephen Ballard presenting a plan that relocates the primary system downhill to accommodate a shifted house location. Separately, the board confirmed plans to launch a composting tote program through vendor Black Earth beginning July 1, starting with four totes at $20 per week each, for a projected annual cost of $4,160; members said tip-fee savings from diverted organics should "be very close to a wash." The board also announced that orange fencing will restrict unsupervised access to the transfer station's open-top bulk container so staff can assess fees on non-household items. An enforcement letter will go to Reagan Septic Plumbing of Wayland, which submitted a pumping record for Berlin work despite lacking a regional hauler's license with the 16-town Neshoba authority.