NORTHFIELD — While plans for The Moody Center’s proposed campground on Pierson Road are moving forward, the approved permit allowing for installation of a septic system will limit occupancy to 78 overnight guests.

The septic system designs presented by engineers Jon and Bill Sieruta were approved by the Board of Health during its March 29 meeting. The designs accommodate two people per unit for each of the 39 buildings — which include 12 cabins and 27 “large furnished tents” — and 56 people in the campground’s conference center.

Officials with The Moody Center and Clockwork Architecture began sharing plans for the proposed campground during Planning Board meetings between July and October 2019. The proposal proved controversial, however, with residents raising concerns about lighting, noise and traffic. Nearby residents asserted the Planning Board exceeded its authority in October 2019 by granting the campground’s special permit and filed an appeal of the decision in Franklin County Superior Court. Judge Michael Callan ultimately dismissed the case in May 2021.

According to Board of Health member Ruth Potee, the Planning Board did not note the number of occupants during deliberations in 2019. However, Board of Health Chair David Balk noted that the septic system handles a limited amount of sewage.

“I think by restricting the volume of septic use, you are controlling occupancy,” Balk said. “I think we are essentially saying how many people based on the septic design.”

The septic tanks are designed for year-round use to comply with state building codes, but the 76-acre campground along Pierson Road is planned for seasonal use. The Board of Health refrained from defining the seasonal period, as the current septic plans can withstand winter conditions. The plans must be reviewed if the campground owners wish to expand occupancy.

“If [the campground owners] wanted to add more campers or tents or anything like that,” Balk explained, “they’d have to go through a review from the building inspector and then they’d have to come to us and review the septic design.”

Other provisions to the septic permit include written approval for water access from the ​​Grandin Water District, a contract with a septic company for maintenance and emergency services, and a determination of applicability for stormwater runoff from the Conservation Commission.

“We’re putting it all in writing for everyone to see it, instead of coming up for an inspection and it’s all wrong,” Board of Health member Kathy Bridges noted.

Water access is a foundational step in septic planning, and a system cannot be installed without a confirmed water source. While water for the campground will come from the town, Board of Health members found no specifics of water plans in past documents or Planning Board meeting minutes.

“It’s potentially a bigger draw on the system than just the house,” said Board of Health member Alison Wahlstrom. “If you have a packed campground and everyone is flushing the toilet at the same time, that’s gonna be a bigger usage [of water].”

For its part, the Conservation Commission requested during its March 29 meeting that The Moody Center file a request for determination of applicability or a notice of intent to review stormwater contamination from the parking lot, as well as any wetland concerns. During their meeting on April 12, however, commissioners declared the emailed plans for the campground—sent by principal architect at Clockwork Architecture Christian Arnold—were not a sufficient replacement for the determination of applicability. Once the appropriate paperwork is submitted, the commission will decide if the campground requires any wetland or stormwater management, and what these requirements will be.

Both Arnold and Moody Center President James Spencer declined to comment when reached by phone regarding a new timeline for the project and a possible opening date. In June 2021, Spencer had said he hoped the campground would be open by the following summer, with rates of approximately $125 a night.

With the septic system’s design and permit finalized, The Moody Center now must apply for the permit of installation with fees to cover Board of Health checkups on the septic construction.

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