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How to Plan an Underground Drainage System for Your Massachusetts Property

Quick Answer To plan an underground drainage system, first identify where the water comes from and where it collects. Next, survey the property elevations, check soil and groundwater conditions, calculate the expected runoff, and choose a safe outlet. The final system may use catch basins, underground pipes, French drains, trench drains, or dry wells. Local permits and utility locations should also be checked before digging. Why Is Proper Drainage Important? Rainwater that cannot soak into the ground becomes stormwater runoff. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, runoff...

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How to Design & Install a New Septic System in Massachusetts: Risser Engineering's Complete Guide

How to Design & Install a New Septic System in Massachusetts: Risser Engineering's Complete Guide Why You May Need a New Septic System in Massachusetts Massachusetts homeowners rely on septic systems more than many realize. With a significant portion of the state's housing stock predating modern wastewater regulations, and with some of the most environmentally sensitive watersheds in New England at stake, understanding when and why a septic system needs to be replaced is not just a matter of property value. It's a matter of public health, environmental protection, and legal...

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How to Locate Old Property Markers or Boundary Pins for Surveying in Massachusetts

Surveying How to Locate Old Property Markers or Boundary Pins for Surveying in Massachusetts Quick answer: Old property markers, iron pins, stone bounds, drill holes, and concrete monuments, are physical evidence of where a boundary line was originally set. In Massachusetts, locating and legally interpreting them is regulated under 250 CMR 6.00, and only a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) registered with the Commonwealth can determine what they mean for your property line. Risser Engineering, a civil engineering and land surveying firm in North Attleboro, MA, handles this by combining deed...

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How to Find Your Property Line When Surveying Your House or Business in Massachusetts (2026 Guide)

Surveying How to Find Your Property Line When Surveying Your House or Business in Massachusetts (2026 Guide) Quick answer: In Massachusetts, you can't legally establish a property line yourself. Only a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) registered with the Commonwealth can determine boundary locations, per 250 CMR 6.00. The process usually starts with deed and registry research, then moves to a field investigation for monuments, then ends with a recordable survey plan. Risser Engineering, a North Attleboro-based civil engineering and land surveying firm, follows these processes as set by the...

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