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Mill River Consulting Client Testimonials

"We purchased an acre of land with an ocean view in Gloucester in the 1970s. The property had utilities and a septic system in place. We decided to build a home in the early 1990s. Right around that time, Title 5 laws were adopted and we were disappointed to learn that the existing system was obsolete and we had to have the land perc tested again... all the while hoping to build a dream home near the ocean. But we abruptly had the rug pulled out from under us when the engineering firm we hired informed us that we failed the perc process and the lot was unbuildable.

Many years later, we decided to consult with Dan Ottenheimer and the team at Mill River Consulting because they were experts in the industry. We certainly made the right move. Our project manager, Isaac Rowe, couldn’t have been more professional. He was truly a cheerleader and totally on our side. He literally rolled up his sleeves and worked very closely with the other engineers and the Board of Health. They worked from early morning into the evening testing the soil with difficult machinery and lots of manpower.

Mill River Consulting’s up-to-date knowledge and expertise on the state and local rules, wastewater technologies, and their commitment helped us to be successful and begin building. Under Isaac’s direction, the team was able to test the entire lot methodically and thoroughly, leaving ‘no stone unturned’ so to speak. With diligence, expertise, and tireless effort, they were able to find suitable soil and also provide us with a design for the most optimal septic system for the property. On June 14, 2010 we moved into our new home and are totally grateful for every action Mill River Consulting took to get us here.

We can't say enough about all Isaac did for us and we will never forget his passion for his work, his ‘never say die’ attitude and his commitment to client satisfaction.

We would highly recommend Mill River Consulting for ANY project."

~ Leo and Susan LaRosa, Harbour Heights, Gloucester
"As an attorney doing much of my work with land-use and permitting issues, I refer my clients directly to the experts at Mill River Consulting... they have helped my clients with everything from surveying to wetland delineation and civil engineering of all types. They have assisted us with projects from a simple Title 5 inspection necessary for the sale of a home up to subdivision plans and everything in between; they make it simple for the homeowners/property owners to move forward with the proper guidance and representation needed for permitting as well."

~ Attorney Robert Visnick, Cape Ann Law, Rockport
"When we bought the old "Lobster Pool" in hopes of turning it into an ice cream shop (a dream that I'd had forever), we never realized all the permitting and occupancy issues we might encounter... as the site sits right on the town lines of Ipswich and Essex. We needed expert guidance and permitting help and we contacted Mill River Consulting right away. We worked on the building for over a year due to necessary permitting. One of the most challenging issues was how to put the water line in. We weren't able to drill straight down due to environmental restrictions (marsh, wetlands, etc.), but luckily we had Isaac Rowe of Mill River Consulting, who helped facilitate directional drilling. With his help, the town of Ipswich agreed to let us tap into their public water supply even though our property lies in Essex.

Mill River Consulting worked with the various agencies needed to permit the shop; this included the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Essex Board of Health, Essex Conservation Commission, and also the Town of Ipswich's Board of Health, Conservation Commission, Public Works Department... it was quite a lot of permitting needed to complete our project; the complexities of working within the parameters of two towns as well as the state of Massachusetts would have been overwhelming without professional help. With the expert guidance of Dan Ottenheimer, Isaac Rowe, and the rest of the Mill River Consulting team, we were able to open the 'Down River Ice Cream' Shop. To honor Mill River Consulting's professional dedication, we named an ice cream after them... 'The Mill River Mix' which has coffee, fudge, and Heath Bar!

We highly recommend the team at Mill River Consulting and are thankful for their dedication, innovation, and guidance. They think 'outside the box' and made our dream come true."

~ Amy Ahearn, Down River Ice Cream, Rte 133, Essex
[Read complete Ipswich Chronicle article]
"As an architect working on Cape Ann for the past 15 years, I have seen the required rules and regulations for land development and construction become more and more complex; these changes include everything from septic system design, conservation laws and bylaws, new stormwater management rules, and general permitting. I advise my clients of the danger sometimes involved when attempting to navigate these issues alone, especially with our homes being such a critical and large asset in our lives. Whenever a client approaches me with any of these issues, I immediately suggest Mill River Consulting; I can rest assured that by us working with Mill River Consulting on our team, they will guide our client through the myriad of regulations that exists today. I also know they will do it with the highest level of quality and professionalism that one can expect from a dedicated owner and staff."

~ Robert Gulla Architecture, Registered Architect
“I am always delighted to recommend Mill River Consulting to my clients. The team always provides consistent quality service in a timely manner. I find them to be extremely knowledgeable in perc testing, Title 5 inspections and regulations, septic system designs of all types, and conservation and dock permitting to name a few. For my clients wanting land development assistance, we turn to Mill River Consulting. Always patient and informative, Dan and his team of experts always go above and beyond customer expectations. The response from most clients I refer is ‘WOW… what a great company to work with!”

~ Lynda Hemeon, J. Barrett Realty, Gloucester office
"I cannot thank the project team at Mill River Consulting enough for their help designing, permitting, and providing bid solicitation services for the septic system at my residence in Gloucester. My house was on the market during a difficult real estate selling period. In order to have a chance at selling my home, I needed to install a Title 5 compliant system that did not compromise the pastoral nature of the property, which was its selling point. Dan Ottenheimer and his associates are thorough, proficient, and experienced in their work from both an engineering and regulatory perspective. They were able to locate the system subsurface with no unsightly mounds while satisfying the Conservation Commission’s requirements for distance from wetlands.

As a remote seller, it was difficult for me to not be in control of the situation. Project Manager Randy Burley kept me up to date on all project developments, represented my interests at public hearings, designed and permitted the septic system, and successfully negotiated in-field adjustments due to site conditions; all without any cost overruns. Due largely in part to Mill River Consulting’s successful design/permitting of a septic system on a site that presented a number of challenges, I am happy to say I was able to sell my property at a fair price. I highly recommend this group of professionals."

~ Katie Kulik, AICP Florida Resident
"In working with the staff at Mill River Consulting, I find the entire team to be professional and knowledgeable. It’s nice to know that there’s a one-stop shop to get anything from a simple to a complex job done in a timely manner...whether it’s a Title 5 inspection, a septic design, permitting, or a site plan. As a realtor working with the many deadlines and pressures of real estate closings and all, it’s nice to find a firm that actually answers their phone, returns phone calls, and provides assistance in a timely fashion.”

~ Ruth Pino, CBR, CRS, GRI – Re/Max Advantage Real Estate
"The process of our septic design couldn't have been smoother... Mill River Consulting and Dan Ottenheimer are professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. Dan has an impressive grasp of state and local bylaws and an excellent working relationship with reputable contractors as well as civic officials. His flexibility and enthusiasm made what could have been a difficult project simple. His reputation is well known throughout the industry."

~ Margo Killoran and David Southwick

"Dear Dan, Thanks for completing your tasks in such a prompt and professional manner. The whole process has confirmed the wisdom of selecting someone who is an experienced engineer as well as one who has been on both sides of the review process.

Judy and I are very grateful that the remaining obstacles to purchasing 59 Wood Drive have been removed by you. We are looking forward to closing soon. I am sure we will be in touch asking for a little more advice when we actually begin work on the new septic system.

I am sure you can also tell us things we want to know about the North Shore. We can't wait to join you and many other happy residents in this fabulous place."

~ Joseph Brain, Professor, Harvard School of Public Health

"The Town of North Andover has been using the services of Mill River Consulting since August 2003 and it has truly been a wonderful experience. Their knowledge and immediate availability for a variety of issues has been second to none. Requests for soil testing, and all our septic inspections and design reviews are handled in a prompt, courteous, and professional fashion with an incredible turnaround time.

Mr. Ottenheimer has been a pleasure to work with, and is a consummate professional in all of his dealings with our Department, contractors, engineers, and residents alike. Mr. Ottenheimer and his staff possess a wealth of knowledge they are willing to share and I would highly recommend his services to anyone."

~ Brian LaGrasse, Health Inspector, Town of North Andover