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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.