The meeting’s primary focus centered on the nitrate levels found in the septic systems of two properties on Second Street. The property on Second Street reported nitrate levels of 5.3 mg/L, while 23 Second Street had levels of 7.5 mg/L, both exceeding the acceptable threshold of 5 mg/L. These findings prompted a thorough evaluation by the board, emphasizing the need for accurate documentation and assessment. It was noted that the nitrate level on Second Street approached the safety threshold of 10 mg/L, raising concerns about potable water safety.

The board debated the potential need for well water treatment and the implementation of annual septic tank pumping as recommended by the Title 5 inspector. While there was consensus on the importance of regular pumping, it was acknowledged that this measure alone would not address the broader issue of water contamination, especially in densely populated areas with small lot sizes that could exacerbate contamination risks. The conversation referenced a neighbor’s similar contamination issue, highlighting the challenge of determining the contamination’s scope without comprehensive testing data from nearby properties.

Historical context was provided, noting past efforts to establish a community wastewater system, which were abandoned due to funding issues. The board stressed the importance of understanding the area’s wastewater management history and the absence of historical well data to inform their decisions. Ensuring the health implications of drinking water were addressed remained a shared concern, given the potential for increasing contamination levels to impact public health.

In addition to addressing septic system issues, the board discussed the approval of home burial guidelines. A motion to revise a specific term on the application form was unanimously supported, with the guidelines set to take effect the following day. The discussion included the necessity for local board approval, particularly from the select board, and the importance of gathering resources and consulting with various authorities, including the Department of Public Health and the Attorney General’s office, to clarify home burial requirements. The board contemplated creating a permit form to streamline the application process and considered the implications of charging fees for such permits.

The board also reviewed updates on well regulations, focusing on the development of a draft that emphasized the permit process and additional topics. The need to assess water yield from wells in relation to property demands, particularly for new constructions, was highlighted, with some towns having established formulas to determine well yield adequacy. The board planned a working meeting for October to refine these regulations, as discussions with well drillers were still pending.

The agenda then transitioned to a scheduled hearing regarding a four-bedroom repair at 220C Fisherville Lane. A representative from West Environmental Design provided an overview of the existing conditions, noting that the house had a one-thousand-gallon tank and the new repair involved a quick infiltration system. Concerns were raised regarding the system’s proximity to the coastal bank and the river, necessitating a variance request. The water tests conducted on the property had initially shown a high count of coliform bacteria, which was resolved through treatment.

The board discussed the implications of the property’s prior system, a leach pit, and deliberated on conditions for approving the new system. A motion was made to approve the plans, contingent upon several conditions, including a four-bedroom deed restriction and a hold harmless agreement. The conversation also addressed variances concerning the coastal bank.

In board member updates, a member reported on a letter prepared for the select board regarding the use of opioid settlement funds. The letter proposed establishing a committee to explore utilization strategies for these funds and emphasized the importance of public awareness concerning the financial resources available. The member expressed concern about the community’s understanding of opioid-related issues, noting that Westport had the highest number of overdose deaths in the collaborative.