A notable decision from the meeting was the approval of a variance requested by Benjamin and Heather Morgan for their property on Horizon Drive. The Morgans sought to add an additional bedroom, increasing the total from two to three, using innovative alternative (IA) technology for their sewage disposal system. The property, covering approximately 25,953 square feet, will locate the new system near the driveway. The board discussed the absence of basement floor plans and potential future uses that included an open area, a mechanical room, and possibly a bathroom connected to a pool. Conditions attached to the variance included restrictions on the maximum number of bedrooms, a covenant to comply with municipal sewer connection when available, and requirements for monitoring the system’s operation and maintenance. After a thorough discussion and with no public input, the variance was unanimously approved.

The meeting then addressed concerns about the transfer station’s maintenance and cleanliness. Rob Failey, the Director of Public Works, reported on complaints about odors emanating from the facility, particularly from the deteriorating concrete floor in the blue building where trash is processed. The floor’s uneven surfaces and exposed rebar complicate cleaning efforts, which currently occur only once every one to two months. This frequency is insufficient to manage the odors, especially during peak usage times. The board members discussed various ways to mitigate the problem, including more frequent cleaning, exploring new technologies or disinfecting systems, and potentially resurfacing the floor with a smooth concrete and epoxy finish.

Board member Dick Edwards emphasized the need for better waste management to handle the growing population during peak seasons, noting the significant challenges faced by nearby residents during busy periods like the Fourth of July weekend. Failey acknowledged the issues and mentioned a proposal for a $300,000 project to repair the tipping floor slab. The board discussed the feasibility of commercial trucks backing directly into trailers to minimize liquids on the floor and the possibility of installing a large exhaust fan with charcoal filtration to reduce odors. However, there was uncertainty about the effectiveness of these measures.

Public concerns were raised about Chatham’s status as a regional transfer station, with commercial haulers approved for Chatham servicing neighboring towns such as Harwich, Brewster, and Orleans. A participant expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the influx of commercial waste from these towns has damaged the transfer station’s infrastructure and increased costs for Chatham. The discussion revealed no concrete data on the proportion of commercial waste coming from other towns compared to Chatham residents. Suggestions were made to restrict the acceptance of waste from other towns and establish penalties for non-compliant haulers. The board decided to draft a letter to the select board addressing these concerns and recommending actions to manage commercial waste effectively.

The board also reviewed the short-term rental registration process, with Karen Shaza reporting that approximately 872 rental certificates had been registered, an increase from previous figures. Despite outreach efforts, there remained a discrepancy between the estimated total number of short-term rentals in Chatham and the number of compliant properties. Shaza highlighted the challenges in reaching non-compliant property owners and the limitations in enforcing compliance through letter notifications alone. Over-occupancy complaints were addressed through drive-bys before contacting property owners or rental agencies, which had proven somewhat effective.

Public comment included concerns about air quality related to airport operations. Carol Bliss from West Chatham highlighted the pollution generated by air traffic and the potential health risks, particularly for children. She called for the Board to investigate the impacts of aviation fuel emissions, noting that alternatives to leaded aviation fuel are available but not yet adopted at the local airport. The board discussed a grant received for air monitoring devices to assess general air quality, although it was unclear if they would specifically measure lead levels.