One issue discussed was the contamination of drinking water with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals linked to various health problems. Public Works Director Jeff Colby provided an in-depth update on the town’s efforts to manage and mitigate PFAS levels. Massachusetts regulations require the sum of six specific PFAS substances to be below 20 parts per trillion. Testing revealed that three wells exceeded this limit. Wells 4 and 5 were promptly taken offline after detection, and a treatment system for these wells was constructed and operational as of June. The board was shown images of the emergency mobile treatment unit that was deployed to address the contamination.

Colby detailed the ongoing challenges in identifying the sources of PFAS contamination, ruling out known industrial sources and suggesting potential contributors like septic system leaks or landfill runoff. Plans for treating additional affected wells, specifically Wells 10 and 11, are in the pipeline, although these will follow more rigorous regulatory procedures.

Questions from board members highlighted community concerns about water usage and the effectiveness of the treatment systems. Colby assured that the town is committed to continuous monitoring and testing both untreated and treated water to ensure safety standards are met. He also noted the importance of the service line inventory project, which aims to collect data on the materials of service lines to meet EPA requirements, especially concerning lead, although no lead service lines have been identified in the town to date.

The meeting then transitioned to an extensive update on the town’s wastewater treatment projects. The wastewater initiative is divided into several contracts, with Contract One focusing on constructing a treatment facility at the existing water department site on Buck Island Road. This contract is estimated to cost $106 million and is expected to take approximately three years to complete. The facility will enhance the town’s capacity to treat and dispose of wastewater, addressing critical environmental concerns such as nitrogen pollution.

Contracts Two and Three, which involve work along Main Street and Long Pond, are currently active, with more crews expected to join as future contracts enter the bidding process. The board emphasized the importance of keeping the community informed about the progress and potential detours through the town’s website, which provides weekly schedules and detour maps. The town also maintains a dedicated wastewater mailbox for resident inquiries.

The board addressed community inquiries about the timeline for connecting to the new wastewater system, explaining that not all areas would be sewered immediately, as the initial focus is on regions where nitrogen pollution is most critical. Future developments may necessitate expanding the sewer system to additional areas.

Following the technical updates, the board considered a poultry permit application for a property on Witchwood Road. The property owners had been reported for having a rooster, which has since been removed. The board reviewed feedback from neighboring properties, with some neighbors supporting the chickens, while others raised concerns about rodent activity potentially linked to bird feeders in the area. The board decided to table the decision until further discussions with the concerned neighbor could take place, emphasizing the need for maintaining harmony in the community.

The meeting also covered public health alerts regarding West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (Triple E), with the board urging residents to monitor the town’s website for updates on mosquito activity and to take preventive measures to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Another topic was the upcoming flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic scheduled for October 29th at the Yarmouth Senior Center. This year’s clinic will offer both vaccines, with an emphasis on early registration through QR codes and contact numbers provided by the health department.

Tick prevention was also discussed in detail, with a speaker providing personal experiences and preventive strategies. The importance of using repellents, inspecting oneself after outdoor activities, and consulting veterinarians for pet protection was highlighted.

Housing updates included the implementation of a new registration program called OpenGov for tracking residential rentals, aimed at ensuring compliance with Massachusetts living standards. The program has improved communication and inspection processes, although challenges remain, particularly with international property owners.

The board also reviewed the successful cleanup of a previously condemned property on Albon Street, noting significant improvements and the cooperative efforts of the homeowners.

In new and old business, the board discussed the importance of community participation in local matters, updates on overdose statistics, and the support for the paint stewardship bill. They also highlighted a community assistance initiative that provided essential items and yard cleanup for a family in need.