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, February 15, 2012
Chilmark Town Hall
5:00 pm
Present: Katie Carroll, Jan Buhrman, Mike Renahan
Also Present: Marina Lent (Administrator), Reid Silva (Vineyard Land Surveying and Engineering), Evertett Poole, Brian Cioffi (Chilmark Chief of Police)
5:20 pm Public Hearing:
DiMaura, 26 Basin Road (27.1-125,126() sewage treatment and disposal system construction permit application – variances: Leaching system to property line 30’ 15’; leaching system to salt water body: 200’ 83’; leaching system to wetlands: 150’ 75’; leaching system to leaching system: 300’ 41’; top of infiltrator units to existing grade 3/max 5’ (Title 5).
The hearing was opened at 5;220pm. Marian lent reported no communications from abutters in response to the hearing notifications sent to abutters within 300’ of the property. Reid Silva confirmed that the current system appears to be operating properly.
Everett Poole presented a brief history of the septic system at this property to the Board: in the early 70s, the well for the Chandlery and Deli had been contaminated by septage from the system on this property. The well had to be abandoned and a new well installed. In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, raw sewage was seen running down the cement driveway. These experiences point to possible drainage problems at the site, and indicate the need for caution. He noted that the currently system have been functioning, and has not caused any such problems.
The Board discussed the possibility of maximizing the separation between the leaching system and the harbor. Reid Silva will dig a test hole at a possible location, and submit a revise plan based on his findings. The hearing was continued to March 7th.
5:35pm Public Hearing:
Boyd, 80 State Road, (30-6) Reid Silva presented a septic system construction permit application, with the following Title 5 variance required: Leaching facility to property line 10’ 5’, and the following variances from Chilmark BOH Regulation requirements: Leaching facility to property line: 30’ 5’; Leaching facility to wetlands: 150’ 90’.
Marina Lent reported having received three inquiries regarding the notice of hearing sent out: from Samuel Fitting at 84 State Road, Damroth at A.P. 30-120, and from an abutter on the far side of State Road. She had described the conditions of the permit applications, and abutters were assured that adverse health impacts are not foreseen in connection with the proposed variances at the site.
Reid Silva reported that the best solution for this very challenging property is to place the septic leaching facility in the far corner of the lot, at the location of the existing well. This will require abandoning the well and installing a new one.
The Board approved the proposed permit application, contingent on receipt of a well completion report and clean potability test, and confirmation of appropriate soils in the area discussed.
Tabor Trust 11 Homeward Way, (20-95) Reid Silva presented a preliminary Form B Application showing a division of land into two lots. The Board took note of the application.
Sica, (14-26) Reid Silva presented a septic construction permit application for a set of geothermal wells to heat a swimming pool. The Board reiterated its interest in ensuring that any additional wells may under no circumstances be used for purposes (such as irrigation) other than the stated purpose. The Board also stipulated that the existence of the wells is tied to the pool: if the pool is abandoned in the future, the wells must be too.
Jan Buhrman asked whether this was an “open” or “closed” geo-thermal design. Reid Silva stated that it was open. Jan asked Marina to look into prior Board discussions held in the past regarding possible environmental effects of geothermal wells.
Sica, 52 Prospect Hill Road (20-31) The Board reviewed a sewage treatment and disposal system construction permit application, requiring no variances, prepared by George Sourati. The Board approved the application, contingent on confirmation that any prior septic system at that location be clearly indicated on the plan and/or properly abandoned.
Gale, Basin Road (21-1.5) The Board discussed the question of installing a tight tank septic system at the Basin Road lot under lease to Alec Gale with Reid Silva. Alec Gale would like to be able to gut and clean fish for wholesale shipping: the Board noted that this would not be a food establishment, and that lot lease conditions are not set by the Board of Health, but by the Parks and Recreation Commission of the town. The Board of Health will be responsible for review and approval of a sewage disposal system at the site, but such a process cannot be initiated prior to approval from the town for the proposed use of the lot. The Board acknowledged that a tight tank system is the only viable option for any wastewater disposal at the site, and encouraged the applicant to
develop a business plan for review by the town, so that the Board of Health can proceed with the tight tank application review process.
Mosquito Testing Program Jan Buhrman reported to the Board on a meeting of the Board of Selectmen at which this program was discussed. The Board asked Marina Lent to send a letter to T.J. Hegarty of the Dukes County Integrated Pest Management program, transmitting the outcome of the discussions of the Board of Selectmen on this matter.
Glasgow, 22 South Road (11-52) Grey Barn dwelling and Main Barn as-built received: holding Certificate of Compliance pending pump test results.
Young, 10 Moses West Road (32-56) as-built received, Certificate of Compliance issued.
Septage Hauler Accountability and Enforcement The Board discussed possible updated Island-wide arrangement for septage disposal accountability, and discussed the feasibility of conducting spot-checks to ensure compliance with BOH regulations by septage pumping companies operating in Chilmark with Police Chief Brian Cioffi, who explained that spot-checks can only be conducted in the context of observed traffic violations: a police officer cannot spontaneously request proof of compliance. The Board would also like to express its support for the prohibition of co-mingled loads, and asked Marina Lent to write a letter conveying the Board’s position to the Edgartown Wastewater Treatment Commission.
Oral Health Care Program expansion: Marina Lent reported that the Health Care Access Program, which is organizing oral health care for seniors, has seen unanticipated demand for the service and has inquired whether funding is available to engage an additional dentist. The additional funding required would be roughly $400. The Board welcomed the opportunity to provide a much-needed service to Chilmark elders, and instructed Marina to make the appropriate arrangements for provision of additional funding through the Vineyard Nursing Association, with whom the Board contracts for this service.
Food Establishment Permit: The following food establishments have received a food establishment permit for 2012: Menemsha Texaco; Chilmark Chocolates; Chilmark Cottage Baker, Chilmark Coffee Company. Mike Renahan pointed out that an inspection of the Tea Lane Caterer is urgently overdue, as this year-round operation has been operating without a valid permit for one and a half months now. The Board encouraged Marina Lent to engage Barney Suman in the upcoming inspection.
Plan Review: The Beetlebung Coffeeshop has submitted paperwork to initiate a plan review of the establishment. The Board noted that the owners should be invited to present their plans to the Board. The Board also encouraged Marina Lent to involve Barney Suman in a thorough plan review of this and the Menemsha Market (under new ownership). Marina Lent will contact Deborah Packer to inquire about plans for the establishment and initiate a plan review process.
PWS 4062006 The Board took note of the Annual Statistical Report 2011 for the Chilmark Community Center/Library public water system. Q4 2011 Nitrate test and Q1 2012 bacterial tests were negative/below MCL.
Training and CEUs: Marina Lent will attend classes on the new Total Coliform Rule (8a-noon) and Oakson Drip Dispersal (1p-3p) in Hyannis on March 14, 2012.
Invoices: The following invoices were approved for payment:
- Foodborne Illness Community Response training, Randolph, MA April 25, 2012 $15
- MVRD SEMASS Transport $1,318.70
- Araujo Bros. Inc January porta-potty rental $150
- VNA January 2012 $660
- Vineyard Gazette, advertising, BOH Regulations $73.50
- Barnstable County Health Laboratory drinking water sample -Nitrate $10
- Wampanoag Environmental Laboratory drinking water samples- bacterial $50
The meeting adjourned at 19:04 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.
| 
