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, December 7, 2011
Chilmark Town Hall
5:00 pm
Present: Katie Carroll, Mike Renahan
Absent: Jan Buhrman
Also Present: Marina Lent, Reid Silva (Vineyard Land Surveying and Engineering), John Clarke (Island Water Systems), Lyn and Susan Murphy (30-29), Reid Silva (Vineyard Land Surveying and Engineering), Lyn Bouck (Iscol), Thomas Bena and Cindy Doyle (1-8), Kent Healy, PE
Minutes of November 16, 2011 were approved.
Murphy, 8 Rumpus Ridge Road (30-29) The Board noted that renovation plans for the existing four-bedroom house will not exceed the current footprint of the building, nor increase the number of bedrooms.
Zoia, 18 Point Inner Way (33-114) Abutters Ken Iscol and Bob Vila wrote to the Board of Health, requesting that recently-arising well water quality problems at their respective properties be reviewed. The Board accordingly heard from Lyn Bouck, caretaker for the Iscol property, who reported a marked change in water quality during the summer: the hot water has a distinct and, at times, overpowering odor of rotten eggs. Water quality tests show 8.4ppb sulfate. He noted that it may be possible to remediate the problem through chlorination of the well and elevating the temperature of the hot water, as had been recommended by one party; John Clarke, who was present at the meeting, pointed out that the anode in the hot water heater may be causing the problem.
The larger issue addressed in the letters received by the Board of Health are whether the intensive construction activities on the Zoia property have resulted in a deterioration of water quality on adjacent properties; while clearly causation has not been proven, the Board noted that correlation suggested causation, but urged the abutters to take actions such as the remedies suggested prior to assuming causation. The Board also pointed out that the problem is not one which the Board is empowered to act on, as it involves a secondary drinking water standard, not deemed to represent a threat to human health.
At its meeting on November 16th, 2011, the Board approved a permit for the Zoias to drill another well in search of better-quality water, on the condition that the well which ends up not being used is to be definitively abandoned. The Board expressed sincere hopes that the problems with the well water in the area are reversible.
Doyle Seven Gates (1-8) John Clarke, Cindy Doyle and Thomas Bena discussed the possibility of obtaining an easement for drilling a well on the property abutting a lot being purchased by Cindy and Rob Doyle. The lot in question has not yielded any water, and the abutting lot, belonging to Thomas Bena and Molly Doyle, has an existing well, indicating the presence of water. The Board agreed in principle that an easement to a separate well on the abutting property is an acceptable option, and asked the parties to come forward with a specific plan for Board review and approval.
Young, 10 Moses West Road (32-56) Kent Healy presented a sewage disposal system construction permit application and plan. The owner wishes to expand an existing four-bedroom house to six bedrooms, and to upgrade the system accordingly. The proposal is to replace an existing 1K gallon septic tank with a 1.5K gallon tank, to leave the existing pit to function as an additional settling tank, and build a leaching bed with a 699gpd capacity. The plan does not require variances. The Board approved the plan.
Kapor, 308 South Road (24-204) The Board asked Marina to conduct a bedroom count at the residence in order to properly evaluate renovation plans submitted by Chris Alley.
Walsh, 320 Middle Road (11-25) Marina Lent reported on receipt of a letter from John Clarke indicating that the Walsh residence is now supplied with its own source of drinking water originating from a well on the Walsh property.
Malkin, 10 Tilton Cove Way (25-124,125) An as-built letter and plan for the septic system were received from Chris Alley; the certificate of compliance has been issued.
Mettell, 34 Tiercel Lane (1-6) A Title 5 inspection report submitted by Doug Cooper passes. However, the report contains recommendations to pump the tank and clean the filter prior to further occupation of the dwelling. The Board asked Marina to write to the owners conveying the Board’s interest in seeing these recommendations implemented, and requesting that the Board be informed of completion.
Mahady, 65 Old Fields Path (16-6) The Board noted receipt of a Title 5 inspection report. The system passes inspection.
Shae, 11 Hammet Lane (8-43) The Board received a FAST Field Inspection and Service report (Wastewater Treatment Services, Inc.) showing proper maintenance and function of this system.
Gourley, 240 Middle Road (19-70) A well completion report was received. The attached potability test passes on all parameters tested.
Notice of Non-Compliance The Board received a copy of a notice of non-compliance for the PWS 4062008 Chilmark School, Lead and Copper Rule. Required samples were not taken within the specified timeframe.
Systems under Board order: The Board noted that three septic systems have either failed or demonstrated non-compliance, and the owners have received a formal Board of Health order to remedy the situation. The Board stressed the importance of maintaining a close watch on developments with these systems, lest deadlines pass without note. The Board stressed that non-compliance with Board orders will not be tolerated.
Temporary Food Event Permits: Permits were issued for public events at the Chilmark Community Center organized by Media Voices for Children on11/26/2011 and the MV Film Festival on 12/3/2011.
FY’13 Budget Process: The Board instructed Marina Lent to contact the Martha’s Vineyard Refuse District and the Vineyard Nursing Association to determine figures for the upcoming fiscal year, and to prepare a draft budget for Board review and approval.
Annual Flu Immunization Clinic: The Board decided that the 2012 Flu Immunization Clinic for Chilmark residents will be held at the Chilmark Community Center on a date to be determined, and instructed Marina Lent to collect information on numbers of Chilmarkers vaccinated in 2011, and cost of running a Chilmark Clinic.
Position Description revision: Marina Lent presented a revised position description, referenced to the existing description, for review by the Board. She stated that actual changes in duties were minimal. Some change in emphasis, points of accuracy, and a more streamlined description were achieved.
Invoices: The following invoices were approved for payment:
- Mass Water Works Association annual membership dues $75
- Mass Health Officers Association membership dues $60
- MVRD SEMASS-MSW Transportation Recycling $1,783.25
- MVRD Q4 Calendar Year 2011 50% $221.76
- MVRD 2nd half 2011 Water monitoring, Q4 Gas monitoring 50% $2,000.82
The meeting adjourned at 18:55 hours.
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
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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