The most discussion of the meeting revolved around the establishment of guidelines for home burial plots in Westport. The Board emphasized the need to protect drinking water sources and comply with state and local regulations. Approval from the Select Board is required for any home burial plot, and a site plan must be filed as an addendum to the deed and recorded at the registry of deeds. The Board proposed several site criteria, including a recommended distance of 200 feet from private drinking water wells, aligning with guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Orleans policy. Concerns about the potential impact on nearby properties and public health were paramount, with specific restrictions on burial sites within riverfront zones, velocity zones, or 1,500-year flood zones due to flooding risks.

The Board discussed the necessity of slope stabilization methods, recommending that slopes should not exceed a 3 to 1 ratio unless adequately stabilized. Adherence to the Wetlands Protection Act was also highlighted, with a suggestion that a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) may be required for certain sites. A minimum distance of 25 feet from any property boundary was proposed to maintain a buffer for the comfort of abutters, with a preference for natural burial methods using biodegradable materials. The Board also considered the implications of individuals who have died from serious pathogenic diseases.

The approval process for home burials involves selecting a suitable location, conducting a soil suitability analysis, and submitting a site plan to the Board of Health for a public hearing. The importance of notifying abutters was underscored to prevent future disputes and maintain transparency. The Board reached a consensus on several points, including the necessity of abutter notification, maintaining a distance of at least 50 feet from leach fields, and recommending biodegradable materials.

Transitioning to preventive health measures, public health nurse Linda Pierce presented on eye health and the threats posed by ticks and mosquitoes. She highlighted the importance of a balanced diet rich in vitamin A to prevent eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Pierce also advised on preventive measures against ticks and mosquitoes, particularly focusing on the threats of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus detected in nearby towns. She recommended wearing long sleeves, long pants, and using insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors. The public was urged to check for ticks after spending time outside to prevent Lyme disease.

Pierce also mentioned the detection of 48 West Nile Virus samples this season, prompting health officials to recommend personal protection measures due to the increased mosquito population linked to recent humidity and rain. The Board discussed ongoing public health initiatives, including upcoming blood drives and events for International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, as detailed by Olive Wersi, the shared services coordinator for the South Coast Public Health collaborative.

The collaborative reviewed its activities during fiscal year 2024, noting 64 health inspection requests and several training sessions on topics such as safe food handling, housing standards, and mental health first aid. The group also sponsored various community events, including educational talks in schools and health fairs.

In other business, the Board discussed the intent to hire a Community Health Worker and develop a Community Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program. There was also a commendation for the efforts of Board members involved in building these initiatives. The Board reviewed several approved plans for septic system repairs and discussed a request for a home burial on private property, emphasizing the need for coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the establishment of a permitting process.

During a variance hearing for a proposed three-bedroom new construction on Mumber Lane River Road, concerns were raised about constructing a septic system in a flood zone. The engineering representative detailed the proposed system’s design, including measures to prevent flotation and minimize flooding risks. The Board emphasized the importance of written findings to explain the decision-making process behind approving variances.

Discussions continued around the effectiveness of the proposed design and the need for additional engineering data to support the variance request. The meeting concluded with a motion to continue the hearing for two weeks, allowing the project team to update the plan with the required information and calculations.