Sherborn Board of Health Approves Dunkin' Donuts Grease Trap Variance, Four Building Permits

SHERBORN — May 6, 2026 — Sherborn Board of Health approves grease trap variance for local Dunkin' Donuts and clears cluster of contested septic cases. The board voted unanimously to grant a variance to state regulation 310 CMR 15.351 subsection 2 for the Sherborn Dunkin' Donuts at 23 South Main Street, allowing the external grease trap to be inspected twice per year rather than the required four times, following an inspection by Scott Septic Service that found the trap nearly empty after 25 months of operation. Health Agent Mark Stearns reported the franchise's centralized food preparation model produces minimal grease at the Sherborn location, a finding consistent with guidance from Department of Environmental Protection engineer Claire Golden. In the meeting's most contested item, the board voted 4 to 1 to approve a building permit for 19 Peckham Hill Road, allowing homeowner Graham Hennessey to convert a screened porch into a conditioned family room, subject to four conditions: removal of the garbage disposal with a recorded deed restriction, installation of outlet filters on both of the property's nonconforming septic tanks, verification and potential rerouting of laundry effluent, and a prohibition on adding further rooms to the existing system. On the unresolved 155 Maple Street failed-system case — now five months before the board without a soil test scheduled — Chair Julie Dreyfus warned that the board will seek Town Counsel guidance on a court order if the property is not on the Conservation Commission's May 21 agenda.