The Acton Board of Health met on July 29, with the discussion largely focused on wastewater management.
Wastewater Management
The most complicated situation discussed involves 979 Main Street, a property that straddles two lots and falls within municipal groundwater protection zone 1. The property houses a machine shop and is approved for occupancy by 45 workers. Because of its location, the property is not served by town water and relies on its own well, which is considered a “public” well, as more than 25 people access it.
The property’s septic system is failing and has required frequent pumping. Paul Kirchner, PE, of Stamski and McNary, a local engineering firm hired by the property owner to install a new system, came before the Board in April requesting a waiver of the requirement that the system be located 300 feet from the on-site well. (This is not possible without putting the system too close to the municipal water supply well.)
Mr. Kirchner presented plans and answered questions the Board put forth in April. He said the property’s well has been tested for contaminants and “passed on every measure.” Board Chair Mark Conoby said that is “reassurance for that well, but not necessarily for the Acton water system.”
The Board voted to continue the issue, as several technical questions remain about the new septic system. Mr. Kirchner plans to attend the Board’s August meeting with further information. In the meantime, the Board stipulated that, should the waiver be granted, the on-site well should be inspected twice during the first year of the new septic system operation (rather than only once, as usually required) and there will be a property deed restriction; that is, no change of use allowed because it might introduce contaminants not presently used by the business occupying the building.
Other wastewater issues discussed:
- Earlier this year, the Board cited the owners of Rapscallion Table & Tap for violating seating capacity for the restaurant. The business is approved for only 57 seats to ensure wastewater flow under 2,000 gallons per day, yet an inspection in May found that total seating, inside and outside, is close to 100. The restaurant’s owners subsequently provided the Health Department with their plan to close off sections of the restaurant to adhere to the limit. Environmental Health Director Matthew Dow said that a recent inspection found staff were aware of the plan and how to execute it should the need arise. The Board directed Mr. Dow to ask the owners to further ensure compliance by using signage or ropes to make it clear to patrons when certain sections are closed.
- Mr. Dow reported that the Dover Heights apartment complex, 117 Central Street, has received approval for plans for an alternative septic treatment system, using a new technology approved by the state. Construction is expected to begin soon. Board Chair Conoby asked for an updated schedule and potential start date.
- Gould’s Plaza recently submitted revised plans for a new septic system. The Board is requesting inspection reports and other details.
- Mr. Dow reported that the nitrogen level in one septic monitoring well at the Boardwalk School is still too high. Board member Bill McInnis asked Mr. Dow to check if the annual pumping was done. He also suggested asking the schools to assess the cause and reassess after the school year begins.
Hazardous Waste
Mr. Dow reported that Household Hazardous Waste Day was successful, with some 200 cars dropping off materials. The next Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026.
NARA Park
Mr. Dow reported that weekly testing of the water has found it to be safe for swimming thus far this year.
Health and Family Services
Health and Family Services Director Penelope Funaiole provided a brief summary of a project underway in collaboration with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. A community health equity needs assessment will look at social determinants of health, access to care, behavioral health, deaths of despair, and other issues. Plans for the project were presented to the Select Board at the July 21 meeting and summarized in an earlier Acton Exchange article. The work is funded by state and federal grants, with a comprehensive report expected by July 2026.
Other updates:
- Board members asked about mosquito-borne disease in the area. Carlisle has had a case of West Nile virus, and Belchertown had a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Ms. Funaiole said the conservation team has been presenting tick and mosquito talks at NARA park on Friday mornings at 10 a.m., and information is posted on every town trail.
- Ms. Funaiole said a recent survey by the department found long wait times for appointments with PCPs (primary care physicians) in the area. “We want to provide information on available spots to families,” she said, with one goal being access and support for childhood vaccinations before school starts.
- The department continues to hold Housing Legal Clinics every month in partnership with Metrowest Legal Services. Residents living with lower income or disabilities, or are over age 60 can receive pro bono legal help with housing issues. The next session is August 12, but spots fill up fast. Read more.
Materials referenced at the July meeting can be found at https://doc.actonma.gov/dsweb/View/Collection-19444. The next meeting is scheduled for August 12.
Note: This article was corrected on August 25 to clarify that Housing Legal Clinics are not limited to people over 60.
Patricia McTiernan is the Acton Exchange’s beat reporter for the Board of Health.
