MINUTES
EASTHAM BOARD OF HEALTH WORKSHOP
MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2012 AT 9:00AM
Present: Dr. James Taylor, Chair, Pat LaRiviere, Vice Chair, Dr. Joanna Buffington, Dr. Martin Haspel, Beverly Knox, Jane Crowley, Susan Barker, Wally Adams
Not Present:
I. OPENING STATEMENTS
Everyone welcomed Dr. Joanna Buffington to the Eastham Board of Health!
Jane Crowley presented an Environmental Update concerning the 2012 initiatives of the BOH. Jane will be conducting this presentation at the Board of Selectmen meeting later this week.
The presentation was specific to Water Quality
· Ponds & Beaches
o 2012 Testing Results compared to 2011 Testing Results
o Testing Standards
o Testing is supported by Barnstable County with no charge to the Town of Eastham.
o Issues identified and steps taken to ensure public safety
§ The reverse 911 notification process successfully advised abutters of Molls Pond of the blue green algae toxin that was present in the water.
o FYI – When the Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS) closes a beach as they did this month, it cannot be reopened until it clears 2 consecutive days of testing. For Eastham, a beach will be reopened once it has a clear test result.
· Drinking Water
o FY2013 WQMP Nitrate Testing Program
o Feedback from new program has been positive
· Wastewater
o Current Projects
o The Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative (CCWPC) has published a report concerning the various projects and has asked for the EBOH’s help to prioritize the projects
o Dr. James Taylor agreed to review the report and to offer his thoughts.
o Jane will distribute the report to the full committee in the event others are also interested.
II. PERMIT APPROVAL WITH CONDITIONS – Eastham Transfer Station & Recycling Facility
Jane requested that this be carried over to the September workshop.
III. BOH - PERIODIC MEETINGS WITH CONSERVATION AND PLANNING
Dr. James Taylor advised that the Board of Selectmen have requested that we meet 2 times a year with the Planning Department and Conservation Commission. Many situations that are reviewed by all 3 departments cross over to each department and they share the same problems and issues. The objective of these meetings would be to educate all on each department’s guidelines and goals and to discuss the challenges that each face in their roles.
Dr. Taylor asked the committee members to jot down issues and thoughts they had for this meeting. Please send them to Jane Crowley so that she can prepare an agenda.
Jane Crowley will contact Jeff Thibodeau to set up a meeting date and to discuss the agenda for that meeting.
IV. OTHER BUSINESS & CORRESPONDENCE
Dr. James Taylor read a letter he received from Mr. Charles Harris regarding reducing the phosphorous levels found in fresh water ponds. Dr. Taylor provided the committee with copies of the letter and asked that they review it for further discussion at the September workshop.
Windmill Weekend – This should have been a separate agenda item as it is just around the corner.
· Pat LaRiviere advised that she has sent the application to Paul Biegelsen and has asked for the same location that we had last year.
· Jane Crowley has contacted Charles Harris of Water Management regarding their participation and noted that they should have their own tent as it was crowded in 1 tent last year. Jane will advise once she hears back.
· Jane has or will contact:
o Jean Roma re Sun Safety
o Deirdre Arvidson re Tick Safety and Lyme Disease
o The Fire Chief re the possibility of an off duty EMT volunteering time to help with Blood Pressures etc
· EBOH Coverage – want 2 members at all times:
o Beverly Knox will cover all day on Saturday
o Pat LaRiviere will cover all day on Sunday and Saturday AM
o Dr. James Taylor will cover time on both days
o Dr. Joanna Buffington will cover time on both days
o Dr. Martin Haspel is unavailable for either day
· Equipment needed:
o 3 tables from Town Hall
o 6 chairs from Town Hall
o Our tent
o Nitrate water testing vials and labels
o Banner (last years was paper and did not last – Jane will see what she can do)
o Big Boards
o Laminated notices to be pinned to the display board
· Jane asked all to consider the technical issues they faced last year so that we can address them this year. Then we should track this year to improve for next year.
Jane Crowley advised the board that they will all be served today in relation to a lawsuit re the Estate of Edna Benson – 20 Beverly Road which came to the EBOH on June 28, 2012. Town Counsel will represent the EBOH on this.
Jane Crowley advised that the Town will be filing for a preliminary injunction for Atlantic Breeze. Jane will represent as the agent for the EBOH.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None
VI. ADJOURN
10:38AM
| 
