The Town of Hubbardston Board of Health reviewed Title 5 (septic) and well-water test results, agreed to sign a batch of permits subject to outstanding water reports, authorized an extension to early March for corrective actions at the Briarwood townhome complex and approved a $600 membership in the Montachusett Public Health Network (MPHN).

Board members opened the meeting by approving the Dec. 10 minutes. The board then reviewed several Title 5 inspections and well-water tests. The board recorded a failed Title 5 at 15 Rawlings Wood Road, where the inspector noted sewage backup into the system/component and an overloaded or clogged system as the reason for failure. A Title 5 inspection at 148 New Templeton Road passed. A separate property listed as 205 Gardner Road (also referenced as 505 Fields in meeting materials) failed and is slated for septic repair; the inspector noted an old cast-iron tank that will likely be replaced and that a new perk test will be done to locate a replacement drain field.

The board also reviewed well and building water results submitted by a testing laboratory for several properties and town facilities. Tests for spots including a school cafeteria and municipal building taps showed E. coli and coliform results “less than 1 per 100 milliliters” on reports dated 11/4/24 and 12/2/24, which the board described as “absent” for those analytes. For several new-build properties (for example, 125 New Templeton Road and a property at 25 Lombard/Palmer Road referenced in materials), the board noted that some required follow-up interior (tap/sink) samples or additional parameter checks (turbidity, minerals) were omitted from the printed report and requested the missing results before final file closure.

On permits, board staff recommended signing a long list of permits at the meeting to avoid unnecessary delay for applicants, while clearly marking any that are “waiting for water report” and holding final issuance if follow-up tests show positive E. coli. The board agreed with that procedure: sign now with conditions and withhold final permit activation if subsequent water tests fail.

The board discussed wastewater compliance at the Briarwood townhome development. Inspectors reported that the complex had been unable to complete some corrective actions by the Dec. 31, 2024 deadlines (including measuring withdrawals from both wells and completing certain asset management worksheet revisions). Board members agreed it was reasonable to grant an extension focused on the citation that is due March 1, 2025, and to require that the tank inspection and the revision plan be completed by that date. The board also asked the complex to provide a timeline for other items it could not meet and reminded the developer that state DEP follow-up remains possible.

The board voted to pay $600 to rejoin the regional Montachusett Public Health Network for fiscal 2025. The board member moving the motion said membership gives the town access to clinics, regional planning and potential grant funds; the motion was seconded and carried on voice vote with affirmative votes recorded.

Other business: board staff reported new arrangements for on-call sanitarian coverage. Rich Stevens, Rutland’s health inspector and an approved backup sanitarian, will take over handling septic and housing complaints beginning Feb. 1; food complaints will continue to route to the current inspector through the 2025 calendar year. The board also discussed pursuing a short-term intern through a state program (160 hours) to help with filing and scanning.

The board scheduled its next meeting for Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Slade Building, when legal adviser Mike Hugo (Massachusetts Association of Health Boards / MAHB) will speak and answer questions about regional programs and use of MPHN funds.

Ending: The meeting adjourned at about 9 p.m.