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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-12-BOH-min.pdf LEXINGTON BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Conducted by Remote Participation Board of Health Members in Attendance: Wendy Heiger-Bernays, Ph.D., Chair; Shoolah Escott, MS; Susan Wolf-Fordham, J.D., MPA; Jillian Tung, M.D., M.P.H.; Dr. David Geller, M.D. Vice Chair (arrived at 6:45pm) Health Department Staff Attendees: Alicia McCartin, Public Health Director; Danetza Yachachin, Assistant Public Health Director Select Board Liaison: Mark Sandeen Documents: April 20, 2026, Meeting Minutes New Lexington High School- Plumbing Variance Letter Lexington High School Science Department Policy on Acid Neutralization and Chemical Waste Disposal 248 CMR 10.13: Plumbing and Treatment of Special Wastes Reggie Hobbs- Science Department Head Letter of Support Environmental Health Report Public Health Nurse Report Meeting Called to Order: The Board of Health meeting, held on May 12, 2026, was called to order by Dr. Heiger-Bernays at 6:00 p.m. Open Forum (2 minutes per person, state your name and address) None Plumbing Code Variance Request- New Lexington High School- 251 Waltham St Mark Barrett, Facilities Project Manager, presented the new Lexington High School project, which is asking the Board to support a variance to the Massachusetts Plumbing Code 248 CMR 10.13 regarding the treatment of special waste in science laboratories. Also participating in the discussion were Reggie Hobbs, Science Department Head, Brian Wan, Plumbing Engineer with SMMA, Mike Cronin, Director of Public Facilities, and James Kennedy, Lexington Plumbing Inspector. Mr. Barrett explained that the project team is seeking approval to reduce the number of acid- neutralization systems (chip tanks) installed in the new proposed high school building. Under a traditional interpretation of the plumbing code, chip tanks could be required at all science laboratory sinks. In the proposed design, chip tanks would only be at sinks within science prep rooms and certain specialty spaces, such as the photography lab. Mr. Hobbs described the science department’s chemical management and disposal practices. He explained that laboratory activities are conducted using micro-scale quantities of chemicals, significantly reducing the volume of hazardous waste generated. Chemical waste is collected by teachers, neutralized when appropriate, and either disposed of safely or stored for removal by the district’s hazardous waste contractor, Clean Harbors. He noted that chemical disposal is managed by staff rather than students and that the department maintains established procedures for handling laboratory waste. Mr. Wan stated that the project team believes the proposed approach satisfies the intent of the plumbing code because special waste would not be discharged directly into classroom sinks. He explained that current educational practices and departmental policies make the installation of chip tanks at every sink unnecessary and potentially redundant. He further noted that chip tanks require ongoing maintenance and are often not used for their intended purpose. Dr. Heiger-Bernays asked what the rationale is for the variance, future flexibility of the science program, maintenance considerations, and the possibility of accidents or changes in curriculum over time. Ms. Wolf-Fordham asked whether similar approaches had been used in other schools and whether the reduced number of chip tanks could create future operational challenges. Mr. Cronin acknowledged that the proposal would result in construction cost savings but emphasized that the primary justification was educational practice and system effectiveness. He explained that Lexington’s science program uses substantially smaller quantities of chemicals than traditional laboratory models and that maintaining numerous chip tanks would create unnecessary maintenance burdens. He noted that food, beverages, and other materials frequently disposed of in sinks can damage chip tank systems and reduce their effectiveness. Mr. Cronin also stated that additional chip tanks could be installed in the future if educational needs changed. Ms. Escott asked whether limiting chip tanks to prep rooms reflected a shift toward teacher demonstrations rather than student experimentation. Mr. Hobbs clarified that students continue to conduct experiments, but many activities are now performed on a micro-scale using very small quantities of chemicals. He emphasized that the prep room model provides flexibility while supporting current safety and waste-management practices. At the Board’s request, Mr. Barrett displayed floor plans showing the arrangement of science classrooms and prep rooms. The plans demonstrated that each pair of science classrooms shares a prep room equipped with a sink connected to a chip tank. Classroom sinks would remain available for handwashing and general use but would not be connected to acid-neutralization systems. The project team indicated that the proposal would reduce the number of chip tanks from approximately 175 to approximately 12 throughout the building. Mr. Kennedy stated that chip tanks are highly maintenance-intensive and noted that most high school laboratory systems are designed with either chip tanks or centralized neutralization systems. He explained that the proposed approach appears reasonable given the school’s waste-management procedures and the availability of neutralization capability within the prep rooms. Mr. Kennedy advised that the State Plumbing Board would ultimately determine whether the variance should be granted and cautioned the applicants against relying primarily on cost savings as justification during the variance process. He indicated that he was satisfied with the proposal as presented. Board members also discussed training procedures. Mr. Hobbs clarified that science teachers receive hazardous materials and safety training twice annually and that students receive laboratory safety instruction before participating in experiments. He added that student laboratory assistants also receive specialized training. In response to questions regarding accidental disposal of chemicals, he reported that such incidents are rare and that existing procedures involve dilution and neutralization when necessary. Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion that the Board support the variance request to 248 CMR 10.13, Piping and Treatment of Special Wastes, allowing acid-neutralization systems to be located in science prep rooms rather than in the adjacent classrooms. The motion was seconded by Dr. Tung. The Board of Health voted in favor of the motion 4-0-1 (Roll Call: Heiger-Bernays- yes; Dr. Tung-yes; Ms. Escott-yes; Ms. Wolf-Fordham-abstain; Dr. Geller-yes). Motion Passed. Minutes Approval: The Board of Health reviewed the minutes of the April 20th, 2026, meeting. Ms. Escott made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Dr. Tung seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Health Staff Reports: Ms. McCartin provided an update to the Public Health Nurse’s report. There was a positive case of Alpha- gal syndrome through the Massachusetts disease surveillance system (MAVEN). Effective April 1, Alpha- gal syndrome became a reportable condition in MAVEN. Follow-up revealed that the individual had been diagnosed years earlier while residing in another state and is currently undergoing ongoing medical monitoring and treatment. The recent positive test result was part of routine follow-up care and does not represent a new case. The case appeared in MAVEN because of the new reporting requirement. Dr. Heiger-Bernays asked about camp preparation and if camps are getting their applications and documents submitted to the Health Department. Ms. McCartin stated that yes, they are, and there are the same number of camps as last year. Dr. Heiger-Bernays emphasized the Board’s support in grant-funded vaccination programs and appreciated Ms. Coleman’s efforts and the Health Department staff for applying for and being awarded grants to support the vaccination program. Mr. Sandeen noted that Lexington's COVID-19 infection rate is about one-third that of surrounding communities and expressed appreciation for the Health Department's efforts in vaccinations and related programs. Ms. Yachachin updated the Board on the inspections, trainings, and meetings she has attended and has been corresponding with camps to schedule meetings. Director’s Report Ms. McCartin provided a detailed update on planning efforts for several upcoming community events. Preparations are ongoing for the annual BBQ Festival scheduled for the end of May, and coordinated with event organizers and participating vendors. Health Department staff are also working with organizers of the Farmers’ Market in advance of its seasonal opening. The Farmers’ Market will return on the Tuesday following Memorial Day and will be returning to Fletcher Park. Ms. McCartin stated that the Health Department has been preparing for a proposed FIFA World Cup watch party, which is anticipated to take place in June. Planning for the event is currently in the preliminary stages, as final approval from FIFA has not yet been received, and the necessary event licenses have not yet been issued. Organizers are exploring having food trucks attend the events and have submitted an application for an alcohol license as part of the event planning process. Ms. McCartin noted that further planning and coordination will continue pending receipt of the required approvals and permits. Board of Health Member- Committee Liaison Reports Semi-Quincentennial Commission (LEX250): No updates. Crematory Committee: Dr. Tung provided an update on the committee's report development process. She reported that drafting of the final report is underway, with committee member Judy Zola serving as the primary author and coordinator of the document. Committee members are contributing sections based on their areas of responsibility and expertise. Dr. Tung noted that she completed and submitted a draft covering health, environmental, regulatory, and legal considerations, while other members are preparing sections related to financial analysis and evaluation of alternatives. The committee plans to review and discuss the draft report at its next meeting later in June, to finalize the document and submit it to the Select Board in accordance with the committee's charge. Dr. Tung expressed appreciation to the Board of Health for its assistance in developing the Board's letter on the matter. She noted that she has requested that the letter be included as part of the final report submitted to the Select Board and thanked Board members for their contributions to that effort. New/ Old Business None. Adjournment Dr. Heiger-Bernays made a motion to adjourn at 7:02 p.m. Ms. Wolf-Fordham seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.