Minutes of Meeting
April 14, 2008
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order on April 14, 2008 at 7:35 PM, in the Sharon Town Office Building, with the following members in attendance: Stanley Rosen, Chair, Edward Welch, Vice-Chair, Anne Bingham, Jay Schwab, and Suzi Peck.
Minutes of Meeting of March 17, 2008
VOTED: (Peck/Rosen) unanimously to approve the minutes of March 31, 2008, as amended. Anne Bingham and Ed Welch abstained.
Minutes of Meeting of March 31, 2008
VOTED: (Rosen/Schwab): Rosen, Bingham, and Schwab voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 31, 2008. Ed Welch and Suzi Peck abstained.
Wilber Project
The Board reviewed a response from Cynthia Amara of Gelerman and Buschmann re BOH authority in 40B’s. Anne Bingham stated she does not agree with the decision....and does not believe that the need for low/moderate income housing trumps issues of public health. Stan Rosen stated that, as a Town board, the BOH is required to utilize Town Counsel. Anne Bingham stated that legal authority of BOH for (DEP-issued) Groundwater Discharge Permits (for systems over 10000 gallons) is unresolved.....and has been for over 20 years. She suggested invoking our order authority (rather than permitting authority) to have the Wilber proponents come in...since this is a public health issue; so close to our wells, etc. Suzi Peck asked that, at a minimum, the controls that we have successfully included
at Sharon Commons, be included in the Wilber project. She stated her belief that public health issues are treated differently...and that she is fearful to cede our authority (in 40B’s). She noted that we have issued permits to 40B’s in the past. Jay Schwab expressed concern about giving up BOH authority for the future.
Anne Bingham noted that the deadline for commenting to DEP on the Groundwater Discharge Permit is Friday April 18. She stated her intention to make comments as a public citizen to DEP. Stan Rosen expressed concern about...is this the case for which we want to start issuing orders and going to court? Suzi Peck noted this is a proposed wastewater treatment plant right in the center of town....near our wells. Anne Bingham suggested that the options are: first, get our foot in the door by trying to piggyback on the DEP draft permit. 2nd: this is a good test case to emphasize role of BOH.
Ed Welch suggested the Board provide comments to DEP by Friday...and ask that they adopt our conditions. Suzi Peck suggested that the BOH issue a permit, regardless of the fact that the applicants have not applied for a permit. Stan Rosen suggested that the board concentrate on the DEP issue now, rather than issue orders to the applicant. Ed Welch suggested questioning Town Counsel on their decision.
Anne Bingham and Suzi Peck will put the request together and forward to Linda Rosen to forward to the BOH for comments. Comments by BOH to include: due to uniqueness of Sharon, we request that you make the permit equally enforceable by us and by making us a co-issuer of the DEP permit.....and include more stringent conditions. At the very least, it would allow us to enforce conditions. Suzi Peck will include relevant sections and rationale of Article 7....as well as provide the reasons why Sharon is unique. She also
suggested we request a meeting with DEP on this issue. Stan Rosen agreed to sign the document on behalf of the BOH if he agrees with comments made. Linda Rosen will email/fax/send by certified mail by Friday.
Future Meeting Dates:
The Board agreed on meeting dates for May through October 2008.
Discussion on testing requirements for I/A systems
Suzi Peck suggested that fund from the septic variance monitoring fee revolving fund be utilized to hire someone to periodically check the I/A systems to be sure the pumps are running, i.e., that the system was not turned off. She stated that, if that were done, she would feel more comfortable reducing current requirements. Linda Rosen suggested that Linda Callan could probably be taught to do this. A mechanism will need to be worked out.....some notice to be provided to homeowners.
VOTED: (Rosen/Schwab) unanimously to revert back to DEP requirements for testing of I/A systems following the first two succesful years of operation. If testing for nitrogen is required (by the permit), the homeowner must continue to do this test once/year.
VOTED: (Rosen/Schwab) unanimously to allow reduction of testing for 20 Chestnut Street.
VOTED: (Rosen/Schwab) unanimously to allow reduction of testing for 23 Highland St. upon receipt of proof of pumping.
182 Pond St.:
The request for reduction in testing will be automatic with the new policy change (voted above).
36 Quincy St.
It was asked that Linda Rosen verify further with Jim Andrews the status of 36 Quincy Street.
Horizons for Youth
The Board reviewed a letter from BDO Engineering regarding plans for septic upgrade at Horizons for Youth. Board members had questions about this....and asked that Mike Bossin, Gary Bluestein, David Oberlander be invited to the next meeting to discuss.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM.
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