06/27/2019 BOARD OF HEALTH Minutes

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Islands Engineering, showing a revision date of June 13, 2019. Motion seconded by Mallory Langler. VOTE: Unanimous(3-0). 8. Review and discussion of Definitive Subdivision Plan,103 Meetinghouse Road. Mr. Harrington commented that this is the board's opportunity to review the properties within the subdivision plan for access, sizing in regards to nitrogen loading, wells, and septic compliance. The septic system setbacks must be maintained and,if a septic system to an existing dwelling is proposed to be off of the parent parcel,an easement is required. In this case,the parent parcel and proposed parcels are not in Zone II; therefore, nitrogen loading does not apply. The main dwelling, at 103 Meetinghouse, has a Title V system that was installed in 2014. The house is on Town water; therefore, Town water is available for the two proposed lots. The road drainage has been designed and shown on the preliminary plans. Access to the lots is provided by an ancient way, which is considered a public way and maintains its rights for access of utilities, according to the land surveyor. It was noted by Chair Baumgaertel that a bunk house and privy on the main property previously appeared as a shed with no privy. Board members agreed that this inconsistency raised questions; however, Ms. Langler questioned whether that was directly related to review and approval of the subdivision plan. The engineer, Raul Lizardi-Rivera,was present at the meeting, but did not have an explanation other than to suggest it could be a privy that is out-of-service. Mr. Harrington stated this is an older property and uses have likely changed over the years. He advised the board that they have the right to require a septic inspection at any time,and recommended approval of the plan pending inspection of the bunk house and privy. There being no further comments or discussion, Laurel Almquist moved to approve the Definitive Subdivision Plan for 104 Meetinghouse Road, pending clarification of the names "privy, but and bunkhouse", along with Title V and-Sanitary Code inspections. Motion seconded by Mallory Langler, VOTE: Unanimous(3-0). 9. Discussion of Santuit Pond algae bloom. Board members discussed the recent newspaper article on water quality at Santuit Pond. Mr. Harrington advised the board that the Solarbee units on Santuit Pond worked successfully for three years; however, since the Town experienced a very heavy rainfall three years ago, the pond has had to be closed each summer. State testing has shown non-detectable toxin for bathing purposes, but the Natural Resources Director is having the water tested for another toxin, and is also coordinating with Woods Hole about borrowing testing equipment. The Town is looking at acquiring additional modern Solarbee units.The impact of fertilizer use in yards was discussed, and board members agreed it would be beneficial to do an educational reminder about reducing fertilizer use to help mitigate phosphorous run-off into the pond. Mr. Harrington advised the board that water testing is done weekly,and current results exceed both of the two thresholds for the advisory. Toxins may be concentrated in certain areas, and health advisories are posted so pet owners will prevent them from drinking the pond water. Chair Baumgaertel suggested that Mr. Harrington contact Sam Houghton at the Enterprise to see if there is any interest in doing a follow-up article about the effects of fertilizers. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Board of Health was scheduled for Thursday,July 25, 2019 at 7:00 PM.