Plympton Board of Health Blocks Rickett's Pond Project Pending DEP Water Ruling

PLYMPTON -- October 28, 2025, Plympton Board of Health freezes approvals for Rickett's Pond development pending state water-supply ruling. The board voted unanimously at its October 28 meeting to authorize preparation of documentation defending its local Title V regulations and to notify the Zoning Board of Appeals that it will not approve any septic or well component of a proposed development near Rickett's Pond until the applicant resolves a public water supply classification question with the state Department of Environmental Protection. A board member's draft analysis found that soils in the project area are mapped as Carver-Plymouth coarse sand, with percolation rates potentially faster than one minute per inch due to prior gravel-pit stripping, raising concerns about effluent reaching Rickett's Pond without adequate filtration. The board indicated the applicant's scheduled ZBA hearing, tentatively set for November 19, is likely premature. In separate action, the board unanimously approved a septic repair variance for a Seven Hills group home at 16 Brook Street, allowing 4.23 feet of groundwater separation versus the standard five feet.