The most discussion of the meeting revolved around a request for a green burial on Mayflower Terrace, South Yarmouth. Ross K. McCartie presented the request on behalf of his father, Ross Walter McCartie, who wishes to be buried on his property. This type of burial, which avoids traditional embalming and uses biodegradable materials, is only allowed in a few states, including Massachusetts. The board’s interest in the request was piqued by its novelty and the potential implications for local regulations and community concerns.

The board scrutinized the specifics of the burial request. Key issues included the site’s compliance with groundwater regulations, which require a minimum distance of three feet from groundwater; the soil tests conducted revealed the site to be over 16 feet from groundwater. Additionally, the board discussed the importance of maintaining appropriate distances from wetlands and neighboring properties. McCartie assured the board that the burial would not affect neighbors, framing it as a personal family matter, though the board emphasized the necessity of considering community perspectives.

Discussions extended to the materials permissible for the burial, with traditional caskets being replaced by shrouds or biodegradable materials. The environmental impact of burial practices was a focal point, particularly the avoidance of toxic materials. The board underscored the importance of adhering to health department regulations concerning embalming and chemical use. Although cremation was mentioned as a simpler alternative, McCartie reiterated his father’s preference for a traditional green burial.

The board expressed a willingness to support the request while underscoring the need to address all regulatory requirements thoroughly. The conversation highlighted the limited precedents for green burials in the state, necessitating careful consideration of environmental, legal, and community aspects. The board concluded that additional information was necessary to finalize their decision, particularly regarding distances to neighboring properties and local wells.

In another discussion, the board addressed the risks associated with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E) and West Nile Virus. The State Department of Public Health had recently confirmed the 11th case of West Nile Virus, prompting concerns due to the ongoing warm weather. The board emphasized the need for community awareness, advising residents to take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquito activity peaks. The board noted the severity of these diseases, which, although rare, can be severe and potentially fatal.

The meeting also touched on an amendment to a nitrogen aggregation plan concerning a property adjacent to Dunkin Donuts and the old Shell station. The representatives proposed a land swap to comply with nitrogen aggregation requirements, presenting a plan to restrict a piece of land on West Great Western Road. This would allow the old gas station site to be used productively without introducing hazardous materials. The board acknowledged the importance of this amendment for environmental protection while enabling commercial use of the land.

Additionally, the board approved a poultry permit for a property on Witchwood Road after addressing concerns from a neighbor about rat infestations. The neighbor’s concerns were alleviated after discussing innovative rat traps that sterilize rather than kill the rodents. The board’s unanimous approval of the permit underscored their support for community-based initiatives and environmentally friendly practices.

The board also discussed the importance of using organic fertilizers during lawn renovation seasons. They emphasized the need for educational outreach to prevent water quality issues caused by over-application of fertilizers. The board agreed on the necessity of addressing these environmental concerns and committed to sharing relevant resources with the community.

Finally, the board reviewed routine matters, including the acceptance of previous meeting minutes and discussions on updated overdose death statistics and vaccination rates in schools. They also considered cost-saving measures for document printing and the dissemination of heat advisory information to residents during extreme weather conditions.