Board of Health

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Office of the Dec 10 2024 10:54 am Board of Health City Hall 718 Main Street Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 978-829-1870 This was a regular meeting of the Board of Health held in the Legislative Building at 700 Main Street and recorded by FATV Studios, Thursday, October 10, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Dr. Bogdasarian. Present: Stephen Curry, Director, Dr. John Bogdasarian, Chair, Ian Murray, BOH Member, Diane Tousignant, BOH Member, Karen Membrino, Clerk Stenographer, Joe Michaud, Greif, Jean Francois Leblanc, Inspector. Public Forum: No one from the public provided any comments. Hearing Requests: (Continued from September 12, 2024 for review/update) 1. Greif Paper – 100 Newark Way – Odor Complaints; Joe Michaud-Vice President Manufacturing, Mill Group Mr. Michaud stated they started the Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR’s) on October 3rd and have seen good results. The markers used to measure for odor are way down and this is encouraging. They are running about 25 to 30% of the plant's waters back through this system, recycling to the mill and every week will be increasing that until it’s at 75 to 100% back to the mill. Mr. Michaud stated they are on time and on track. There are some bugs to work out with equipment programming and timing as with any Wastewater Treatment Plant you gently move them along with nutrients and dissolved oxygen. Mr. Michaud said there was a question at the City Council as to whether Greif would provide H2S meters to Oak Ridge condos. Greif did not agree to that however agreed to provide them to the Board of Health. The meters were brought to the site to measure it with the third party Odor Response and it did not pick anything up. The third party has the meter and when there is an odor complaint they can go to that site and measure it. There has been no complaints since September 26th and that complaint was miles away. Ms. Tousignant asked when they thought it would be at 75-100%. Mr. Michaud stated in six weeks. Dr. Bogdasarian stated he appreciates the effort to reduce the odor for the residents in Fitchburg. 2. Michael and Mary Ann O’Farrell, 62 Old Deerfield Road – Postponed Title 5 – Local Upgrade Request – Jack Maloney Sr. Project Manager, Dillis & Roy, Civil Design Group Jack Maloney joined the meeting via Zoom and stated he is requesting a Local Upgrade Approval for the design and construction of a proposed Sewage Disposal System located at 430 High Rock Rd. The LUA approval would be a reduction of required 5- foot separation between the estimated seasonal high groundwater table and the bottom of the proposed leaching area. (4-separation between the estimated seasonal high ground water table is proposed). Mr. Maloney presented the system to the Board members. Dr. Bogdasarian made a motion to approve the requested reduction to 4 feet from 5 feet in for this project. Motion was 2nd by Ms. Tousignant, all were in favor, motion carried. Regulations: Discuss and approve amendments to the Regulations for Private Wells, including but not limited to: • Adding PFAS (Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) as a testing contaminates; • Restrictions for commercial use; • Various language amendments. Jean Francois Leblanc, Inspector for the BOH stated the current Well regulations were written back in 2018 and approved by the BOH. There’s been some events that have transpired since the State of Massachusetts declared PFAS a contaminant. The Health Department felt it’s their responsibility to add that as a criteria for testing well water. Mr. Leblanc presented the current modifications to the Board for approval. Mr. Leblanc stated the current Well Regulations are posted on the City Website. A lengthy discussion ensued the members of the BOH asked numerous questions to Mr. Leblanc. Mr. Murray made a motion to accept the changes to the current regulations. Motion was 2nd by Ms. Tousignant. Petition Requests: 1. Jacquelyn Wehtje – requesting the Board of Health repeal all local Tobacco regulations, leaving only the state regulations in place. (Tabled until retail education provided by Tobacco Control) Meeting Minutes: Review/Approve meeting minutes of August 8, 2024. Mr. Murray recused himself from the vote. Ms. Tousignant made a motion to accept the minutes of August 8, 2024. Motion was 2nd by Dr. Bogdasarian, all were in favor, motion carried. Ms. Tousignant made a motion to approve the September 12, 2024 meeting minutes. Mr. Murray 2nd the motion, all were in favor, motion carried. Announcements: Health Resource Fair, Thursday, October 17, 2024, being held at the Fitchburg Senior Center, 14 Wallace Ave from 4:00-7:00pm. There will be various resource tables available. A walk-in COVID and flu clinic will be available, bring insurance card and there is no cost. Medication Take Back Day Saturday, October 26th from 9-11:00am held at the Fitchburg Fire Station, 33 North St. Folks can bring their unused and unwanted prescriptions for proper disposal. Mr. Murray made a motion to adjourn. Motion was 2nd by Ms. Tousignant. Meeting adjourned at 5:00pm.