TOWN OF NORTHBRIDGE

BOARD OF HEALTH

7 Main Street

Whitinsville, MA  01588

Phone# (508) 234-3272   Fax# (508) 234-0821

 

The Northbridge Board of Health approved these minutes at a meeting held March 25, 2008.

 

MEETING MINUTES ~ MARCH 4, 2008

                                                                                                                                               

 

This meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mr. Paul McKeon, Chairman. Other members present were Mr. Steven Garabedian, Mr. Scott Chase and Ms. Ann Marie Thompson. Mr. Chris Cella was absent. Also present was Jeanne Gniadek, Administrative Assistant.

 

Minutes: A motion was made by Mr. Garabedian to accept the minutes of February 12, 2008. Motion seconded by Mr. McKeon; the vote was 2-0 in favor. Ms. Thompson and Mr. Chase abstained.

 

Tom Berkowitz Trucking – 2007 Annual Report: The Board reviewed the 2007 Annual Solid Waste Facility Report for the Berkowitz Transfer Station. In other business, the Board noted receipt of a wood chipping notice from Tom Berkowitz Trucking for the month of March.

 

Quaker Street Landfill – Quarterly Report: The Board received and reviewed the quarterly report for landfill gas, groundwater, and drinking water samples as recently conducted by Beta Group Engineering. The report notes that one of the ground-water monitoring wells could not be located, possibly due to snow cover. This well will be located and tested when the next quarterly report is conducted.

 

It was noted that the drinking water test for the home at 1150 Quaker Street showed an elevated lead level which was reportable to the Department of Environmental Protection. A subsequent retest of their drinking water showed acceptable lead levels.

 

Sunset Drive Drainage: Mr. McKeon informed the Board that he collected a water sample on February 22, 2008 and submitted it to the Northbridge Sewer Department for testing of fecal coliform. The test results indicate that a 25 ml sample had 2 colonies, and a 75 ml sample had 3 colonies. Mr. McKeon stated that bathing beach water regulations limit fecal coliform colonies at 235 colonies per 100ml sample. A subsequent sampling will be taken within the next two weeks for additional testing.

 

In other business, the Board reviewed correspondence received from Arthur Kroll regarding this matter.

 

Emergency Preparedness Planning: Ms. Gniadek informed the Board that Region 2 which consists of 74 municipalities is seeking to enter into a regional Memorandum of Understanding for shared services in the event of an emergency. A memorandum of understanding is similar to a mutual aid agreement.

 

Motion made by Mr. Chase to enter into a regional memorandum of understanding. Motion seconded by Ms. Thompson; the vote was all in favor.

 

Old & New Business: Mr. McKeon informed the Board that the Town Manager contacted him due to one of the Selectmen receiving a complaint from a resident of noise from the Riverdale Mill. A draft letter to be sent to the mill owner seeking information into this complaint was reviewed and approved by the Board.

 

Ms. Gniadek informed the Board that due to outstanding violations at the Wal-Mart Supercenter, Ms. Gilchrist, the Board’s inspector, has had to conduct several follow up inspections. The outstanding issues are not new – they have been ongoing violations. There have been several plumbers involved with the latest indicating to the office that the re-circulating line needs to be fixed. The Plumbing Inspector has informed the office that a permit has not yet been pulled for that work. It was noted that the store informed the office that all violations would be corrected within 2 weeks. The Board sent a notice to Wal-Mart informing them that if all violations are not corrected at the close of the 2-week time frame that they will face a $450 re-inspection fee (on top of the $250 already charged to the establishment) and will face a hearing before the Board to consider the revocation of their permit.

 

The Planning Board office sent notice to the Board of Health of a proposal by a Wood Pellet Company to locate on the O’Leary property off of Church Street Extension. Mr. McKeon stated that the town needs the industry and that he is a supporter of wood pellet technology as it does not contribute to CO2 the way fossil fuels do. He stated that he would like more information but that he would hope that the Board would support this proposal. Ms. Gniadek informed the Board that the proponents will be attending the March 11, 2008 meeting of the Planning Board to discuss their preliminary proposal.

 

Ms. Gniadek asked the Board to vote on requiring a comprehensive water scan for Quaker Street (160), Lot #1, as they will be using an existing well as the potable water supply for new construction on this parcel. Motion by Mr. Garabedian to require potable water test in accordance with Board of Health regulations for the existing well on this parcel. Motion seconded by Ms. Thompson; the vote was all in favor.

 

Correspondence: Correspondence dispersed to the Board included:

1.      Memorandum from Community Planning & Development regarding 43D – Expedited Permitting

2.      MHOA Annual Spring Seminar – various locations

3.      MassDEP Central Regional Office MHOA Seminar at Quinsigamond College

 

 

There being no further business, motion to adjourn at 7:25 PM was made by Mr. Garabedian, seconded by Mr. Chase – all in favor.

 

 

Attested by,

 

 

Jeanne M. Gniadek, Administrative Assistant