A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order at 7:30 P.M. on Monday evening, August 12, 2002, in the Sharon Town Offices with the following members in attendance: Chairman Andrew Stead, Vice-Chair Susan Peck, Elizabeth Barnett, M.D., and Jonathan Goldberg. Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering, was also present.
Middle School Septic Review
Michael McKeon of Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc., presented an overview of the plans for a septic system for the existing Middle School, should a problem develop, as well as for a new septic system, should the town vote for a new Middle School. Also present were Peter Collins and Fred Clay. According to Jim Andrews, the current system is adequate for the existing school population. Mr. McKeon presented plans for the anticipated new construction for the school, including the new kitchen. The plans involve a tie-in to the existing High School plant......a distance of slightly over one mile. The current plant will handle the additional septage, but Suzi Peck and Jim Andrews questioned whether the leaching field would be able to handle the additional flow, as well. Jonathan Goldberg expressed concern about
sending sewerage down towards the lake, and questioned the reasons for tieing the 2 systems together.... He suggested the possibility of saving the extra capacity, instead, to handle existing problems at the lake. Jim Andrews noted that the high school plant is running at less capacity than original design...and, therefore, runs at less than optimal efficiency. When plans for a new septic system for a new Middle School arose, with an estimated total school population of 1500 (which would, most likely, require a treatment plant), the suggestion was made to tie the 2 systems as a more cost-effective method. Jonathan Goldberg recommended that a conventional septic system be investigated, as well. Mr. McKeon responded that at 8 gallons per student, the resulting gpd would be 12,000 and would necessitate a treatment plant. Jonathan Goldberg suggested that a treatment plant should be considered.
Variance Hearing – 24 Condor Road
Harold Horwitz of 24 Condor Road was present to request a variance from Article 7, Section 7.02.14, on the depth to groundwater for his system from 5' to 4'. The system failed Title V, and the house was taken off the market. The engineer was not in attendance. Jim Andrews reviewed that a grading problem, which would result in drainage problems, would be eliminated by allowing the 1' difference in depth. Jonathan Goldberg asked that a non-mercury switch be included, and low-flow toilets and showerheads be required.
VOTED:(Stead/Peck) unanimously to approve the variance request with the following requirements (which must be relayed to any new buyer): Annual pumping of septic tank; installation of low flow toilets and showerheads; installation of a non-mercury switch.
Variance Hearing - 112 South Main Street
Arthur Quaglieri, P.E., presented the request for a variance for this property – a 2 family, 5 bedroom house, which currently has 2 cesspools which have failed. Jim Andrews stated the soils were very slow; he didn’t see a problem with granting the variances requested. Several neighbors were in attendance to express concern about the proposal for such a large system for a small lot....neighbors noted they already have water in their basements.....and a letter of concern from a neighbor who was unable to attend the hearing was presented. The property appears to be at the edge of a Zone II.
VOTED: (Stead/Barnett) unanimously to continue the hearing to the next scheduled meeting to allow abutters to address their concerns with the Engineering Department. The Board will also await confirmation on whether or not the property is in a Zone II.
Variance Hearing – 12 Huntington Avenue
Mike Jones of Can-Four Corp, was present, along with Dick Hosmer, son of the owner, and Kevin Walker, P.E., to request a variance from Article 7, section 7.02.11 (construction in fill). According to the engineer, there is sandy loam under the fill. A neighbor expressed concerns about runoff to his property. Elizabeth Barnett questioned whether there are alternative designs which might be used. Mike Jones noted that alternative locations had been reviewed. Due to the lot’s topography, a shared system was ruled out....it would create a mounded system. Andy Stead requested that the drainage issues be further reviewed.
VOTED: (Stead/Barnett) unanimously to continue the hearing to the next scheduled meeting.
The Board determined the next meeting to be September 9th, since a quorum will not be available on August 26.
Minutes of Meeting - July 15, 2002
VOTED: (Peck/Stead) unanimously to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2002 meeting.
B.S. Design Corp.
The Board agreed that it would be inappropriate for the Board of Health (or its members) to publicly endorse any product.
Discussion with Finance Committee
Suzi Peck and Jonathan Goldberg reported on a initial discussion with the Finance Committee held on August 5th regarding the Board’s hope to establish a revolving fund to help monitor compliance with septic variances issued by the BOH. The Finance Committee members present were in general agreement with the idea and requested additional information from the BOH. Further details will need to be provided by the BOH.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 PM.
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