Area legislators have filed at least one bill opposing the implementation of proposed Title V septic regulations that have the potential to cost homeowners in Westport and other south coast communities thousands over the next five years.

The proposed changes could, among other things, require homeowners in sensitive areas to update their systems to help prevent the flow of nitrogen into the environment. Though towns have options to deal with the proposed changes by spelling out how they will deal with nitrogen in the coming years, upgrading septic systems could cost many homeowners as much as $50,000, town officials have said.

The bill, SD.856, would prevent unfunded mandates from harming homeowners who would be financially unable to comply. Titled "An Act Relative to Title 5 of the State Environmental Code," sponsored by Mark Montigny (Bristol and Plymouth counties) and petitioners Paul Schmid III (Bristol) and Christopher Markey (Bristol), it would require the state to help homeowners find financing or other means to pay for the work, before implementing the new regulations.

Westport's Board of Health was critical of the proposed regulations and submitted lengthy comments to the state Department of Environmental Protection last month, prior to the state's deadline to comment at the end of January. To read Westport's response, click here.