[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6117494,"mediaKeyId","2730184-cbd4e940d182de51e1174c95add8eb0c","parentId",2730184,"title","Board grants variances for Next Level Watersports; staff and board set inspection conditions","audioSeconds",3514,"startMs",1388000,"endMs",4902000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730184-cbd4e940d182de51e1174c95add8eb0c&start=1388&end=4902","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730184-cbd4e940d182de51e1174c95add8eb0c/thumbnail_1388000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6117494/Nantucket-County/Massachusetts/Board-grants-variances-for-Next-Level-Watersports-staff-and-board-set-inspection-conditions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117494-53ae93279b8ef0a74bf103f18a004308/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426197&Signature=dvvpvEsAEbatc7Z6id6ktELKE9QX9RU2mdoTe6Oshrjiaqg5qFj4y69yS6jfvvpCFRYmwxOMqKGN7GYVAPeSmydmiqC~QpmYqkueAV7x4PQK2OfACktknv4b~05eYZWjGGukprMBASU23-7vjEB66hclR0ywy-JLViIGmojt8jb8wpqVIa5KwKVyUDMzbZHrv58EloTtIw7qlkNlHjLi2CS83Gx~y0doURv~F8sQw17SN2RYjLtP5Qsm0yYbHtL0guJcBq2GMVVmLD7xxTtdMJtCB8O-V3iV3pA7lg8cp1LqRd4Qz0B9OCm2NxYZdtUMR4K3ZsPJheJm4i-F2v8CsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town-County of Nantucket, MA","date","2025-03-21T10:44:04Z","article","The Nantucket Board of Health on March 20 approved a set of variances permitting Next Level Watersports to operate a mobile day camp that picks up and drops off campers at the town pier rather than from a fixed, inspected land base. The board approved the requested variances by voice vote: 4 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.

Attorney Rick Bodette, representing Next Level Watersports, asked the board to grant variances from multiple camp requirements in the state regulations — including site location, emergency medical facility, shelter, sewage disposal, and handwashing facilities — on the ground that the operation can achieve \"the same degree of protection\" through alternative measures while operating primarily on the water.

John Geary, the camp operator, described a nine-year operating history on the island and said staff are first-aid and CPR certified, that each vessel carries a first-aid kit, and that the operation maintains a mother ship with restroom facilities. He and the camp’s counsel emphasized daily weather briefings, multiple weather apps and VHF radios for real-time monitoring, and written policies for toileting, medical response and incident reporting.

Health department staff opposed several of the requested variances. Staff noted the camp’s sessions last up to three hours and that the nearest restroom can be a 20-minute boat ride away; the department questioned whether portable tents and \"privy seats\" provide equivalent sanitary and medical protections required under the regulations. \"I don't see the same degree of protection being offered at all with these variances,\" one staff speaker said.

Camp counsel and supporters pushed back, arguing many island camps operate away from fixed facilities and that the Board’s variance authority exists precisely to address nonstandard operations. The camp provided evidence of insurance (the operator said coverage meets the town-required limits) and daily data collection systems for attendance and incident reporting. A 10-year-old camper, Finn Fingatore, spoke in favor of the camp and described scholarship participation and positive experience.

After lengthy discussion the board asked staff and the applicant to ensure inspectors could access vessels for inspection. The motion approved variances \"as listed in the application\" and included encouragement that Health Department inspectors be permitted to board the camp vessels for inspections; the board also asked that the camp and department coordinate on reporting and inspection logistics and signaled intent to review the arrangement annually. One board member asked that the camp and staff prepare aggregated operational data (cancellations, injuries, incidents) for future review.

The board agreed the variances will be revisited annually and that the Health Department and the camp should work to ensure inspection access and clear emergency protocols.

Votes at a glance: Next Level Watersports — variances for site location, medical facility, shelter, sewage/toileting and related provisions approved (voice vote recorded in transcript as 4–0 with 1 abstention).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Nantucket Board of Health - March 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Nantucket Board of Health on March 20 approved variances allowing Next Level Watersports to operate a primarily water-based day camp without a fixed land base, but the board required inspection access to vessels and annual review.","taxTitle","Nantucket County, Massachusetts","taxId",61456,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117501,"Board approves two nitrogen-reduction variances amid wider concern over cumulative impacts",1030,245000,1275000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730184-cbd4e940d182de51e1174c95add8eb0c&start=245&end=1275","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730184-cbd4e940d182de51e1174c95add8eb0c/thumbnail_245000.jpg","/articles/6117501/Nantucket-County/Massachusetts/Board-approves-two-nitrogen-reduction-variances-amid-wider-concern-over-cumulative-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117501-b8f4a327882a736abb31c47eb8147ba7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426196&Signature=QkVq2p6ZvXyAZjU5lsVZ3U0aZA~KB3-r3BfogBZBRdRCkzW6B0-VAVPnvIDYz8uGH5hvRcRvf2nSpYYBjRSZLHtLxv9~HtYnUmmnX1Wu0rCYqXyaVoHO5fJ1tZz2AM9dzvKpJ85-6oObfkG~vRoGLoYnWdRbOY6QfQbtnj0SXHUyKBoGPTsE0x8VTAliegeSdvLSv6XeA6BpZI7qgDP5eEWjKvoAq8Vf7h8WIq4GGIQS7Vb7E4NfFNyEJO6jL4RULiOiUggtly7ypYn2uP~E1VRzykkSA7R3rclYdv696svaQ22woEZk8jkSM-z7PkbOyPnJHOnb~M-zWGoNS7buOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nantucket Board of Health on March 20 approved variances allowing two properties to install enhanced nitrogen-reducing septic systems that would permit each house to expand from three to four bedrooms.

The variances apply to a property in the Hammock Pond watershed at 57 Madaket Road and a property on Lovers Lane in the Wellhead Protection District. Board members voted to accept the 57 Madaket Road variance 4–1 and approved the Lovers Lane variance by voice vote.

Board members said the microFAST-style enhanced systems reduce nitrogen loading compared with conventional systems and therefore produce a net benefit at the individual site, but several members warned that approving such requests “one variance at a time” can have cumulative environmental consequences for the island.

Ryan Maxwell, an engineer with Bracken Engineering, said the 57 Madaket Road lot is almost 31,000 square feet and the owner seeks to replace a conventional three-bedroom septic system with a four-bedroom system that incorporates a microFAST tank. \"The microFAST system would provide a reduction in nitrogen loading — almost 50% of what a conventional system would provide,\" Maxwell said, adding that the change would allow the owner to add a bedroom.

Health department staff told the board the property lies within the Hammock Pond watershed and noted the town has approved similar variances in the past where enhanced treatment was provided. A department speaker said the application did not show a failed system and that a recent Title 5 inspection status was not in the record.

Board member Carrie pressed the broader point: \"Little by little we're going to make the island uninhabitable one variance at a time,\" she said, urging the board to assemble a cross-departmental policy review on when and whether variances should be allowed.

At Lovers Lane, Dan Malloy — appearing for the applicant — described a new-construction home on a lot of just under 30,000 square feet that would use an enhanced treatment (IEA/EIA) system to support a four-bedroom design. He said town water is available and the application is before the board because the site lies in the Wellhead Protection District.

Board members again raised the cumulative-impact question. \"It's not just about nitrogen,\" one member said, noting increased water use, energy and wastewater demands when more bedrooms are added across the island. Several members asked staff to prepare data so the board can take up a broader regulatory review at a future meeting.

On procedural points, staff reported the existing 57 Madaket Road conventional system was installed in 1996 and is older but not shown to have failed; portions of the 57 Madaket parcel include wetlands. For Lovers Lane, the applicant characterized the request as new construction and said the IEA system would be installed to allow the four-bedroom design.

The board approved both variances but recorded growing concern that the practice be revisited as part of a deliberate policy discussion. The chairman asked staff to prepare materials and bring the topic back for a full agenda item in the coming months.

Votes at a glance: 57 Madaket Road — variance to allow a four-bedroom system with enhanced treatment approved (board voice vote recorded as 4–1). Lovers Lane — variance to allow IEA-enhanced treatment for four-bedroom new construction approved (voice vote; board recorded in favor).","The Nantucket Board of Health approved variances allowing two properties to install enhanced nitrogen-reducing septic systems so owners can add bedrooms. Board members and staff raised repeated concerns about the cumulative environmental and infrastructure impacts of repeated variances and requested a future policy discussion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117485,"Health department posts PFAS data to property files; staff urges more sampling and outreach",360,6959000,7319000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730184-cbd4e940d182de51e1174c95add8eb0c&start=6959&end=7319","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730184-cbd4e940d182de51e1174c95add8eb0c/thumbnail_6959000.jpg","/articles/6117485/Nantucket-County/Massachusetts/Health-department-posts-PFAS-data-to-property-files-staff-urges-more-sampling-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117485-0b4dd7d3bf8724f6eb7dd60bf66b7930/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426196&Signature=PZLuCKj-xlWfT6K~DHBt-qj1uFQABbZ1w5yEiwo8JE4c4ezMwyAjJe4JywlsUMXPN58z~~PLoRUgT3jkUL35hrCn0pS9bD1uKgRkkjR~YEFETYmb8iSmf~ttlBTwzmfdSMjsvU0Xq0NMm7boKD0AJHynESa5cKq-~KWKCovoBkNaE1YzzFPD1s3eT2gobL7ymahpKf-0itXvoyA~0QPCsLH4OVaC31-L6OX7wYizKfugW9GKQVsdIlkSBsczoU7xLuQY1Kjs5QtU5m6vHibDi2r-haAK1KN393ZRwlwZK5fQj3-1kGHsH8MG3SgZUgmATyCdcQNQl2l0V-7Vh7~ouQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nantucket’s health department reported March 20 that PFAS sampling data have been uploaded to property files and that the department will continue targeted sampling, public outreach and work with MassDEP on ongoing investigations.

The health department speaker said the office initially hesitated to post unredacted well results after guidance from MassDEP and privacy concerns but moved to upload results after learning MassDEP had made more than 100 unredacted sampling reports publicly available and after the department received a public-records determination instructing it to provide requested data.

Staff reported several MassDEP sampling actions on the island in late February, including nondetect results for the geothermal well at the fairgrounds and four samples west of town where three were nondetect and one returned 3.65 ng/L. Separately, the department noted a new private-well result in its dataset showing about 50 ng/L (50 nanograms per liter) west of town — the highest value the department has in its compiled dataset to date.

The department analyst said roughly 30% of wells in the office’s compiled dataset have detectable PFAS levels (detects below and above 20 ng/L are included) and emphasized that PFOA and PFOS have no known safe exposure level. Staff described plans to visualize MCP-site (Massachusetts Contingency Plan) sampling locations alongside private-well results, to consider additional surface-water sampling, to prepare educational resources for clinicians and residents, and to promote the town’s private-well sampling/regulation outreach with realtors.

On treatment and infrastructure, the department said preparations continue for installing treatment at WEL‑15 (and related wells) and that the town remains on schedule for installing a treatment system before summer peak demand. The Board did not take action on enforcement or new regulations at the meeting but asked staff to continue monthly updates and community outreach.

Staff also told the board they will work on community education about exposure reduction, compile treatment and vendor guidance for results below 20 ng/L, and consider a public meeting to explain treatment, remediation steps and clinical resources.

The board encouraged the department to keep the community informed about new detections and MassDEP’s sampling plans.","Health department staff updated the board on PFAS sampling, said property-file PFAS results are now posted following a public-records request and MassDEP disclosures, and reported a new high (50 ng/L) west of town. Staff said more targeted sampling, public education and clinician resources are needed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117490,"Board continues hearing on short-term rental gathering rules; squares footage vs. bedrooms left open",5608,1289000,6897000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730184-cbd4e940d182de51e1174c95add8eb0c&start=1289&end=6897","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730184-cbd4e940d182de51e1174c95add8eb0c/thumbnail_1289000.jpg","/articles/6117490/Nantucket-County/Massachusetts/Board-continues-hearing-on-short-term-rental-gathering-rules-squares-footage-vs-bedrooms-left-open","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117490-a17716298fe602bb00f8d6076b1c43ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1775426196&Signature=A0TZP-QOx0O7RYL-euEkqzyZRwM8nc9HM6YeClLQrdNWO7TLGF2loaasXDeErk7HN8FHhkbQVGSMOOdz8Oq2yxZbmhPXjaEgA9f9Ss59PgXfJlh1dHn5a25zKNLBEK6BZO8AgockIJAsF5yCU57KPBjVdCZEvLdF7xrj~Xx064FLj7UHSFrMJ9zS0VxfBbatbj8dWBmUbvbhcEfYzgSM8UciZS20S707YhDjeoZyOAgr7zhs~gSgM6GlTyvbxCUtcJMb2divnh866x2oXzNQMxECdRBvZYy9~C9w8j-M86kvNHwcfiYTXWVb5bGETeIgFxCZSlJyCkIlK2NTTAF3hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nantucket Board of Health continued a public hearing March 20 on proposed amendments that would require permits for certain large gatherings at short-term rental properties.

Shontal Boyce Murphy, director of Culture and Tourism, and Dina Weatherly, cultural affairs and special events coordinator, told the board Culture and Tourism routinely processes special event permits and could administer a short-term-rental gathering permit if the board and Select Board want that approach. They noted permitting private-property events raises questions about what additional department reviews would be triggered (fire, police, public-assembly inspections) and who would be responsible for enforcement.

The draft rule in the packet defined a \"gathering\" as an assembly that exceeds twice the dwelling’s approved occupancy (the board’s current occupancy metric ties to bedrooms). Several board members and Culture and Tourism staff said the metric needs work because two identical-bedroom homes can have very different square footage and egress characteristics.

\"If the size of the space limits how many people could be there, we should consider square footage,\" said a board member. Another member favored the bedrooms metric as a simpler and administrable rule but asked staff to research how the building and fire codes set occupancy limits for commercial and tented assemblies.

Town counsel and the board agreed the next step is additional interdepartmental work: the board will refine the draft, consult with the Select Board and administration on enforcement capacity, and return the amendments for another hearing. The chairman also instructed staff to check building- and fire-code occupancy calculations so the board can choose a clear and enforceable metric.

The hearing was continued to the board's next meeting; staff said they will consult with the Select Board, Culture and Tourism and the building and fire departments and will bring a revised draft and recommended occupancy metric back for a final vote.

No permit was adopted at this meeting; the board left open whether the metric will use bedrooms, square footage, or a hybrid formula tied to building/fire-department occupancy calculations.","The Board of Health continued a public hearing on proposed rules to require permits for gatherings at short-term rentals. Cultural and tourism staff joined the discussion; the board asked for further work on occupancy metrics (bedrooms versus square footage) and agreed to return the draft to the Select Board after more department coordination.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board grants variances for Next Level Watersports; staff and board set inspection conditions

Board approves two nitrogen-reduction variances amid wider concern over cumulative impacts

Health department posts PFAS data to property files; staff urges more sampling and outreach

Board continues hearing on short-term rental gathering rules; squares footage vs. bedrooms left open