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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-8-14BOARD OF HEALTH TOWN OF NANTUCKET MINUTES — August 14, 2002 SUPERIOR COURT ROOM MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: 7:30 P.M. MEMBERS OF THE B.O.H. IN ATTENDANCE: Mr. Spriggs, Mr. Soverino, Mr. Fee, Benegr and Mr. Murphy 1. Concerns from the Public Mr. Bender — Reads copy of letter from Mr. Webster of 91 Vestal St. — letter is addressed to townspeople - Letter is in regards to beach pollution, beach water pollution and pollution of the Harbor in particular. Suggests more stringent policies, no chemical use within three - hundred feet of the harbor, etc. Also mentions the lack of use of chemicals, pesticides, etc. in recent years in the cranberry bogs. Mr. Bender praises the spirit of the letter. HO Ray — states that the Harbor and shellfish are one issue, the swim ability of Nantucket's water is another. The water quality on twenty testing locations that HO Ray tests weekly have been such that we have had virtually no closures this year — it is now mid - August and you can swim in Miacomet Pond. We are doing something right — the human end of things has gotten better. Roger Ernst — Chairman of Advisory Committee of non - voting tax - payers. The committee will be supportive of any integrated approach to protecting water quality by the B.O.H. and B.O.S., etc. 2. New Business a. Approval of Minutes —May 15, 2002 —Minutes approved with amendment of vote on last page from 4 -0 to 5 -0. b. Variance Request from Title V and Local Well Regs. — 24 Mass. Ave. HO Ray — This a postage stamp lot with existing dwelling, it is very difficult to move septic and well within these confines. The well has failed and a new one is required. The maximum distance available between well and septic is 68 ft. This is less than the required 100 ft. The State does allow the granting of a variance as long as the distance is no less than 50 ft. HO Ray recommends granting the variance as the maximum distance (68 ft.) has been achieved. Mr. Bender — Is there any mechanism where this well be monitored for nitrates? HO Ray — That could happen at the Board's direction. Due to the ground- water flow in this area — that Septic System would not be affecting that well. This family is extremely diligent about testing their own water yearly. B.O.H. approves unanimously variance as requested. c. Variance Request from Title V —16 Clarendon St. HO Ray — This is another postage size lot with opposite issue — Septic needs replacement. Due to arc of neighboring wells, property owner has an extremely small area in which to place new leach facility. The State Code requires leach trenches in most all situations. A trench would never fit in this area — in order to get appropriate absorption the engineers are asking to use a pit system — it is the only system that will fit on this property, therefore I am recommending approval of this variance. Mr. Fee — How would pit system compare to the trench system? HO Ray — The trenches have two feet of sidewall for absorption, the pits had 6 -8 ft. of sidewall. The State was concerned that it would dump effluent too close to groundwater. However in this area (Clarendon St.) groundwater is substantially deep — so therefore I felt justified in recommending this variance. Mr. Spriggs — What effect would this variance have if the property sold? HO Ray — This would be a new installation, the variance would serve to make them in compliance and have no effect on a property transfer. There will be no additional bedrooms allowed. Mr. Bender — Asks why an alternative design system is not mandated? HO Ray — explains that this system as proposed will serve the purpose to achieve the necessary filtration. Mr. Soverino — Stands by HO Ray's recommendation and his usually strident stand on these issues. Makes motion to approve variance as requested. B.O.H. approves variance request unanimously. 3. PUBLIC HEARING — Appeal of Application for 73 Milk St. Well Application. Applicant has requested delay of this hearing until first Wednesday of Sept. B.O.H. agrees to change. HO Ray — Makes comment that this is the last year that the Town will tolerate non - biodegradable packaging of any kind. Notices will be sent out to businesses. Waivers are available to be applies for. 4. CONCERNS FROM THE BOARD Mr. Soverino request West Nile Virus update. HO Ray — The only Statewide Initiative has been a request for municipalities to send birds to the State Lab for testing. Towns are allowed to make their own determinations as to whether to spray or not. There does not seem to be a huge mosquito problem in the State this summer. As of yesterday, there has been one case of West Nile Virus diagnosed in the State this summer— however, that individual contracted the disease in Louisiana. Our department has sent off birds to the State, and all have proved negative so far this year. B.O.H. adjourns at app. 8:30 p.m.