C h i l m a r k B o a r d o f H e a l t h
M i n u t e s
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Chilmark Town Hall
4:00 pm
Present: Katie Carroll (Chair), Mike Renahan, Jan Buhrman
Also Present: Chris Alley (Schofield, Barbini & Hoehn), Everett Poole (Harrison 33-114), Donald Poole (Harrison 33-114), Marina Lent (Administrator-BOH), Deborah Hancock, Kent Healy, Chris Carroll (Vineyard Land Surveying); Mitch Gordon (Mandylion)
Poole (27.1-109) The Board held a preliminary discussion with engineer Kent Healy regarding his findings and recommendations for an upgrade to the septic system serving 10 Basin Road, which includes the Menemsha Café, a small apartment above the Café, and a warehouse. One septic tank, one pump tank and a new leaching bed could be installed to upgrade the system. The most problematic feature of the site is the distance to groundwater: a mounded system with retaining wall would have to be built, with a 3-foot vertical separation to groundwater. The Board clarified current use of the system. Kent Healy also noted that the leaching bed would not require other Title 5 variances, but would require variances from Chilmark BOH regulations. The Board recalled that the
Homeport Restaurant, also located in Menemsha, had been granted a variance of 3.5 feet to groundwater, and that the US Coast Guard next to the Homeport Restaurant has a discharge permit. The Board thanked Kent Healy for the discussion, and stands ready to consider a proposed upgrade along the lines discussed.
Scott/Cook (18-52) Kent Healy presented a disposal system construction permit application for a proposed plan to upgrade a 4-bedroom system by replacing two leaching pits with a 1,500 gallon tank and leaching bed. The construction permit, which requires no variances, was approved by the Board.
4:15pm Public Hearing: Harrison (33-114) The Board continued a public hearing on a disposal system construction permit requiring variances from Chilmark BOH regulations. Chris Alley reported on follow-up to requests made by the Board at its last meeting: observation pipes placed in the proposed leaching area remained dry, and distances were re-confirmed to coincide with what is presented on the proposed plan dated Feb 9 2010.
Chris Alley then presented results of today’s consideration by the Conservation Commission. He reported that agreement had been reached at the Commission on a significantly reduced footprint for the proposed new dwelling, which would be located at the site of the existing building. This will enable use of a site closer to the house for the leaching system, avoiding the lower-lying area previously under debate. The proposal includes installation of a FAST unit. The following variances from Chilmark Board of Health regulations are required:
1. leaching field to wetland 91’ (150’ required)
2. leaching field to salt water body 120’ (200’ required)
3. leaching field to existing leaching facility on A.P. 33-113: 214’ (300’ required)
4. leaching field to existing leaching facility on A.P. 33-98: 202’ (300’ required)
5. leaching field to existing well on A.P.33-98: 110’ (200’ required)
6. leaching field to own well 128’ (200’ required).
Mike Renahan asked that a deed restriction be placed on the proposed barn on the property, precluding it from bedroom use. Chris Alley listed conditions set by the Conservation Commission, which include the bedroom restriction. The Board requested a deed restriction be placed on the barn.
The well permit approved by the Board on 2/17/2010 was withdrawn, as it will not be needed under the plan currently proposed.
The Board approved the sewage disposal system permit application, and determined to keep the item on its agenda to review any further developments.
Meegan (12-34.2) The Board took note of the corrected septic system plan and photo of correction made to the septic system, and asked Marina Lent to convey to the Building Inspector that the Board of Health is satisfied that the septic system on the property can serve both the main house and a guest house in compliance with Title 5.
Mandylion (18-53) Mitch Gordon presented a Title 5 septic inspection report prepared by PE Frank Daly. The system, a 2-bedroom, 27-year old system with a tank, d-box and SAS, passed the inspection. The Board of Health has no objection to the proposal to build a 1-bdrm addition to the single-room house, which remains a seasonal, un-insulated dwelling.
Packer – Menemsha Market (27.1-97) Chris Carroll of Vineyard Land Surveying presented an application for a tight tank system, consisting of two 1,500 gallon tanks, to serve the Menemsha Market on North Road, replacing an existing cesspool. Lot 97, belonging to Dorothy Packer, is of a size unable to accommodate any system whatsoever within it; the proposed tight tanks are located on an adjacent lot, 27.1-96, which belongs to Ralph Packer, Jr.
The Board questioned the feasibility of getting DEP approval for a tight tank system, and advised against building on separately-owned lots.
Mike Renahan asked to see an inspection report for the existing cesspool. The BOH had ordered an inspection a few years ago in order to permit use of the apartment above the store for the summer, but that inspection is not on file at the BOH office. Jan Buhrman pointed out that this situation might call for the use of a composting toilet.
The Board felt that more information is needed, including exploring combining of lots, having an inspection report on the existing system, and review of possible “seasonal use” restrictions on a tight tank system.
Larsen (27.1-202) The Board reviewed a Title 5 inspection for 7 Flanders Lane, dated March 29, 2010. The inspection by Reid Silva fails because the existing cesspool is located within the high groundwater table. The Board asked Marina Lent to send a letter to the owner, requiring that the system be upgraded within 90 days.
Milch (18-63) John Clarke addressed the complications surrounding attempts to establish a new well for the property; apparently, the existing, poorly-performing well was filled in by the caretaker while Island Water Source was attempting to drill in the location approved under permit application # 09-30, approved on 9/30/2009; however, the location in question proved unsuitable. In John Clarke’s absence, the caretaker, who is not a licensed well driller, had tried to establish a new well via a suction pump immediately adjacent to the old well, and had been ordered to cease and desist by the Board on March 8th (see minutes of March 21, 2010).
The Board approved a new well permit application.
Dietz (27-13) The Board approved a revised disposal system construction plan per Board conditions of February 3, 2010.
Scheuer (33-4 & 6) The Board took note of the well completion report of 3/16/2010. Accompanying potability test passes.
Roberts (18-75.1) The Board took note of the well completion report of 3/27/2010. Accompanying potability test passes.
Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches: The Board requested that Marina Lent supply a copy of the full updated regulations relating to bathing beaches and take no action beyond what the Board regularly does for bathing beaches.
Landfill Repairs Marina Lent submitted a report on a site visit undertaken on March 24, 2010 together with Chilmark Executive Secretary Tim Carroll. Mike Renahan noted that these repairs will be flagged by the DEP inspector at the next regular inspection and will be addressed by Don Hatch at that time. He suggested that Town or LDO personnel could clear the drain with hand tools.
Invoices: The following invoices were approved for payment:
· American Water Works Association membership $68
· Wampanoag Environmental Lab: Q1 tests Menemsha School and Chilmark Community Center, and basic coliform test for Town Hall $60
· Soil Evaluator Exam, May 18 – July 1, 2010, Acton, MA $495
· MVRD Q3 FY10 $6,979.13
· Harcourt Bindery Food Inspection Forms $60.90
· Araujo Bros. Inc Menemsha Bathhouse Porta-Pottie Feb/ March $225
· MVRD: March 2010 SEMASS-MSW , Transportation, Transport-Recycling $1,835.90
· Reimbursement to Marina Lent for “Septic System Owner’s Guide”, U Minnesota Extension $9
The meeting closed at 6:35pm
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
Katherine L. Carroll, Chair Michael A. Renahan Janet L. Buhrman
Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health
A recording of this meeting is on file at the Board of Health office and available for on-site review.
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