One of the main topics of discussion revolved around the cemetery’s proximity to residential wells and the potential health implications. Concerns were raised by abutters, who claimed that burial sites were too close to their drinking wells, potentially compromising water quality. The board reviewed a plot plan confirming that all grave sites, existing and potential, were outside the recommended 100-foot radius from the well. Karen Rhoads, representing the Jewish Cemetery Association (JCA), reassured the board and complainants that the cemetery adhered to the 100-foot buffer zone as stipulated in previous rulings. She highlighted investments in a survey to ensure compliance and stressed that all burials occurred on the opposite side of the cemetery, far from the well.

Despite these assurances, the complainants, identified as Chris and Lisa, demanded an updated geological evaluation of the cemetery, referencing Mass D guidelines for hybrid or green cemeteries. They expressed concerns about potential contamination due to substances allegedly poured into the ground during tree removal in April 2022. The board maintained that no evidence supported these claims, emphasizing their responsibility to protect public health from known contaminants rather than speculative threats. One board member noted that the cemetery predated the residences.

Tensions escalated during the discussion, with accusations of bias and insensitivity. A board member suggested that the complaints could be perceived as harassment, given the cultural significance of Jewish burial practices. The board reaffirmed their previous decisions regarding the cemetery’s operations, emphasizing that they were based on thorough research and the best available information. They expressed willingness to address legitimate concerns but insisted that the burden of proof rested with the complainants.

The meeting also addressed logistical aspects of the cemetery, including the recent removal of trees to create more burial plots and the necessity of visible markers to prevent accidental disturbances. The board acknowledged the volunteer nature of the cemetery’s management and the challenges posed by seasonal changes.

Another topic was a well permit application for a property on Birch Drive, which included a request for a variance to reduce the setback from an existing septic system from 100 feet to 70 feet. The application, submitted by well driller Ezra Cushing, initially raised alarms due to the proximity of the new well to the septic system installed in 2013. However, upon further investigation, the board learned that the old cesspool had been pumped and filled, alleviating some concerns about contamination.

Cushing proposed several measures to prevent surface infiltration into the well, including the use of a steel casing and grouting, which the board found satisfactory. Although historically there had been no documented instances of well contamination from septic systems in the area, the board considered requiring annual water testing for contaminants such as chlorine, nitrate, and E. coli, especially given the requested variance. They noted past compliance issues regarding annual water testing and deliberated whether to mandate testing for the first few years following the well’s installation.

Ultimately, the board unanimously approved the well permit application without stipulations, pending the payment of the necessary fee. They concluded that the new well, although closer to the septic system, represented an improvement over the existing shallow well.

The meeting concluded with discussions about potential scheduling conflicts for future sessions, with the board expressing flexibility in accommodating a local program that could overlap with their regular meetings. The members acknowledged the complexities surrounding the cemetery issue and the need for ongoing dialogue, expressing mutual respect for the discussions and the challenges ahead.