The green home burial regulations were a primary focus, culminating in their approval after a lengthy process. The regulations, which have been in development for ten months, were met with gratitude by Ross McCertie, who initiated the process to honor his father’s wishes. McCertie commended the board for their careful approach. Despite the absence of one board member, the board felt confident in proceeding with the signing of the regulations.

The discussion then shifted to the county’s septic loan program, introduced by Alice Ryan and David Iso, and its role in supporting homeowners with septic system upgrades. The program, part of the Aqua Fund, provides low-interest loans to assist with septic system repairs or replacements, particularly for innovative alternative (IIA) systems. The county’s efforts to streamline the management of these systems were highlighted, including the development of a certification program for installers and operators, and a comprehensive database to track IIA systems. This database, crucial for compliance with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations, aims to alleviate the resource burden on towns by centralizing operation and management processes.

A substantial part of the meeting focused on the challenges of installing and maintaining IIA systems, with an emphasis on the frequent improper installations that can lead to issues. The county’s database, established in 2006 and overhauled in 2015, is vital for tracking system performance and ensuring compliance with operational and maintenance contracts. The proposed enhanced oversight service, which would address monitoring gaps due to town resource limitations, was introduced with a new fee of $160 per contract, a significant increase from the current $60 fee. The service aims to ensure systems are sampled and inspected as required, with unresolved issues referred back to local health agents.

The financial implications of IIA systems were a concern, with higher initial installation and ongoing maintenance costs potentially deterring homeowners. The board discussed the possibility of mandating upgrades from Title 5 to IIA systems during property sales or construction permits, depending on watershed plans and nitrogen reduction goals. The necessity for towns to establish clear goals regarding nitrogen reduction and how IIA systems fit into those strategies was emphasized.

The meeting also addressed the proposed Verizon Wireless facility, presented by Tim Tordowski and Carl Lawson. The facility, planned for an existing water tank site, includes antennas, ground-based equipment, a battery backup system, and a diesel generator for emergency communications. Safety measures were outlined, with concerns raised about the facility’s impact on local water supply and potential risks. The proposal includes containment for hazardous materials, with recommendations for additional barriers to protect against vehicle impacts. The facility aims to augment area coverage, particularly during emergencies, without replacing existing services.

Community updates included the upcoming International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, a candlelight memorial at Smuggler’s Beach, and the introduction of new staff member Riley Neenberger. The RACK’s upcoming presentation to the select board was noted, along with ongoing discussions about Route 28 paving and pump station management. The meeting concluded with discussions on drought-related water use restrictions, plastic reduction efforts, and the decision to adjourn until August.