After 34 years as Harvard’s health agent, Nashoba Associated Boards of Health employee Ira Grossman is retiring at the end of this month. Grossman provided environmental services for the town, mainly consultation and permitting for private wells and septic systems. He was also responsible for dealing with housing quality complaints, food safety issues and inspections, and for testing the water quality at town beach.
Grossman told the Press the most challenging issue he faced during his career as a health agent was COVID-19. Both NABH and Harvard’s Board of Health have had to deal with noncompliance, including people who refused to isolate after testing positive or wear a mask in areas where it was required. When the BOH instituted a mandate that masks be worn indoors at public places in Harvard last January, Grossman convinced the board to fine violators, saying, “If there’s no stick behind it, it’s worthless.”
The other challenge Grossman mentioned was the amount of ledge and clay soil in Harvard, which can make it difficult to install a new septic system. Grossman has spent many hours over the years advising residents on alternative systems when conventional ones won’t work. “Sometimes we can’t even get a system,” he said, which leaves some lots undevelopable.
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health serves 16 towns in the area plus Devens, and Grossman was also health agent for Shirley and Groton. He said he appreciates the support he received over the years from both the people of Harvard and town administration. He added that a replacement had been on board, but at the last minute took a job elsewhere, leaving a gap that will be filled temporarily by NABH Director Jim Gareffi.
At his final Board of Health meeting Aug. 16, the board thanked him for his many years of service, saying he has been a “wealth of knowledge.” Member Libby Levison said she is concerned about “what the workload is going to be for all of us when our walking encyclopedia is no longer with us.” “You all know how to find me if you need me,” Grossman said.
