HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-13-BOH-min
Lexington Board of Health - June 13, 2007
Cary Memorial Building, Estabrook Hall
1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420
Attendees: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Chair; Burt Perlmutter, Deborah Thompson,
Sharon MacKenzie
Health Dept. Attendees: Derek Fullerton, Ann Belliveau
Heiger-Bernays called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
At 6:06 p.m. Heiger-Bernays opened a public hearing regarding amendments to the Use
of Recombinant DNA Molecule Technology recommended for adoption by the Biosafety
Committee. Heiger-Bernays asked if anyone in the audience had any questions or
comments about the regulations. Barry Cohen of Shire Human Genetic Therapies
questioned the restriction that use of more than 5,000 liters of rDNA culture shall not be
permitted. He asked if this restriction is per facility or per vessel and is there an
opportunity for variance. Rebecca Ryan Caruso, who drafted the regulations, stated that
it would be 5,000 liters per vessel as consistent with regs in Cambridge and Boston.
Perlmutter motioned to accept the recommended changes Section 7 Restrictions (d) to be
as follows:
Use of more than 5,000 liters of rDNA culture shall not be permitted, unless
a variance is obtained by the Board of Health.
and Section 5 Permits 8(a) will become Section 4 Registration (d).
Heiger-Bernays seconded. All approved.
The hearing closed at 7:00 p.m.
At 7:02 p.m., Heiger-Bernays opened the hearing regarding adopting amendments to
Article X: Private Wells Regulations.
Heiger-Bernays stated that the rational for this new regulation was to identify
contaminated domestic wells in Town and to provide information for homeowners so that
they can make informed decisions regarding use of water from these wells. The intention
is to make the public aware that private wells are not regulated under the Safe Drinking
Water Act although the BOH has the obligation to protect the public’s health.
Public attendance: John Morriaty of 142 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA
Mr. Morriaty resides at the end of Bacon Street, but the mailing address is 142 Marrett
Road. Because there is no public water or sewer on Bacon Street, Mr. Moriaty relies on a
domestic drinking well and was concerned about the changes to the current regulations.
Heiger-Bernays informed Morriaty of the changes to Section 155-75 (e) and
Section 155-71(f). Mr. Morriaty identified important considerations and wanted
clarification of the intent of the regulations. Again, the regulations are intended to prevent
contamination of drinking water by on-site waste-water systems and to identify
contamination in the water before health effects are observed.
The following changes to the regulations are as follows:
Section 155-71 (f) No new well for domestic drinking installations shall be permitted
until the proposed wastewater disposal system plan, if applicable, has been submitted to
the Health Department and such plan has been approved.
Section 155-75 (e) All domestic wells shall undergo water quality analysis every three
years. The owner shall follow the sample requirements listed in 155-75 A & D. All
sample results shall be submitted to the Board of Health within 30 days of receiving the
analysis report. More frequent analysis may be required following review of water
quality results.
Perlmutter motioned to accept the amendments. MacKenzie seconded. All approved.
The hearing closed at 7:30 p.m.
Heiger-Bernays opened the hearing concerning amendments to Article XIII, Food
Establishments at 7:31 p.m.
Heiger-Bernays motioned to amend Section 155-96.1 c. to be the following: A certified
food protection manager certificate is non transferable from one person to another.
Perlmutter second. All approved.
The hearing closed at 7:50 p.m.
The Board reviewed the data reports and Public Health Nurse update. The Board was
notified of the resignation of S. Moser as of July 20, 2007. The need for interim
assistance regarding disease tracking and follow-up was stated by S. MacKenzie.
The Board reviewed the minutes of May 16, 2007. Perlmutter motioned to accept the
minutes as written. Heiger-Bernays seconded. All approved.
Perlmutter motioned to adjourn. MacKenzie seconded. All approved.