The Marion Board of Health agreed at its January 15 meeting in the Marion Police Station conference room to enter into a system that tracks permitting and testing of septic systems.
However, the board agreed to this new budget item under one condition: Installation of the system is covered through a state grant. The board approved $6,750 as the annual fee for the system but will wait until approval for a state Department of Public Health grant that would cover up to $7,500 for installation.
Health Director Lori Desmarais noted that, without the grant, the Board of Health would have to pay close to $13,000 for Fiscal 2027. As of now, the board will pay around half of that.
Board members debated the fairness of the board paying such a high rate when other departments such as Planning, Conservation and Building would also use the system.
Desmarais explained that other departments would also pay into this South Coast collaborative program but at a lesser rate. The system specifically tracks septic systems that have been installed. Some of the new, denitrification systems are also inspected annually by the Board of Health.
Chair Albin Johnson questioned if it would track seasonal usage and if it would track malfunctions, especially for homeowners who do not live in town year-round and shut off the system.
Johnson has long noted that these new systems are equivalent to having a sewer-treatment plant on an individual lot and are more complicated than the traditional state-standard Title 5 septic systems.
“We are in a trap here; we are requiring people to put these things in, and they are not being properly supervised,” Johnson said.
Desmarais said she would ask follow-up questions to the state.
In other health board news, the Marion Police Department has asked to collaborate with the board on the “Be Safe Be Seen” campaign.
Late last year, the board purchased protective, reflective vests for those who walk, bike or use town streets as pedestrians only during the night hours. Desmarais said not all town residents can make it to the health office during normal business hours, but Police Chief Richard Nighelli said his officers would be happy to stop pedestrians and offer these vests.
“Stop that jogger,” Johnson said jokingly, noting how some people will be pulled over for just jogging, which is well under the speed limit. The board approved and lauded the collaboration between the police and health departments.
Desmarais said that there are still flu and Covid-19 vaccines available at the health office. She and board members mentioned that there has been an uptick this year in flu cases.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Health is scheduled for Thursday, February 5, at 4:30 pm in the Marion Police Department.
Marion Board of Health
By Jeffrey D. Wagner