Brundage Site Work Featured in the Provincetown Independent for Innovative Septic Project
Brundage Site Work was recently highlighted in the Provincetown Independent for our role in installing the Outer Cape’s first “layer cake” septic leach field, a next-generation, nitrogen-reducing wastewater system now being piloted across Massachusetts.
This groundbreaking installation took place at 999 State Highway in Eastham, in partnership with property owner Peter Dobyns and J.C. Ellis Design. The project is part of a Mass. Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) pilot program focused on improving water quality in environmentally sensitive coastal areas.
A New Approach to Nitrogen Reduction on Cape Cod
Cape Cod’s waterways, including the Nauset estuary, have long struggled with nitrogen pollution, much of which comes from traditional septic systems. As coastal towns respond to increased contamination and stricter water-quality regulations, innovative alternatives are becoming essential.
The “layer cake” system is one of the most promising solutions.
It works by alternating layers of sand and wood chips, creating an environment that naturally enhances the denitrification process. Across the 15 systems installed statewide so far, the results have been impressive:
- 72% average nitrogen removal
- Some sites achieving over 90% reduction
Compared to other I/A (Innovative/Alternative) systems, layer cake leach fields are simpler, significantly more cost-effective, and non-proprietary, meaning any qualified installer can construct them.
A Milestone Project for the Outer Cape
The Eastham installation is the first layer cake system ever permitted on the Outer Cape, making it a major step toward cleaner groundwater and healthier ecosystems.
Brundage Site Work handled the full installation for this multi-unit property, ensuring the system met DEP pilot standards and the town’s environmental goals.
“We are excited to be chosen for this,” said Corey Brundage, owner of Brundage Site Work. “This opportunity is huge. It could open options to allow this design to be accepted into the wastewater management DEP code and be able to be used routinely outside the pilot program.”
The Town of Eastham contributed funding for testing and monitoring, and will evaluate its success as part of ongoing efforts to reduce nitrogen reaching the Nauset estuaries. If the system performs as expected, similar installations could follow across the region.
Why This Matters for Cape Cod Homeowners
As regulations evolve and environmental pressures grow, septic upgrades are becoming more common, especially for homes near sensitive coastal areas.
Layer cake systems offer several major advantages:
- Lower cost compared to proprietary nitrogen-reducing systems
- Simple materials (sand + wood chips) and fewer mechanical components
- Compatibility with standard Title 5 systems
- Better long-term water quality outcomes for the community
With Cape Cod relying almost entirely on private septic systems, innovations like these could play a critical role in protecting local drinking water and preserving coastal ecosystems.
Proud to Support Cape Cod’s Next Generation of Septic Solutions
Brundage Site Work is honored to be part of this important environmental initiative and to help bring cutting-edge wastewater solutions to the Outer Cape.
To read the full Provincetown Independent article, visit their website.
If you’re interested in septic upgrades, Title 5 compliance, or I/A system installations, our team is here to help.
