Charlton Board of Health Approves 75-Foot Septic Setback Variance on Beach Middle Road

CHARLTON — August 19, 2025 — Charlton Board of Health approves septic variance and debates 508 International noise with Sturbridge. The board unanimously approved a Title 5 setback variance allowing a soil absorption system and proposed well to be sited 75 feet apart on a pre-existing 10,000-square-foot lot at Zero Beach Middle Road, with a two-bedroom deed restriction attached to the proposed single-family residence. The bulk of the meeting was consumed by an unposted appearance from Linda, a Sturbridge Board of Health member who raised cross-border noise concerns about the HOMI Collective event at 508 International, scheduled for later that week. Health Director Jim Philbrook told the board that last year's event generated three noise complaints across both towns, that his noise-meter readings never exceeded the legal threshold of 10 decibels above ambient, and that the facility holds planning board approval through a prior court settlement that the Board of Health has no authority to override. "I am not one that can just barge in and say, I don't want this event — I'm shutting it down. Unless there's justification," Philbrook said. The board also reported that a $68,000 grant-funded sharps-disposal machine has been installed at the fire department on Power Station Road, with the sharps drop-off program transferring there from the health department on September 1.