C h i l m a r k B o a r d o f H e a l t h
M i n u t e s
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Chilmark Town Hall
5:00 pm
Present: Katie Carroll (Chair), Mike Renahan, Jan Buhrman
Also Present: Reid Silva (Vineyard Land Surveying and Engineering); Robert Dietz (21-72), Marina Lent (Administrator-BOH)
Minutes of January 20, 2010 approved.
Meegan (12-34.2) Marina Lent reported that William Meegan requested information about what is required from the BOH in order to have the detached bedroom (which was recently approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals for conversion into a guesthouse) be tied into the existing 5 bedroom septic system which currently serves a 4-bedroom house. The Board specified that he will have to submit a plan prepared by a Professional Engineer showing that the lot is capable of sustaining two separate, fully-compliant septic systems for both dwellings.
PUBLIC HEARING: Dietz (27-13) Robert Dietz and Reid Silva presented a Disposal System construction permit application for the pre-existing, non-conforming lot located near Chilmark Pond. The proposal had originally come before the Board in 2000, and, at that time, the Board had stipulated that an easement be secured for a well located on a lot belonging to a different member of the Dietz family. The Board also sought confirmation that no abutter’s septic system was closer than 300’ from the proposed system. This confirmation had been secured in 2000, but permit approval had not been followed up on at that time.
The proposal currently under consideration resolves the question of a well easement by placing a proposed well on property. However, the proposed well is located only 10’, rather than 30’, from the property line, and would thus require a variance of well-to-property line. In addition, the proposal will require a variance of the septic-to-wetland separation to 100’. The wetlands boundaries were reconfirmed in December 2009.
The Board had before it a letter submitted by Mead Walker, one of seven families who jointly own the abutting property A.P. 27.1-224. The letter states that “we would prefer that (the parcel) not take an additional step towards being developed.” Mr. Dietz noted that he had had extensive conversations about the proposal with members of the Walker family, and that this letter did not represent a consensus of the Bentaground LLC, and is the position of one of seven families.
The Board discussed the question of whether a nitrogen-reducing system would be appropriate, given the proximity of the property to the pond. While acknowledging that the restricted building envelope and projected seasonal use of the proposed dwelling indicates that the actual nitrogen contribution will not be substantial, the Board felt that new construction in a relatively sensitive area in the inland coastal district merits additional precautions.
The Board also felt that moving the proposed well to the required 30’ from the property line would be preferable. Such a move would require a variance of the 200’ well-to-septic separation (inland zone of the coastal district).
The Board approved the proposal, with the following conditions:
- A FAST system is to be installed;
- The proposed well should be moved to ensure 30’ separation between the well and property line;
- The Board requires a letter from Mr. Dietz, acknowledging that the well-to-septic separation on his property is less than that required by Chilmark BOH regulations.
Dimovich (12-42) Marina Lent relayed a request from current owner of the property, Lou Dimovich, who had wanted to know whether he could re-submit the disposal system construction permit approved by the Board on March 22, 2006, and, if so, whether the soil evaluation report done in 2006 and on file with the BOH is still valid. The Board reviewed the file, and requested clarification as to what construction is being proposed, and what system is currently in use, since there is a dwelling on the property and no record of a septic system on file other than the 2006 proposal. The approved construction permit was never picked up, and no as-built inspection report is on file for this system.
Shea (8-43) The Board noted that a Product Registration Report for the FAST system at the property is on file, as is the Inspection & Testing Agreement with Wastewater Treatment Services, Inc. The Certificate of Compliance has been issued per Board memo of January 14, 2008.
Poole (27.1-109) Katie Carroll reported on follow-up with Everett Poole regarding the septic systems serving this property. Mr. Poole has contacted engineer Kent Healy to review and test all three systems on the property, which can be done when the ground becomes frost-free.
Disposal Works Installer Permits: Permits for 2010 have been issued to White/Lynch; Clermont Construction; Kevin Peters Excavation; and Vineyard Land Surveying and Engineering.
Food Establishment Permits: 2010 Permits have been issued to Chilmark Chocolates, and All-Island Seafood following pre-operation inspections.
Harbor pump follow-up: Following receipt of the letter from the BOH dated January 21, 2010, Harbormaster Dennis Jason replied that the pump was in fact fully functional, but that frequent user error on the part of both boat owners and the less experienced harbor summer staff frequently leads to the pump losing its prime when it is left running after the tank to be pumped is empty. This problem is exacerbated by the design of the current dock, which requires and excessively long hose.
Options for remediation this coming summer discussed with Marina Lent and BOH Chairperson Katie Carroll include the following:
- intensified training for harbor staff in the use of the equipment;
- ensuring that staff are present at all times when the pump is operating, which could be achieved by setting pump-out hours.
Menemsha Bath House: Marina Lent reported that Finance Committee member Frank LoRusso made inquiries about who is responsible for pump-outs at the Comfort Station; he believes that a significant price reduction for pump-outs could be realized. The Board reviewed its history of involvement with the Menemsha Bath House septic system. While it is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Committee to maintain the premises, the Board had become concerned that an unreliable schedule of pump-outs of this intensively-used system could lead to system failure, and has been notifying the pumper when it is time to pump out the system. The Board instructed Marina Lent to remind the Parks and Recreation Committee when a pump-out is due. Ensuring pump-outs of this facility is not a BOH
responsibility.
Invoices The following invoices were approved for payment:
- NEWWA 2010 Spring Joint Regional Conference March 31- April 1, 2010, Worcester, MA
- MVRD Transportation / Recycle transport Jan 2010 $1,232.80
- Araujo – Menemsha Porta-Pottie rental, Jan 2010 $150.00
The meeting adjourned at 6:22 pm.
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________
Katherine L. Carroll, Chair Michael A. Renahan Janet L. Buhrman
Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health Chilmark Board of Health
A recording of this meeting is on file at the Board of Health office and available for on-site review.
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