Somewhere back in the forgotten history of codes and regulations is a decision that placed agricultural operations under the governance of the Uniform State Plumbing Code. As odd as that may sound, that is the case and it was discussed on January 5 at the meeting of the Mattapoisett Agricultural Commission.
Some farmers have felt that those regulations were too inflexible for agricultural activities and needed some updating to embrace current best practices.
The Agricultural Commission discussed sending a letter in support of a house bill that would begin the process of reviewing statues that affect farming businesses and give a bit more weight to the needs of those operations.
House Bill 236 sponsored by Representative Leonard Mirra, Second Essex District, reads in part, “… the board of examiners of plumbers and gas fitters is authorized to amend the Uniform State Plumbing Code, to include a category of agricultural buildings and operations, separate from regulations governing residential and commercial buildings…” This seemingly small modification could have a profound impact on farmers in the future.
Commission member Mike King said, “You can’t use PVC pipes [in some farming functions].” King said, for some functions, only copper piping is allowed, which puts an undue financial burden on the farmer. With this house bill, that type of regulation might be modified, he suggested.
In other business, the commission has produced car decals that they plan to sell for $5 each. The decal is a replica of the new ‘Right to Farm’ signs. The proceeds from the decals will help offset printing costs for an updated brochure the commission has been working on for several months. The brochure describes the town’s commitment to agriculture, support of farmers, and contact information.
And speaking of the new ‘Right to Farm’ signs designed by resident Lori Nunes, the Massachusetts Municipal Association newsletter, The Beacon, has acknowledged the beauty of the signs along with the community’s support for agricultural businesses. Commission member Melody Pacheco said another newspaper featured a piece on the signs and the town’s farming culture for an upcoming issue.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Agriculture Commission is scheduled for February 2 at 6:00 pm in the Mattapoisett Town Hall.
By Marilou Newell
