Minutes of Meeting
March 31, 2008
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order on March 31, 2008 at 7:35 PM, in the Sharon Town Office Building, with the following members in attendance: Stanley Rosen, Chair, Anne Bingham, and Jay Schwab.
Laboratory testing - 2008
VOTED: (Schwab/Rosen) unanimously to retain Lapuck Laboratories as the town’s provider of
laboratory services for the 2008 lake testing season. It was noted that the laboratory will not charge for pickup services.
Request for Testing Reduction - 20 Chestnut Street
It was agreed to ask a representative from Wastewater Treatment Services to come in to discuss the issue of the elevated fecal coliform counts.
Discussion on testing requirements for I/A Systems
Anne Bingham agreed that, in her opinion, an annual across the board test is a good idea. She further stated that, as long as the BOH continues to receive inspection reports as required, she is inclined to limit the testing requirements to some extent. However she was not ready to vote on this item. The Board agreed to delay discussion on limiting BOD testing until Suzi Peck is present.
Tom Houston: re Sharon Commons:
Tom Houston was invited to discuss his firm’s planned oversight of Sharon Commons for the town...and how it might overlap with BOH concerns. Ed Welch had asked specifically if Mr. Houston would oversee any of the pipes (drain lines, water lines, etc.) which will be buried underground.... they are supposed to be encased in concrete.
Mr. Houston explained that his firm will conduct general oversight of the project; there will be a person onsite at all times. They will look at any utilities installed before they’re backfilled; require and review testing of utilities; observe earth displaced; to make sure all earthwork is compacted; observe placement of pavement; installation of landscaping, etc. BOH will have oversight over the wastewater treatment plant. He stated that he anticipates BOH to have its own person providing oversight; DEP to also have oversight. He also has a senior sanitary engineer on staff if BOH wants enhanced role. Stan Rosen noted that our consultant, Marie Cannon, will stay on the project during construction. Mr. Houston explained that the proponent has master plan approval....does not yet
authorize construction. Anticipates 90+ days away from authorization for any detailed utility construction. Anne Bingham expressed concerned re Phase I report - 21E issue - to be addressed. Tom Houston: any of those areas would be off limits from construction; they will be required to grade the site in segments. Stan Rosen stated the need to coordinate with Marie Cannon, Jim Andrews, and the Engineering Dept.
Wilber School: 40B issue
Anne Bingham provided her comments, outlining why she believes the BOH does not give up its permitting authority on this project. Stan Rosen reviewed there are 2 issues involved: 1) The Wilber proponent, via the Town Engineering, requested a variance for the reserve area; and 2) the issue of BOH authority in this 40B.
He reviewed the letter from Nixon-Peabody which states, since this is a 40B, the BOH may act only in an advisory capacity and is pre-empted from action since this requires a state wastewater discharge permit. Anne Bingham took greatest exception to this suggestion. She stated that the public health issues raised by discharge from this site are significant..and that we cannot count on DEP for protection. She stated that there is sufficient broad authority in MGL Ch. 111 that the BOH retains its authority. She suggested that, perhaps, we might insist that the BOH be included (piggyback) in the state permit. Stan Rosen noted that, because we are part of the town, we need to ask Town Counsel for initial review of letter from Nixon-Peabody. Anne Bingham stated that she would, most likely, be in
favor of granting some variances. She also believes the BOH has approximately 20 more days to comment on the DEP permit.
Linda Rosen will request a response to the Nixon-Peabody letter from Town Counsel. Stan Rosen asked that Anne Bingham provide him with the copy of the draft DEP permit...and talk with him regarding the points she’d like discussed...and the rationale. Then he will talk with Frank Mezzacapa at DEP to see if DEP would consider including the BOH in its (DEP) permit.
Regarding the waiver request: Anne Bingham stated she is inclined to grant this preliminary response to the request (dependent on how well they prove the historic flow and that they would counteract any new flow by bringing in flow from nearby residences and/or businesses), but that she was not willing to give a definitive answer right now. She stated she had previously asked what was the historic flow of Wilber School and how much additional flow will they be able to bring in...but she had not received those answers. She is concerned about new construction aspect.
Jim Susi: Unitarian Church
Jim Susi was present to discuss plans for a new septic system at the Unitarian Church. He discussed developing the design flow using water usage readings. Anne Bingham questioned the use on weekend days, vs. weeddays. There was an 8 minute perk last week; 116" to bottom of hole; dry; no mottling. Occupancy = 270 persons - at 6 gpd for church with kitchen = 1620 gpd. Required leaching area = 1000 sf. Propose to incorporate the CULTEC chambers, which allow increase flow by 1.67 times. Will need a pump. This would require BOH approval before goes to DEP. Anne Bingham stated the numbers make sense and suggested he return with formal application. Stan and Jay concurred. The religious education building is to be demolished....size will be increased. Anne Bingham
suggested they agree to keep occupancy at 270 persons to avoid issues with variances for new construction.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM
| 
