As a regular segment of YOWA’s newsletter, we will be interviewing local Health Directors to inform our readers about health departments throughout our region, the challenges they encounter, advice for our profession, and how YOWA helps them do their job.
The Spring 2026 column features an interview with Mansfield, MA Health Director, Amy Donovan-Palmer.
What is the community you work for like and roughly how many onsite wastewater systems are built in a given year?
Mansfield is a suburban community of approximately 24,000 residents. Like many towns in this area, construction boomed in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, leveling off in the 2000s. The downtown business district and the Industrial Park are all on sewer, while roughly half of the community, mostly residential neighborhoods, are on private septic systems. Most of the 50-60 disposal system construction permits are for either component or whole system repairs.
What is the staffing configuration at the health department, and how many people work either full-time or part-time with onsite wastewater?
The Mansfield Health Department consists of the Health Director/Agent (me) and a part-time Administrator. The Admin handles all the permitting through PermitEyes and I do all plan review, perc tests, and inspections.
What are some of the challenges you find with implementing Title 5 in your community?
In Mansfield, there are large areas within Zone II, where nitrogen loading limits are stricter. Larger homes and ADUs are resulting in additional IA systems being installed. Local health departments are responsible for tracking O&M contracts, monitoring sampling schedules, reviewing lab results, and following up on high nitrogen levels. This is a huge drain on our resources for a very small percentage of the town’s septic systems.
If you could change any part of the Code, Title 5, what would it be, and why?
I recently received a request to install a second, separate septic system on an existing single‑family property to support an addition containing two bedrooms. This addition was not an in‑law apartment or an ADU. The DEP assisted with a review of Title 5, determining that a single‑family residence should be served by only one septic system. Clearer guidance on what is permissible in situations like this would be extremely helpful for both local officials and applicants.
What are some of the parts of managing onsite wastewater that you feel your health department does well?
I’m proud of the Health Department’s excellent customer service. Questions from homeowners and realtors are handled thoroughly, plan requests are completed promptly, and perc tests and inspections are scheduled with priority. The department understands its role as a partner to local businesses and a service provider to homeowners.
What advice would you give someone entering the local public health profession?
Be ready for an ever-changing dynamic career. You will learn something new every day.
Do you have any other observations or considerations you might wish to share with our readers?
Reach out to your colleagues in local public health. We’re all in it together.
