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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

Board of Health
Meeting Minutes
August 22, 2011

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

The Scituate Board of Health held a hearing on Monday, August 22, 2011 at the Scituate Town Hall located at 600 CJC Highway. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

Motion by Michael Vazza to approve the Agenda, seconded and approved unanimously.

Beach Closures

At the request of the Director, Chris Husky from the Department of Public Health came down last week to do an assessment of the Sand Hills beach. Between the Town Administrator and the State it was decided to retest, at least (3) three times a week, different locations along the Sand Hills beach area. Optimal time(s) would naturally exist after a hot, dry period followed by a significant rainstorm. Adding to the accuracy of the sampling is the presence of a heavy layering of seaweed.

Last week, Chairman Clark and Ms. Sullivan took a close look at the storm water drains adjacent to the beach noting the clarity of the water runoff. Neither noted anything unusual about the drain.

It was also suggested that the Harbormaster’s Office continue being diligent about monitoring the pump out stations.

The membership agreed a solution to the problem must occur and sampling must continue well after Labor Day. Don’t suspend sampling after lifeguards leave the beaches. If possible find the answer(s) as to why this beach continues to have such high bacteria levels and continue to work with the State.

Sewer Rules and Regulations

Director Sullivan presented to the Board a new set of Sewer Rules and Regulations from the community of Hudson, MA she requested the members review. In comparison to the regulations for review for Scituate, Director thinks these regulations are much more user friendly. She would like to incorporate along with these Rules a reference to the Weymouth Board of Health’s regulations regarding Fats, Oil and Grease.

Director to follow up with a meeting between the Town Administrator, DPW Director and herself regarding their ideas regarding future sewer connections. Will they be mandatory or non-mandatory? Once the Town reaches capacity at the sewer plant what’s next? How will we proceed with emergency tie-ins? The current plant cannot add to what they have. Once capacity is reached, that’s it. Deal with this problem now, not when homeowners are at the Board of Health office seeking answers.

Motion by Michael Vazza to adjourn meeting at 8:30 p.m., seconded and approved unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Pam Mullin
Administrative Assistant