Lakeville Board of Health Debates Well Contamination and Property Responsibility
- Meeting Overview:
The Lakeville Board of Health meeting tackled multiple issues, with the primary focus on the health risks associated with a contaminated well on Violet Street and the complexities of property responsibilities. Other discussions addressed the challenges of septic system compliance, public water supply management, and community engagement through social media.
The meeting’s most pressing agenda item concerned Jacquine Stone’s appeal to the board regarding a dismantled well on her previous property on Violet Street. Stone presented her case, emphasizing her financial difficulties as a single parent and her efforts to comply with health regulations. After spending approximately $10,000 to connect her home to the Clock Shores water supply, she was taken aback by the board’s recent directive to fill the decommissioned well, which would incur an additional cost of around $3,000.
Stone contended that the well, although decommissioned, should not need filling, especially when nearby properties with similar contamination levels had not been required to do the same. The well in question had been found to have nitrate levels “up at 15,” posing significant health risks, particularly to infants. The board highlighted that nitrate levels over five are unsafe for babies, and levels over ten could be fatal, emphasizing the necessity of addressing the contamination.
The board further clarified that the well’s initial approval was due to its distance from a septic system, a factor that previously allowed it to pass inspections. However, the discovery of high nitrate levels necessitated further action. Stone challenged the board’s communication process, questioning why she had not been informed of the health risks until after the public water connection and the well’s decommissioning. She sought clarification on whether the responsibility for filling the well could be transferred to the property’s new owners as part of a sale agreement.
Discussion on the technical aspects of filling the well concluded that professional, licensed well drillers must conduct the process to meet state guidelines. The board remained steadfast in its position.
The meeting continued with another resident expressing difficulties finding licensed professionals to resolve a septic issue on a property she no longer owned. The lack of a certificate of compliance for the well and the septic system led to complications during the property’s sale. The board acknowledged the resident’s hardships but reiterated the need for addressing the well’s contamination due to public health concerns. A motion was made to send a letter to the new homeowners, informing them of the situation and the necessary steps to decommission the well properly.
Attention then shifted to a property on Panitary Drive, where an individual sought variance for well placement and the allowance of two wells on one lot. The board discussed the importance of ensuring a valid easement and compliance with existing regulations. They voted to confirm the easement’s validity, noting that town regulations do not prohibit two wells on a single property.
The board briefly addressed the annual mobile food permit for Mia Thai Cuisine, adjusting the inspection date and approving the permit pending the inspection. They also handled routine business, such as reappointing assistant board of health agents and recommending an inspector of milk for the upcoming year.
Public water supplies in Lakeville were another focal point, particularly addressing misinformation about the board’s regulatory authority. The board clarified its limitations in altering Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations and stressed the importance of transparency and fairness in water management and billing practices. The financial burden posed by the water system’s budget in Clark Shores, based on an expected 400 homes connection, was a concern as fewer than 100 homes were currently connected.
The discussion extended to social media interactions, where a board member expressed frustration over chaotic online discussions and encouraged direct engagement during meetings. The board emphasized its openness to dialogue and urged residents to attend meetings for constructive discussions.
Finally, health-related updates were provided, highlighting the first West Nile virus mosquito sample in Massachusetts for the year and advising the public about the upcoming heat wave. The board discussed tick control measures and the complexities of managing tick-borne illnesses, emphasizing individual preventive actions.
Board of Health Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Board of Health
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/18/2025
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Recording Published:
06/19/2025
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Duration:
58 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Plymouth County
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Towns:
Lakeville
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