HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-07-20
BOARD OF HEALTH
The Minutes of the Meeting of Wednesday 20 July 1988 at 7:30 PM. The Meeting
took place in the Selectmen's Hearing Room, Town and County Building, Nantucket,
MA 02554. All members of the Board of Health were present with the exception
of Mr. Clute. Chairman Cabot opened the Meeting at 7:30 PM.
Mrs. Sevrens moved approval of the Minutes of 13 July 1988 and 16 March 1988
at 7:30 PM. Seconded by Mr. Viera. It was noted that the Board waived the
readings of said minutes. So voted.
Disposal of refuse in Nantucket waters. In a letter to the Board Inspector
Ray requested changes to the Board of Health Regulation 32.00. Mrs. Sevrens
read Inspector Ray's letter suggesting changes. Inspector Ray wants to include
"greywater" and "treated and untreated sewage" in the regulations. He would
not want pumpout of any nature in the Harbor. This public health regulation
would go into effect immediately after notice in the Inquirer and Mirror.
Policing may be difficult. The Town may promulgate public health regulations
which are more stringent than the Federal regulations. Posters will be displayed
as "Notices" advertising the proposed new regulation. Mr. Bender suggested
that at least one large cruise boat with an 8,000 gallon holding tank has pumped
out near Old North Wharf. This is their kitchen waste in this case. The ship's
captain said that they have to pump out after 1~ days at most. He said there
was a distinction between sewage, greywater and food wastes. Inspector Ray
says that the boat appeared to have been pumping out treated wastes, which
is allowed under Federal regulations. He said that there have been about two
dozen samples taken this year of the water quality of Nantucket Harbor. During
the past six years the coliform count in the Harbor has dropped both at the
beaches and in the Harbor. In addition, the Health Department is doirrg nitrate
testing. Jim Gross of the Harbor Committee said there is a slime on the bottom.
He said that what Inspector Ray suggests will work. He suggested enforcing
a Nantucket bylaw which says that boats should not stay in the Harbor over
24 hours if they do not have a holding tank. Mr. Grossman suggested requesting
assistance from DEQE (with the new Commissioner of DEQE coming to Nantucket
on August 8th). Inspector Ray said that he is coordinating. Motion by Mrs.
: Sevrens to approve the change in the regulations as suggested by Inspector
I Ray. Seconded by Mr.Viera. Unanimous.
Inspector Ray said that a few hosptial waste products have been found on the
beaches. Lifeguards or the Health Department should be contacted if anything
is found.
There being no further
the Meeting at 7:58 PM
business before the Board, Chairman Cabot
to reopen as the Board of Selectmen.
/-tl\.
this ;{p day of July, 1988.
adjourned
Respectfully submitted
k~~.
Lee Bour;~nr1-
Executive Secretary
T-
Approved on ~~ day of July, 1988.