Community septic application advances
The board is hopeful that the paperwork from the Department of Treasury necessary to move forward with the Community Septic Management Program will arrive very soon. The resident loan application packet underwent final review and was approved, pending minor changes. The packet will be available on the BOH website as soon as the loan program approval is received from the state.
Great Elms purchaser asks to increase room counts
The board discussed a request by the purchaser of the Great Elms property on Stow Road to increase the room count. The existing plan is for 19 bedrooms. The board was concerned that a larger septic system would require a protective area around the well. In addition, the board felt that it could not police the number of people that will be living in the apartments if the amount of space is sufficient to satisfy the building code, and a septic system designed to handle two people per bedroom may not be sufficient. Requiring the apartments to hook up to public water was discussed, but the cost would be prohibitive, and district sanitarian Ira Grossman felt there might also be an issue with setbacks. No decision was reached.
Board will request septic records of Turner Lane home
Ira Grossman reported an anonymous written complaint about a Turner Lane resident using a year-round home zoned as seasonal. Board member Sharon McCarthy wondered if this really fell into the BOH’s jurisdiction. The board does have the right to request septic pumping records and will follow up on that. The matter will also be referred to the town building commissioner.
Presby system granted extension
A Still River Road resident that has a working Presby septic system requested an indefinite extension to connect to town sewer, contingent upon inspections every five years. The board granted a six-month extension, during which time board member Tom Philippou will get further clarification from the DEP on the requirements of innovative and alternative (i/a) septic systems to connect to town sewer.
Mosquito Control
There was discussion about putting a Central Mass. Mosquito Control Program slide presentation on the BOH website to educate residents about the program. The board plans to add an article to the Annual Town Meeting warrant next spring that will seek town approval for participation in the program. Board member McCarthy was concerned about posting a presentation created by the company that providing the services. “This is not DEP. This is a quasi-governmental agency that’s trying to sell something,” said McCarthy. Members agreed that if they put the presentation up on the BOH site, they would post a disclaimer along with it.
