Published on: October 29, 2025
This September, the Barnstable County Public Health Training Hub made history by hosting the first-ever Certified Soil Evaluator (SE) course on Cape Cod, offering local professionals a long-awaited opportunity to complete this essential training without traveling off-Cape.
Hands-On Training Across Cape Cod
The classroom portion of the course was held over three full days—September 3rd, 8th, and 15th—at the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) in Mashpee and welcomed 15 students from across the region. Field sessions followed on September 10th, 24th, and 29th, where participants applied their classroom knowledge in hands-on soil evaluation exercises conducted at various locations across Cape Cod.
The course was implemented by Marybeth McKenzie (contracted through Barnstable County) and Dr. Katie O’Neill, with instruction provided by Dan Ottenheimer, Steve Mabee, and Paul Blain, who shared their expertise in soil science, engineering, and hydrogeology.
Building Local Expertise and Collaboration
The curriculum closely followed the requirements set forth in 310 CMR 15.017, the state regulation governing Soil Evaluator certification under Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000). Topics included onsite septic system basics, geologic deposits, soil color, structure, and texture; the use of the Soil Evaluator App; methods for estimating seasonal high groundwater using redoximorphic features and the Frimpter method; and the completion of Form 11 soil logs.
The training was administered by the New England Interstate Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), the regional organization authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to conduct SE training and exams. Certification requires participants to pass both written and field exams and maintain continuing education every three years, as outlined in state regulations.
Strengthening the Cape’s Environmental Health Workforce
Bringing this course to Cape Cod for the first time was a collaborative effort. Special thanks go to John Murphy (MassDEP) and Michelle Jenkins (NEIWPCC) for their partnership in making it possible, and to MASSTC for providing the classroom and field space that made the training a success.
Several members of the MASSTC team also participated in the training and shared their reflections:
“I really enjoyed the class — the instructors were extremely knowledgeable and great to work with. It was amazing to see how glaciers from so many years ago directly impact our ability to site new septic systems. … I’m glad to have had this opportunity to become a Title 5 Soil Evaluator and look forward to using my new skills in the field.”
– Ellis Densmore, MASSTC Site Operator
“I found the Soil Evaluator class fascinating because it showed how Cape Cod’s ancient geological history continues to shape our human experience today. … Lessons learned in this class are an important addition to my knowledge base in environmental science and wastewater management.”
– Bryan Horsley, MASSTC Project Assistant
By offering this course locally, Barnstable County Public Health Training Hub is helping to strengthen Cape Cod’s environmental health workforce, ensuring a reliable pool of qualified professionals capable of evaluating septic system sites in a region where groundwater protection is critical.
For more information on future training opportunities, visit:
👉 Training Hub – Barnstable County
👉 MA Title 5 Certification • NEIWPCC
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