1987-09-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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56-0 Asbestos September 8, 1987 Asbestos comes under the catagory of solid waste. Non -friable asbestos is considered non -hazardous. The whole process of handling asbestos is to keep it non -friable, in other words, do not let it crumble. Air Dr. Goldman's topics of Air Quality and Occupational Safety are basically Quality covered in both areas by State and Federal Agencies. The jurisdiction of the community is air quality - regarding complaints of alleged damaging effects of atmospheric pollution. The real key is if effects and sources of pollutants are within our municipality - then we have to abate emmission as authorized by general laws. Smoke comes under this guideline. The Board of Health responsibilities in regard to Noise Control, Dr. Goldmann continued, is to maintain records of noise complaints, the type, location and time of noise. Responsibilities will vary with current level of growth of each municipality. The Board of Health can set noise standards required of new industries, commercial ventures, and traffic. Occupa- In regard to Occuptational Safety and Health the Board of Health should be tional aware of the problems that might arise in the various industries of its towns Safety and be responsible to any complaints or requests for assistance it receives. If the employer refuses to correct the condition or denies that it creates a hazard or the source of the problem cannot be uncovered the board can then contact any of the local Occupational Safety and Health Departments. Hazardous Dr. Finkelstein began his subjects by explaining that areas of Hazardous Waste and Waste and Water Quality source is broken down into responsibilities of local Water Boards of Health and other agencies, and the jurisdiction it has. Most of the jurisdiction lies elsewhere. The role the Board of Health has is merely informational and technical support opposed to straight regulatory or licensing. The Board also has emergency powers. In areas of Hazardous Waste, labeling issues are not our responsibility but we have to know what the regulations are and what F.D.A. says. Pesticides Under pesticides, we can work with other agencies and programs that might be using pesticides. We have the freedom to engage in programs of mosquito larvaciding. Mr. Smith stated, the program of larviciding is now under the jurisdiction of the Board of Health. Around 1983, the Town Manager made a decision that the Board of Health be responsible for mosquito control and instead of a separate item on the budget made it a line item. Dr. Finkelstein continued by saying people can pretty much use what they want on their lawns, etc., in way of pesticides. Mr. Smith said, the law is not clear and does not give us any particular power in that area. Pesticide spills and incidents are required to be reported to Pesticide Board; whereas, with a hazardous waste spill you have to deal with DEQE as well as the Pesticide Board. The big issue of Hazardous Waste is that the Board of Health is responsible for site finding and licenses. The Board of Health has authority to site an asbestos landfill; however, asbestos is not considered hazardous waste but a special waste. 1