The Yarmouth Board of Health moved to address aging infrastructure in West Yarmouth on Monday, granting a series of variances necessary to replace failing cesspools at a constrained residential property. Dave Cogan-hour of EcoTech presented the plan for 24 Grove Street, a site featuring a 1961 garage-to-dwelling conversion that has left the lot with little room for modern septic upgrades. In this neighborhood there are lots of these older properties that are on small lots and back then just a cesspool worked, Cogan-hour told the Board. Now that the cesspools are starting to fail, the owners have realized they need to come to grips with the situation.

The Board deliberated on the technical challenges of the tight lot, including the need to sleeve water lines and abandon old pits. Member S. Brewer raised questions regarding the notification of abutters, while Member E. Weston inquired about the water supply to the existing one-bedroom unit. Vice Chair M. Craig asked for clarification on state versus local regulations regarding tank sizes, which Health Director Barry confirmed were dictated by Massachusetts Title 5 standards. Despite the number of variances required, the Board viewed the project as an essential environmental upgrade. Chair H. Boskey noted, This is better for the groundwater here than what they have there. Motion Made by L. Venezia to approve the four variances requested at 24 Grove Street. Motion Passed 5-0.

The transition toward a town-wide plastic reduction also took center stage as the Board reviewed new waiver application forms for local businesses. The current goal is to rescind a stricter town bylaw at the November 17th Special Town Meeting in favor of a more flexible Board of Health regulation. Director Barry emphasized that the new framework is designed to be achievable for the business community. If the original bylaw goes into effect, it’s going to make life a lot harder for businesses, Barry said. Board members offered critiques of a town-produced educational video on the subject, with Member L. Venezia noting it failed to mention the Health Department’s role in enforcement. Vice Chair M. Craig suggested the waiver forms be clarified so businesses can specify exactly which products they are looking to phase out over time.

Looking toward future regulations, the Board began discussing potential restrictions on Kratom, a plant-based substance often sold at gas stations that can have opioid-like effects. Director Barry pointed to a recent regulation in Bourne that prohibits the sale of Kratom and synthetically derived cannabinoids. They’re highly addictive, Barry informed the Board, noting that staff are now researching similar language for Yarmouth’s consideration. Member L. Venezia, who has previously described unregulated substances like Kratom as a loose cannon, supported the investigation into Bourne's policy.

The meeting concluded with updates on several community health initiatives and a discussion regarding controversial national health claims. Chair H. Boskey requested that the minutes of the October 6th meeting be amended to specifically reference his concerns over federal announcements regarding a purported link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. While Member L. Venezia noted the claim is contrary to the medical experts and remains a matter of legal debate, the Board agreed to the amendment. Motion Made by L. Venezia to accept the minutes of the October 6th meeting with the requested edit. Motion Passed 5-0. Boskey also touched upon recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy regarding circumcision and autism, advising residents to speak to the health provider that you use to learn a little bit more about it as scientific evidence for such a link remains limited.

In other news, Health Director Barry reported a successful flu clinic with 51 participants, a significant increase from last year’s turnout. The town will also offer free A1C diabetes screenings at Town Hall on November 14th from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Additionally, the Board received confirmation that town golf courses and parks are maintaining high standards of pesticide management, with eight licensed applicators utilizing integrated pest management strategies to minimize chemical use across Yarmouth’s public lands.