HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-08-15
II
BOARD OF HEALTH
Minutes of August 15, 1984 Meeting
The Board of Health Meeting commenced at 7:30 p.m. All members were present.
Minutes of the August 8, 1984 meeting were accepted as typed and reading
of the same was waived on a motion from Selectmen Rogers (Skip) Cabot,
seconded by Selectmen Harry (Bud) Clute, so voted.
Progress Report on Water Quality at Bathing Beaches:
A letter from Engineers Sheaffer and Roland was read by Selectmen Cabot.
Fred Neal reported that the water sampling program has continued at critical
points in the Lily Pond Drain, E. Lincoln/Walsh Street and Children's Beach
drains. The test results to date confirm the findings of sewage contamination
in the Lily Pond Drain.
A sewer cleaning and inspection crew hired by the Town began cleaning and
inspecting via special TV camera the upper end of the Lily Pond Drain on
Tuesday. A cross connection between the Lily Pond Drain and the Center
Street Sanitary sewer was discovered during the course of the inspection.
The croSS connection is apparently the result of failed pipe joint in the
sanitary sewer which is allowing sewage to enter the Lily Pond Drain where
the two pipes cross. Since this section of the Lily Pond Drain is scheduled
for replacement this Fall, this cross connection will be eliminated as part
of that work. Dye testing has been performed along the south side of Easton
and Chester Streets from Center Street back to Beach Street with no
apparent sewage connections to Lily Pond Drain. Dye-testing of other sanitary
sewers crossing over the Lily Pond Drain will also be performed to insure
that no other cross connections exist. Test results for samples taken from
E. Lincoln/Walsh St. Drain indicate there there is no apparent source of
pollution from the upper end of this system (E. Lincoln, between N. Beach
and Walsh Streets). Test results indicated possible pollution source
at the lower end for this drain. The fact thatthis line has been plugged and
stagnated, however, may be causing the higher bacteria counts.
Test results from the samples taken in the underdrain manhole at the
intersection of North Beach and East Streets indicate a possible source of
pollution. The underdrain system employs the old sanitary sewer along
North Beach Street and it is possible that some residual deposite in this
line may be causing the high bacteria counts. The underdrain flows are now
being directed to theBrandt Point Outfall via the old Sea Street Pumping
Station emergency bypass line and not to the Lily Pond Drain or the Harbor
View Outfall. Baterica counts at Children's Beach have remained within
health standards during the course of the sampling to date.
Sheaffer and Roland went on to say thataccording to preliminary findings
Lily Pond Drain seems to be the primary source of pollution. They recommended
conintued islation of this line from the Harbor View Outfall to Children's
Beach until its replacement line scheduled for construction this fall is
installed. Recommended continuing sampling program along Walsh St. Drain
and the North Beach Street underdrain. Dye testing of house sewer connections
in the Walsh Street drainage area and dye testing of any sanitary sewers which
cross over drain lines in this area. The line should remain isolated from
the Harbor View Outfall while these additional studies take place.
additional cleaning and visual inspections of these drain lines are
anticipated during the next few days.
Mr. Gardner was concerned that legally the Board must act immediately and
not wait for bids in the fall. Mr. Oliver said that the schedule is being
expedited. Mr. Roland said they would be able to invite bids first half
of September. May have to allow thirty days for advertising. Mr. Oliver said
we also need easements on the upper end of Lily Pond. Mr. Ray added that
this is one of the major problems. Would like to investigate all problems
and do everything in the fall.
Mr. Ray explained that the counts of coliform were way down at the beaches
but would like to keep them closed all summer just to be safe.
He said a plug could deflate and pollute the beaches without much notice.
Mr. Ray added that Brandt Point is safe for swimming due to the strong
currents which carries any sewage out to sea. Problems still in the Gull
area and off Easy Street. Gull island has been cut off at this time.
Being no further business before the Board of Health, Jack Gardner moved
to adjourn, seconded by Bud Clute, so voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
BOARD OF HEALTH
Barbara M. Dale
Assistant Executive Secretary