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.