Board of Health

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Members

Donald L. Davenport, Chair
John D. Flynn, Member
Erik A. Vanderleeden, Member

Staff

Laurie Dutton, Board of Health & Operations Coordinator
Ryan Paxton, Health Director
Sheila Rucki, Public Health Nurse
Annette Gordon, Public Health Nurse
Lily Juda, Health Agent

Mission Statement

The mission of the Board of Health is to develop and maintain innovative programs to safeguard and improve the general health of the citizens of the Town. Responsibilities include developing and promoting disease prevention and wellness programs as well as improving health education and environmental awareness. The Board of Health is also responsible for interpreting and enforcing the provisions of the State Public Health Code, State Sanitary Code, State and local Environmental Code.

Services

Enforce Title 5; State Sanitary Code (Septic System Regulations) as well as involvement with all new septic systems, failures and repairs.
Inspect food establishments, camps, pools and housing. Enforce massage regulations.
Issue beaver trap permits.
Maintain records of communicable disease.
Issue permits for drinking water wells as well as monitoring the safety of drinking water.
Coordinate availability and disbursement of vaccines.
Manage the trash and recycling contract.
Issue permits related to health.

FAQs

What do I do if my system fails?

If your system or cesspool fails inspection, Title 5 allows up to two years for the completion of repairs or an upgrade. The first thing you should do is contact your local board of health, which needs to approve all upgrades and most repairs, and can tell you what will be required.

Shop around. Get written estimates, check qualifications and references. Remember that you are under no obligation to have the person who inspects your system perform any other work on it. In fact, you may want to hire separate contractors. While most septic system professionals are honest business people, as in any other profession there may be a few "bad apples" who try to take advantage of the consumer. If you ever believe you have been treated unfairly by a system inspector, soil evaluator, engineer, or system installer, call the Massachusetts Environmental Strike Force at 617-556-1000.

When is Title 5 Inspection not mandatory for inspections of septic systems or cesspools?

A mortgage is refinanced
The system was inspected within 3 years before the sale and you have records proving that your system was pumped annually since the inspection
Title to the house is transferred from one spouse to another or placed in certain family trusts
The local board of health issued a certificate of compliance within 2 years before the time of transfer or title
The community has adopted a comprehensive plan approved by DEP requiring periodic inspections and the system was inspected at the most recent time required by the plan
The homeowner has entered into an enforceable agreement, binding on subsequent buyers, with the board of health requiring an upgrade of the system or connection to the municipal sewer system within the 2 years of transfer or sale

How long are my Certificates, Permits, and Tests, valid for?

Title V Inspection - 3 years. You must have records to prove that your system was pumped annually since the inspection.
Perc Test - No expiration date as long as area tested and surroundings have not been disturbed since the perc test. Contact the Board of Health office if you have any questions.
Disposal Works Construction Permit - 3 years from date of approval.
Certificate of Compliance - 2 years

More important information

Realtors and homeowners may not advertise more than the number of bedrooms that are stated in the Disposal Works Construction Permit.
Hampden Board of Health will not approve a 2BR design w/o the deed restriction in its hands.
New Construction: minimum of 1500 gallons for septic tank
For homes with garbage disposal, minimum size of septic tank is 1500 gallons. It should also have 2 compartments.
If a 2 BR home is designed for only 2 BR, the homeowner cannot add additional rooms by enlarging the septic system. Homeowner must check with the registry of deeds in Springfield.

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