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Home My WebLink About2017-05-25 Board of Health Minutes Forth Andover hoard of Health Meeting Minutes Thursday--May 2 , 201'7 "7.00 p.m. 120 Main Street, 2nd Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room North Andover, MA 01845 Present: "Phomas Trowbridge,Frank MacMillan.Jr.,Larry Fixler,Joseph McCarthy,Brian LaGrasse,Toni K. Wolfenden,Caroline Ibbitsori I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm. H. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Ili. PUBLIC HEARINGS—not applicable IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Meeting minutes from April 20,2017 were presented for signature. Motion was made by Larry Fixler to approve the minutes,the motion was seconded by Frank MacMillan,all were in favor and the minutes were approved. V. OLD BUSINESS—not applicable V1. NEW BUSINESS—Brian LaGrasse introduces Caroline Ibbitson,new Public Health Nurse. VII. COMMUNICA'T'IONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND DISCUSSION— Dr.'Trowbridge welcomes Glen Alt,Superintendent of the North Andover Water Treatment Plant and Tiffany Blake Senior Water Analyst. Please see attached Water Presentation in reference to the 'Town of North Andover's water source,Lake Cochichewick. The water quality is constantly monitored by the North Andover Water Treatment Department,as well as Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP). The Town of North Andover is very fortunate to have an on-site water laboratory. Water samples are collected in real time every 3 hours. The tests are reported to the MADEP. Continuous analyzers are used for turbidity measurements, free chlorine, fluoride and pH. Throughout the treatment process they are typically concerned with 3 parameters. pH—how acidic the water is,turbidity—how cloudy,apparent color—measures the dissolved and suspended particles. Our finished water the pH is high and turbidity is low as well as color. They also test for phosphate,zinc,ozone,fluoride and free chlorine. The most important testing is for bacterial analysis. 'rhe department is certified through MADEP to do bacterial analysis. Water is tested to ensure it is pathogen free. Total Coliform can be found in soil,water, animal& human waste. Water is also tested for E-coli which is a subgroup of these fecal coliforms. Some strains are harmless and others very dangerous. Once a week for 3 times per month,samples are gathered from preapproved sites. Joe McCarthy has asked for more information on lead. Glen Altman explains that the lead levels are very low because of the chemicals used to coat the pipes and 2017 North Andover Board of Health Meeting Page 1 of 3 Board of Health Members: Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Chairman,i..arry Fixler,Member/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan,Jr., M.D.;Joseph McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member health Department Staff:Brian LaGrasse,Health Director,Caroline lbbitson,Public Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public;Health Inspector;Toni K.Wolfenden,Health Department Assistant the JAI is kept as close to a 7 as possible which is neutral. Water is tested for copper and lead every 3 years, usually it is annually but because the town's numbers are so low the department is on a reduced schedule. The department sent 100 letters looking for test sites. They received 40 affirmative. The Coin in onwealth of Massachusetts gave funds to test the schools. If a resident has concerns the department can provide test hits. There is a fee to test wells. Joe wanted to know how low the water was during the drought. Glen explained that the lake was measured at 106 feet which is a foot above the lowest it ever has been. It is usually 109-110 feet. 113.6 feet is full. Larry Fixler asked about motor boat use on the lake. Glen explains that only electric motor and man power is allowed to be used on the lake. Brooks School is exempt for one motor boat for safety reasons. The water treatment department and the fire department also have a motor boat. Mr. Fixler also asked how much rain water is needed to rill the lake. Glen answered that I inch of rain will allow the lake to rise 2"—2'/z". The water supply at this time is full. Dr. Frank MacMillan inquired about upgrading the ozone system. Glen explains that the ozone system is being replaced this winter. It kills organics. It allows for fewer chemicals but uses more electricity. The current system being replaced is obsolete. Dr. MacMillan also asks about how blue/green algae are removed from Steven's Pond. A company is called in to treat the algae with copper sulfate. Dr.MacMillan also asked if we have a target psig for the water. Glen explains that booster stations help areas with low ping. The goal is 65-70 pisg however if one is high it may require a pressure reducer. Dr. Trowbridge would like to know if the town has "natural"lead source that filters into the lake. There is no natural lead that the department knows of. Lead mostly leaches into a water source through the pipes and lead solder which has been banned. Joe McCarthy would like to know of any effects of the trash truck falling into the lake. Glen said there were no problems. Extra tests were performed. Very little fuel was spilled and nothing hazardous was found. Survey questions"What chemicals are used in our water?" 1.Polyaluminum Chloride,which is a coagulant used to make particles stick together it is removed at the filter 2.Sodium Hypoeholorite-which is used for disinfection,it protects against bacteria 3. Sodium Hydroxide for Ph adjustment 4. Zinc Orthophosphate for corrosion control 5. Fluoride 6. Ozone-which will disappear Larry Fixler—"What is being built around the lake?" Currently, the raised pond sewer station is being completed and the old pumping station is being removed which is becoming a parking area. Dr. Trowbridge would like to know bow the board and town's people can help maintain overall water quality. Tiffany would like to raise awareness to the public that the department is maximizing their efforts to ensure water safety. Through their continuous monitoring there is no reason to worry. Larry Fixler—"Is there anything else Glenn or Tiffany would like to say to the residence of North Andover?" Glenn would like people to be aware of their activities around the lake. People inadvertently tossing things in streams,ponds and lakes can cause algae growth. Dr.Trowbridge asks Caroline Ibbitson about her interests in Public Health. Caroline has a passion for nutrition and physical exercise. She would like to promote a healthy lifestyle in ages of children through senior citizens. Caroline is working with the senior center to help with the health fair, presentations andp rograms. At this time she and Brian are trying to figure out what the needs are and how best to meet them those. Brian has reached out to Wheelabrator and GLSD for future presentations. Larry would like to know about the changing of the food permitting schedule. This was explained as a work in progress. It had many challenges with the change in location and the change of dates. Next year the Health Department will be working with online permitting. 'rile Farmers Market is going smoothly. Mcghan from Sweetsafe will be doing the inspections throughout the season as well as Brian LaGrasse and Michele Grant. The fee has been waived for the year. The first day is June 25,2017 with an ending date of October 8,2017. Summer camps will be starting soon. The Board of Selectmen has an annual meeting which community development chairs attend. Dr. Trowbridge will be present to discuss The Annual Report of the Board ofHealth. Please send any highlights from the past year or objectives for FY 2018 to Dr.Trowbridge. For more information on the Town of North Andover's Water supply please go to www.iioi-tliaiidovei-iiia.gov/water V111. CORRESPONDENCE/NEWSLETTERS—not applicable IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION made by...,Pr. MacMillan to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Larry Fixler seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 pro. North Andover :Burd of Health Meeting Minutes Thursdays..._ May 25,2017 7:00 p.m. 120 Main Street, 2" Floor Selectmen's Meeting Room l North Andover, MA 01845 Prepared bv: Toni K Wolfenclen, Health Dept.Assistant Reviewed b : All Board of'Ilealth Uember�s c Brian LaGrasse, Health Director Signed by: er�, ler_ 7e.W Lara f � Board Date Signed i 1 2,017 North Andover Board of health Meeting Page 3 of 3 Board of Health Members: Thomas Trowbridge,DDS,MD,Chairman;Larry Finder,Member/Clerk;Francis P.MacMillan,Jr., M.D.;Joseph McCarthy,Member; Edwin Pease,Member Health Dep xrtme_nt Staff:Brian LaGrasse,Health Director,Caroline Ibbitson,Public'Health Nurse;Michele Grant,Public Health Inspector;Toni K.Wolfenden,Health Department Assistant