Granby Board of Health Tackles Water Issues and Septic System Compliance
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Meeting Type:
Board of Health
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Meeting Date:
05/09/2024
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Recording Published:
05/09/2024
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Duration:
99 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Granby
- Meeting Overview:
The Granby Board of Health’s recent meeting addressed community concerns including challenges with septic system inspections, water-related issues at the upcoming Dollar General store, and the proper disposal of waste on private properties. The board also managed matters regarding shared kitchen sanitation, property complaints, and the maintenance of clean and safe environments.
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the water-related issue at the site of the forthcoming Dollar General store. Members of the board were troubled by the absence of communication from the corporation’s engineering team and discussed the potential for legal action should the problem persist. The board contemplated whether to seek external assistance and deliberated the possibility of withholding future permits in response to the current situation. The urgency of this issue was underscored by the members’ evident frustration and the implications for local water safety and property development.
The board closely reviewed Title Five inspection reports for properties on Maxmillion Drive, 25 Cold Hill Drive, and Ammer Street. The focus on these reports highlighted the complexities of managing septic system compliance. Each property was assessed for adherence to regulations, with varying outcomes that prompted the board to accept the inspection results while recognizing the differences in the conditions of the septic systems. The discussions provided insights into the board’s role in ensuring public health through the proper functioning of these systems.
The concerns about septic system adequacy were further emphasized by a property owner who reported issues that were not identified during a recent Title 5 inspection. Skepticism about the inspection process arose, particularly regarding the testing of the pump and pump alarm. The board conversed about the limitations of the Title 5 inspection and the need for a clearer understanding of the inspection criteria. This debate cast light on the challenges faced by property owners and the board in maintaining effective waste management systems.
In an effort to address waste disposal on private properties, the board considered sending a letter to the responsible party, mandating compliance within a set deadline. A practical approach was suggested, which involved cutting up large waste items like mattresses to make them fit into the town’s trash pickup barrels. This discussion was spurred by a complaint about a mattress left on a lawn on School Street. The board weighed the responsibility of the issue, the lack of landfill options, and the difficulty of disposing of large items.
Additionally, the board turned its attention to a well contamination issue on P Road, noting the lack of detailed information about the repairs undertaken. The water situation on Ken Lane was also discussed, where observations of water in the street led to conversations about the potential for a pressurized system to address the problem.
Shared kitchen sanitation was another focus, as the board granted a license to an individual renting kitchen space, contingent on the provision of a copy of a general liability policy. The board had previously expressed worries about cross-contamination, but the individual’s assurance of sanitizing before and after use and their ServSafe certification helped alleviate concerns.
The meeting also included discussions on various other community issues, including the response to a lighting complaint and the maintenance of portable toilets on a property. The board acknowledged the property owner’s efforts to correct the lighting problem and maintain cleanliness.
Furthermore, the prospective arrival of a Dollar General store was mentioned, along with a water leakage problem in the area. The board also noted the situation at a local gun range, where a new president had been appointed, and a temporary injunction on shooting activities was in place.
The board’s conversation also touched on the prospect of updating Board of Health regulations, with members indicating the need to review the proposed language before the next meeting. Additionally, a request for an extension of a septic permit was discussed, with references to precedence and consideration of extenuating circumstances.
Christopher Martin
Board of Health Officials:
Lee Lalonde, William Shaheen, Richard Bombardier
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Meeting Type:
Board of Health
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/09/2024
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Recording Published:
05/09/2024
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Duration:
99 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Hampshire County
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Towns:
Granby
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