Acushnet Parting Ways Building
130 Main Street
Acushnet, MA 02743

Tel: 508-998-0275
Fax: 508-998-0277


Board of Health - Elected Members:
Thomas Fortin, Inspector
Robert Medeiros, Clerk
David Davignon, Chairman

Health Department Appointed Staff:
Ralph Urban, R.S., L.S. - Health Agent
Joann Demello - Senior Clerk
Wanda L. Hamer - Senior Clerk

The Board of Health meets on the first and third Tuesday's of each month, in the Board of Health Office, 130 Main Street. Please check with office for specific dates. The Board of Health office is located on the second floor of the Parting Ways Building, 130 Main Street and is handicap accessible. The office is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Staff may be reached at 508-998-0275, fax 508-998-0277.

Purpose:

Boards of Health were established by state and local statures in the 1700's to protect the health and safety of citizens, their food and water supplies, and safe housing. As the industrial revolution changed our lifestyles, and medical research developed vaccines and drugs to counteract illness and disease, public Health Departments focused attention on Environmental problems created by our changed economy, such as air and water pollution, solid waste disposal, toxic chemicals, and natural resource protection.

While today's Boards of Health still address infectious disease control such as TB, Hepatitis, Influenza and Pneumonia, and Food borne illnesses, much of our work focuses on environmental health issues like sewage disposal, well water supplies, lead paint and housing conditions, food service inspections, and general environmental complaints associated with our mobile society, including the development of urban subdivisions in a previously agricultural setting. In addition, the Board of Health and the Agent serve as a major agency in Acushnet's Emergency Response Team.

Authority and Enforcement:

In order to react spontaneously and effectively to life-threatening situations, local Boards of Health were given authority to promulgate local regulations and policies by the State Legislature. This procedure differs from by-laws or State statues, which must be approved by Town meeting, or the State House of Representatives. This local Board of Health can also implement and enforce state laws and regulations through enabling House legislation. Town meeting of 2003 approved Non-Criminal Disposition Enforcement, which will enable the Board to issue a summons for continued violations, thus eliminating lengthy and expensive Civil actions in Superior Court.

Board of Health Activities:

Septic Systems

The 1995 Revision of Title V, the State Sanitary Code pertaining to on-site sewage disposal, has changed the enforcement and policies for administration of septic system repairs, new construction (building), and upgrading old systems at the time of property transfers. The "New" Title V allows soil testing to be conducted year-round, not just during the spring or wet season. Towns must now have a State approved Soil Evaluator witness all tests for septic systems. The Health Agent has successfully completed several soil science classes conducted by UMASS Amherst and is a Certified Soil Evaluator. A major change to Title V is the sale of property. The State now requires a Title V inspection of the septic system serving a structure before it can be sold. If this inspection determines that any or all parts of the septic system fails to comply with the minimum standards, the septic system must be replaced or upgraded prior to the sale of the property. The Board of Health Agent is present during all Title V inspections. The last major change of Title V is the permitted use of alternative technologies for new or repaired septic system installations. There are currently several dozen technologies which provide better treatment of septic tank effluent, which allows for a smaller area requirement and distance reductions to environmental sensitive areas (water table, wells, wetlands, etc.).

TITLE V INSPECTOR LIST
WATER TESTING LABS
SEPTIC TANK INSTALLER LIST (Microsoft Word File)

Food Service

As required by State Statutes, the Board of Health inspects all establishments which prepare and sell food and drink. These include Restaurants, Bakeries, Caterers, Convenience Stores and Markets, Bed and Breakfast Establishments, Residential Kitchens, and Special Events such as Church Fairs, Day Vendors, and Festivals. Due to the serious nature of Food-Borne illnesses, the Board encourages citizens to report any conditions encountered in food service establishments which might cause illness to patrons. The new Food Code of Massachusetts now requires each Restaurant to have a Certified Food Manager, who is qualified to oversee compliance to the new code.


Tobacco Regulations

The Board of Health on January 12, 2005, adopted the Tobacco Control Regulations Governing Smoking in Workplaces, Public Places, Membership Associations and Food Establishments in the Town of Acushnet and published it in the Legal Notice Section of the Advocate on January 20, 2005. A copy of the Regulation can be obtained in the Board of Health office, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


Water Supplies

Approximately 60% of Acushnet is serviced with public water from New Bedford, leaving 40% of the dwellings supplied with an on-site private water source, which might be by artesian drilled well, or a shallow dug or driven point well. With increased land development and more roads and driveways, increased surface run-off can contaminate unprotected private water supplies. The Board of Health must approve the location and installation of all on-site water sources, for both new or existing households & businesses.


Housing

The State Housing Code insures safe and adequate shelter for renters and homeowners. The code covers all areas of habitability, including structure, wiring, heat, smoke detectors, water and sewage, minimum square footage, light, safety, exits, lead paint, rodents and trash, security and conditions which can result in injury. This code requires the Board of Health to investigate all complaints within a specific amount of time, and also requires the Board to issue corrective orders to the property owner to initiate correction within days. The Housing Code enables the Board to conduct hearings and to condemn properties and remove occupants after such hearings.


Complaints

The Board of Health responds to all complaints it receives regarding health or safety issues, such as rodent infestations, trash, odors & dust, sewage overflows, noise, and any other condition which may effect health and safety. The Board respects the privacy of a complainant, and maintains anonymity of callers notifying the Board of these unhealthy conditions.


Miscellaneous

The Board of Health is responsible for many other public health and environmental areas, such as day camps, swimming pools, garbage and offal transport, tanning salons, massage therapy, stables, mobile home parks. The Board also acts as a liaison between the public and other Town departments and commissions. Also Mosquito spraying can be done on your property from June until September by calling the Bristol County Mosquito Control at 508-823-5253.
 

Notice to Acushnet Residents

To help all Residents with the upcoming sewer-tie in costs and to help Residents with failing septic system repairs, at the last Town meeting a vote was made to accept the Water Pollution Abatement Trust Grant Money that will be available for Acushnet Residents to borrow at a pay back rate of 5% which will include all costs involved with the sewer tie-ins, septic abandonment, and septic repairs. More information will be available in the upcoming months. A hearing date will be scheduled and posted in the Advocate, on the Cable channel, and on the Town Marquis sign. The Board of Health is in the process of gathering all the information possible so that when we do have the hearing, we can give you all the answers to your questions at that time. Informational packets exist in the Board of Health Office on the Betterment for anyone who would like to stop in for a copy.
 

Cider Mill                                                                                              $15.00

Return to Top