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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

Scituate Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
July 26, 2010

PRESENT: Chairman, Russell Clark, members Frank Lynch and Michael Vazza, Director Jennifer Sullivan and Secretary, Pam Mullin

OTHERS: Selectman, Shawn Harris

The Scituate Board of Health held a public hearing on July 26, 2010 at the Scituate Town Hall located at 600 Chief Justice Cushing Highway. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

The first application was read into the record: A request for variances and local upgrades for the property located at 19 River Street including:

Septic tank to cellar wall – 5’ vs. 10’, SAS to property line – 5’ vs. 10’, components approximately 3’ below grade.

Bob Crawford presented for the homeowners. There were no abutters present.

Lynch moved to grant the requested variances and local upgrades, seconded by Vazza, all in favor, unanimous.

The second application was read into the record: A continuation of discussion for property located at Rear Glades Road.

The following was the Director’s comments: Director Sullivan and P.E. Kevin Biggins from CDS met with Brett Rowe of DEP-SERO in Lakeville to discuss this project. Kevin also met with David Ferrris the state’s head of Title V. We will need the state intent in writing to OK this pilot program if our Board of Health approves this project.

Kevin Biggins of CDS and Attorney Vincent O’Brien were present as well as homeowner Dr. McGovern, Bruce Wait, Steven Bjorklund, Attorney Lisa Hewitt and abutter John Coleman of 163 Glades Road.

Documentation included in the file:

Letter of objection from abutter’s (Elizabeth J. & James Connell Family Trust) attorney Lisa Hewitt (Hewitt & Farrag) was presented to the Director.

Kevin Biggins presented for the homeowner. There was one abutter present (Mr. Coleman) and another (Trust) reported through their attorney Lisa Hewitt.

Director Sullivan wants to have a meeting with DEP before this plan is approved, as this will set precedence for any future systems. Similar homes will want to use this same technology.

Member Frank Lynch requested an in depth explanation of the irrigation system. Mr. Biggins outlined the proposed irrigation system indicated on his plan submittal and also explained how this evapotranspiration system will function.

This plan will involve approval not only from the State but also include the Conservation Commission, Zoning and Building Departments before the Board of Health will approve.

This plan will also involve assignment of inspection and testing programs and be overseen by a State expert on a continuous basis. Local and DEP conditions must be imposed to safeguard the proper operation of this system.

Attorney Lisa Hewitt presented the Board will correspondence in opposition to this proposed plan. This will set a bad precedence and push forward projects that would not ordinarily be approved. This is a very sensitive area with an unstable mechanism, what if leakage should occur? This property is condemned and approval should not occur until reversal condemnation takes place. My colleague Attorney David Farrag found no substantive information contained in the file for this project. Suggests that you know all of your contingencies before proceeding to approval.

Interested citizen Steve Bjorklund of Captain Daniel Litchfield Road inquired, how long cesspool abandonment before reconstruction can occur? Suggested the engineer verify before proceeding.

Lynch moved to continue hearing until the next scheduled meeting, seconded by Vazza, all in favor, unanimous.

The third application was read into the record: 119 Hatherly Road requesting an emergency sewer connection.

Michael Vazza recused himself from this record.

Greg Tansey from Ross Engineering represented the homeowner. He presented the Board with little material to proceed to the Board of Selectmen for an emergency sewer tie-in because no one has occupied it for two years. There are no photographs of breakouts and no known spaghetti line in the immediate vicinity to tie in.

Lynch moved to approve emergency sewer connection, seconded by Clark and approved.

Lynch moved to adjourn, seconded by Vazza, all in favor, unanimous.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Mullin
Secretary