Governor Maura Healey's administration is finalizing new regulations through the Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection which aim to address nitrogen pollution on Cape Cod.
Healey says the pollution is one of the most pressing environmental and economic problems facing the Cape.
Communities will have two years to opt into a new process called watershed permitting.
If the towns choose not to obtain a watershed permit for a nitrogen-sensitive body of water, that means new septic systems will be required to include enhanced treatment technology.
Existing systems will also need to make upgrades within a period of five years.
[Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office]
Photo: Joshua Qualls