Coming before the Mattapoisett Board of Health on April 14, Public Health Nurse Emily Field provided an update on what has clearly changed our social culture – the COVID-19 pandemic.
Field began her comments by saying that Mattapoisett is in the yellow zone, which translates to a 3-percent positivity rating over a 10-day period, adding that no in-school transmissions have been reported. On this day, Field said that as of April 14 there were six active cases. “But there are plenty of cases identified through contact tracing who are not in our community,” she said. Of school activities, Field said that both moderate-risk and high-risk sports are being managed effectively and precautions are being taken.
Recent news of incidents of blood clots as a rare side effect and the resultant “pause” in the dispensing of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine amidst investigation has altered Field’s plan to use the vaccine for people unable to leave their homes. Of the two-dose vaccines that have been distributed, Field reported that she will receive second doses, but does not believe the state will continue to support community vaccine programs. “It’s unknown if Mattapoisett will receive more vaccine,” she said.
“Everyone is sick of the virus, but the virus is not sick of us,” Field stated as she urged the public to continue to wear masks, maintain social distancing, practice diligent hand-washing hygiene, and stay the course for the foreseeable future.
Field also addressed the importance of keeping a Board of Health eye on those establishments that might be reopening with concern expressed about ventilation systems and bacteria in standing water. Board of Health Agent Kayla Davis agreed. Field also noted the importance of taking precautions when outdoors, as there is a growing number of tick-borne diseases being reported.
On the topic of COVID-19 variants, Field said that those are being researched and that the possibility exists that a booster vaccine will be needed to help guard against infection from one of the known variants. She said that investigatory results and recommendations may be forthcoming by the fall.
In other business, earlier in the meeting the BOH held a hearing on a septic system upgrade application filed by Barry Sturgis, 34 Meadowbrook Lane, represented by Peter Lyons of Collins Engineering. Lyons explained that there were three variances being requested. The first variance requested was to grant the use of grain size analysis or sieve analysis versus what is Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection agency policy, a percolation rate test.
The second variance asked for a decrease in the distance between a new sewer line and the property’s freshwater source from 100 feet to 75 feet. The third variance sought a decrease in the separation between the high groundwater elevation and the lower tank invert from 12 inches to 6 inches.
The residence itself was also discussed. It was noted that the deed restricts the number of bedrooms to just one; however, the upgraded septic would be rated for two bedrooms. It was established that the deed would not be modified or amended to allow a two-bedroom residence on the property.
Chairman Carmelo Nicolosi said he would have to review the sieve analysis, stating that Lyons should review the Title 5 requirements for guidance and that well water quality should be tested before and after the new installation.
Member Ken Dawicki said, “I prefer a nitrogen removal system because this is so close to Brandt Island Cove.” Nicolosi said that that requirement is being enforced for new construction only, not for septic repairs or upgrades.
In the end, the majority ruled as both Nicolosi and BOH member Russell Bailey voted to approve with the caveat that the deed restriction remain in place and certified freshwater well testing will be done according to the Title 5 standards. Dawicki voted no.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Board of Health will be held on Wednesday, May 12, at 10:00 am.
Mattapoisett Board of Health
By Marilou Newell