A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the discussion of revised regulations for the Chatham transfer station, particularly in response to concerns about waste from neighboring towns, like Brewster, being improperly dumped in Chatham. The board discussed the need for a more application form for refuse haulers, emphasizing that waste disposal should be limited strictly to materials originating from Chatham. The proposed application would require haulers to affirm multiple times, through signatures and initials, that their waste is exclusively from Chatham.

The board also considered adjusting the fee schedule for waste dumping, noting that Chatham’s current fee of $90 per ton is markedly lower than that of surrounding towns, such as Harwich, which charges $175 per ton. This discrepancy has led to concerns that haulers from other towns might take advantage of Chatham’s lower fees, thereby overburdening the local waste management system. The board expressed the need to align Chatham’s rates with those of neighboring regions to deter such behavior and ensure financial sustainability.

Another focal point was the compliance and potential penalties for non-compliance with waste regulations. The board discussed the possibility of requiring all garbage trucks to log in and certify that their loads contain only Chatham waste. Suggestions included imposing penalties on haulers who fail to comply, such as requiring them to appear before the board. This would help enforce the rules without overly complicating the regulatory framework. The feasibility of implementing such measures was debated, with some members advocating for a more rigorous approach similar to other towns with stricter regulations.

In addition to waste management, the board delved into the issue of bedroom definitions and room classifications in residential properties. This discussion was driven by the need for clearer guidelines to prevent homeowners from circumventing zoning laws by converting spaces into bedrooms without the appropriate oversight. The board considered revising existing definitions to include clarity on “unfinished” spaces and spaces above garages, and debated whether to adopt a more objective standard or continue with subjective criteria like “sufficient privacy.”

The idea of consolidating regulations relating to nitrogen loading rates and subsurface sewage systems was also raised. It was suggested that a unified framework, potentially modeled after Hingham’s regulations, could simplify processes for architects and improve consistency in room and bedroom classifications. The board recognized the importance of achieving a balance between flexibility and precision in these guidelines to avoid future disputes.

The meeting also touched on the efficacy of IA systems, particularly in seasonal homes. Concerns were raised that these systems often fail to meet nitrogen standards during periods of vacancy due to depleted bacteria levels. The board expressed interest in exploring more reliable systems and potentially establishing stricter standards for use in Chatham, especially for properties with high seasonal occupancy.

Towards the end of the meeting, a new agenda item regarding the regulation of leaf blowers was introduced. The board discussed the possibility of limiting gasoline-powered leaf blowers due to noise and air quality concerns, and explored the experiences of other towns that have implemented similar regulations. There was a suggestion to gather public opinion on this issue to gauge community support before proceeding with potential bylaws or regulations.