The board’s decision to allow property owners on Drift Road, 63 Boat House Row, 88 Cummings Lane, 185 Helen Road, and Main Road to exit the pilot program followed a discussion on the effectiveness of the “layer cake” septic systems. These systems, part of a collaboration with the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Technology Center, were initially expected to reduce nitrogen levels by 80 to 90 percent. However, actual reductions ranged from 30 to 68 percent. Despite falling short of expectations, the systems still performed better than conventional Title 5 compliant systems, which typically achieve about 25 percent nitrogen reduction. Given these results, the board concluded that further monitoring was unnecessary, allowing homeowners to maintain their systems with standard septic tank pumping every three years.

The decision was made in light of a request to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for withdrawal from the pilot after the grant supporting the project expired in September 2023. With the board’s approval, a single letter will be issued to confirm the release of all five properties from the program, simplifying communication with DEP.

Another topic was the endorsement of a new policy regarding animal control responsibilities. The policy emerged from a potential safety risk when health department staff were asked to perform animal control functions due to the unavailability of the designated animal control officer (ACO). The board emphasized that health department staff should not assume ACO duties, citing the specialized training and equipment required. The policy directs residents to a webpage listing qualified animal control service providers. The board unanimously approved the policy, which will be communicated to relevant town departments to ensure consistent guidance for residents.

The meeting also included updates on public health initiatives, such as Mental Health Awareness Month and the upcoming River Day event. Board members highlighted the success of the Feel-Good Fair, an event aimed at reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues, featuring comedian Howie Mandel’s testimony about living with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Plans for River Day involve distributing informational materials on climate conditions, particularly the anticipated intense heat due to El Nino. The Climate Resilience Committee is drafting a report on health and water risks, seeking input from board members before presenting to the select board.

In addition to these discussions, the board addressed several septic system variance hearings. A notable case involved a repair on Old Bedford Road, where variances were requested to reduce the required separation from groundwater. The board approved the project after considering factors such as historical discrepancies and the need for specific approvals related to groundwater separation and hydraulic cement use.

Another hearing involved a septic system repair on Velvet Avenue, where a previous system had failed despite being installed in 2018. The board approved the proposed plan, which included a new leaching field and two-compartment septic tank, with conditions for a hold harmless agreement and a three-year testing requirement.