The Marion Board of Health met Thursday, February 6 to go over various updates including a Public Health Director update.
The meeting began with an overview of the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project for 2024. Data from the project in Marion showed the following:
-366 spray requests, up from 324 the previous year.
-17 still water treatment requests (to evaluate water for larvae).
-292 larvae site inspections.
-658 storm drains treated.
-2,245 feet of drainage ditches cleaned.
Chair John B. Howard MD stated the project is “very responsive to resident’s requests.”
Talk then moved to the recent oil spill at Tabor Academy’s Lillard Hall. The spill saw a leak of greater than 10 gallons. The chair said the spill was likely caused by an underground tank the school “didn’t even know they had.” Thermal scanning attempted to pinpoint the location of the tank but was unsuccessful due to the cement and rebar infrastructure surrounding the structure. The exact location of the tank is still unknown. Plans are currently in place to break in through the floor during the school’s March break and both locate and remove the tank. It was concluded that the tank was buried decades ago, likely before the current building was constructed on top of it.
The board said the health risk of the spill remains minimal, though the area is continually monitored. They also confirmed no oil had leaked into the harbor. Residents are urged to report any odors or other concerns to local authorities.
Talks then moved to more routine matters, including the re-plumbing proposed for 15 West Avenue on Planting Island. The property currently has a three-bedroom septic system though after renovations, the property may require an upgrade to this. Pushback from an abutter emerged when it was questioned whether or not the current owner would be moving in due to the property being rented out shortly after being bought. The owner said the house was rented awaiting work being done on the property. The owner assured her neighbor and the board they were not planning on renting the property and that the owners’ kids were registered to start school in the Tri-town in the fall.
Next, a vaccine/disease update was given. There is currently a seasonal oral rabies vaccine baited around the area due to concerns from animals testing positive. In terms of Avian Influenza, there have been a few geese and duck euthanized in the town due to fears of their infection. It was warned to keep cats and dogs away from geese and on a leash. There has also been an increase in the last few weeks in Influenza A cases couples with flu vaccine rates having declines in recent years to 37.6% vaccinated. Increases in Norovirus in schools were also detected.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health will be in the Town House conference room Thursday, February 20 at 4:30 pm.
Marion Board of Health
By Sam Bishop