[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6427366,"mediaKeyId","5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4","parentId",5880394,"title","Hubbardston Board of Health signs multiple Title 5 permits, flags an 8‑bedroom tank as undersized","audioSeconds",1041,"startMs",455000,"endMs",1496000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4&start=455&end=1496","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4/thumbnail_455000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6427366/Massachusetts/Hubbardston-Board-of-Health-signs-multiple-Title-5-permits-flags-an-8bedroom-tank-as-undersized","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427366-6ba977af62cf43db6db61596cf1924cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142080&Signature=kEzJB88WHGbUHtNM8XgAMKimoS7sy9RVUARthzQnLLk00ybtt-Gh5JS~93y2R2gDQNbUEk8EWUKMldq4sXKhiRriuk4z3d4XabctAyJqYHU9W~1GxZYTT1cNdqLSsoD08d55txSm13sNRcrbwym7GoXeGrFVejrWi7n3E5931PSef5qZzT98jV2gTbooDc09kRzTouBup7iiFqtbGKx~BLE0c6Fyy7iOcyusJxPs9U5bP2cXo063wuJhNo9GDFq2jYRXVNmD2QQn8iSKWm22KU6yJrIZt8Y4oGQbVo4gATCgeGqvTHK5CQkYPblczINJpNP2q3EsQkpzCRWS10mdNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hubbardston","date","2025-10-03T21:56:39Z","article","The Town of Hubbardston Board of Health on Tuesday approved multiple Title 5 septic inspections and engineering plans and signed a certificate of compliance for a completed repair, while noting at least one property’s existing tank would be undersized under current standards.

The board, meeting at the Slade Building, approved the minutes from its Sept. 9 meeting with two corrections and then reviewed several Title 5 inspection reports and septic engineering plans. The chair signed a disposal system construction permit for the property at 43 Birches after prior approval of the engineering design.

Why it matters: septic approvals and certificates of compliance determine whether systems meet Massachusetts Title 5 requirements for sewage disposal and affect property sales, repairs and future permitting.

Most important actions taken: the board recorded passing Title 5 inspections for multiple properties and signed a certificate of compliance for a recent repair. Members specifically discussed one property listed as an eight‑bedroom house; the board noted the existing tank does not meet current standards for an eight‑bedroom dwelling and said any future repair would require a larger tank.

Details and supporting items:
- 20 South Cove Road: Title 5 inspection passed; board asked staff to check tank sizing details.
- 105 Hale Road: inspection passed. The board noted paperwork listed an eight‑bedroom capacity; members said the current system, while accepted as in place now, would not meet modern sizing requirements if it were brought in for repair. The board discussed that a modern design for eight bedrooms would typically require a substantially larger tank than older installations.
- 72 (Old) Westminster Road: inspection passed; members noted an unusual filter and triple filtration system.
- 3 Plum Tree Lane: inspection passed; the inspector recommended the system’s pump be serviced or pumped yearly.
- 43 Birches: engineering plan previously approved; the chair signed the disposal system construction permit at the meeting.
- 159 Old Westminster Road (septic repair): board reviewed plans and confirmed the repair design and pump chamber; members said the work represented an upgrade from an older 1,000‑gallon tank to a system with a 1,500‑gallon tank and pump chamber.
- 2 George Howard Road: the board noted the certificate of compliance for the repair was signed Sept. 9 and that the file is complete.
- Map 5, Parcel 22 (Ragged Hill Road): engineering plans for new construction were reviewed; the board confirmed the engineering plans were previously approved in February 2024 and noted a well permit was still pending.

The board also added an installer to the town’s installer list (FA Machete and Sons) after confirming documentation in the file and approved multiple food‑vendor permits for upcoming community events (see separate article on events). The Hubbardston Police Department’s food permit for Halloween was recorded as fee‑waived.

Quotations from the meeting came from board members and staff during the reviews. The chair summarized the action on the eight‑bedroom property, noting that \"if they ever come up for repair, the tank would have to be a larger tank. It doesn't meet current standards for an 8 bedroom house.\" The board recorded the related recommendations in the file.

Ending: Board members said they would file the signed permits and certificates with town records and notify property owners or their representatives where follow‑up (such as yearly pump service or missing water tests) was required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Of Health 9.30.25","oneSentenceSummary","At its Sept. 30 meeting the Town of Hubbardston Board of Health approved several Title 5 inspections, signed a disposal system construction permit and a certificate of compliance, and warned that an eight‑bedroom dwelling’s existing tank would not meet current standards if repaired.","taxTitle","Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",61645,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427354,"Hubbardston Board of Health to investigate ownership of condemned house at 10 Bridal Road",373,4110000,4483000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4&start=4110&end=4483","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4/thumbnail_4110000.jpg","/articles/6427354/Massachusetts/Hubbardston-Board-of-Health-to-investigate-ownership-of-condemned-house-at-10-Bridal-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427354-ef83f87bb1651ef9dda814963e878611/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142080&Signature=DLXYe33ZTvbnTJ3saC0adjbWq700bjd0HewlSmD3ygP00x-qdcfYi-eAWf4Elw57SgXMqppws2NRTQe4-CTql~D3N3majyWMw85XlbeZJ6QkZxrvv2a-XJIVp3EipJzRoawnZLKpOBWEd0LM1g67GaJPDnKF9QLs9WKV1foIpATcfeI4aMjtcyt~tWEL2dOI-PJAicaD9etg1q21W7lvHyukQY2sjef-AyQ5H8nrUzES12hyKZZm3o6zwGfAMbKm2xhY9Hoda2XPUPPa-zP4F~33rjYtgOmM4-KBPpOAZvzckDPaQBahEC1~S2RL2HTrgxTvwmwYP-hjO4EFG~R88A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Hubbardston Board of Health discussed a resident complaint about a condemned house at 10 Bridal Road and directed staff to research ownership records and coordinate with the building inspector and town treasurer to determine next steps.

The complaint letter described a property that had been condemned and had been targeted previously for demolition with county funds; those funds were not secured after a county official went on leave, according to the complaint. The board said it will first determine who is paying taxes on the parcel and whether the property is bank‑owned or abandoned, then send a letter to the owner (if identified) jointly from the board and the Select Board asking for remediation within a set timeframe.

Why it matters: dilapidated, condemned structures can pose public‑health and safety hazards. Determining ownership and appropriate enforcement steps is the first statutory step for addressing such hazards.

What the board decided: members agreed the next actions are (1) determine property ownership and tax status through the town treasurer or tax records, (2) refer the matter to the building inspector for a property inspection and code assessment, and (3) draft a joint letter from the Board of Health and the Select Board to the owner requesting corrective action and a response timeline.

Quotations and context: the chair told members the next action should be to \"find out who, if anyone, is paying the taxes on that property because that goes back to ownership. And then a letter would have to come probably both from the board of health and probably the select board, to the owner of the property to have something done.\" The board asked staff to acknowledge receipt of the complaint to the writer and to proceed with the records search.

Ending: Board staff will attempt to identify the owner, notify the building inspector and town treasurer, and return with recommended next steps and suggested letter language at the next meeting.","Board agreed to research ownership and work with the building inspector and town treasurer on next steps after a resident complaint about a condemned, dilapidated house at 10 Bridal Road.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427343,"After 30 years of testing, Hubbardston Board of Health to pursue DEP review of landfill monitoring",68,5214000,5282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4&start=5214&end=5282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4/thumbnail_5214000.jpg","/articles/6427343/Massachusetts/After-30-years-of-testing-Hubbardston-Board-of-Health-to-pursue-DEP-review-of-landfill-monitoring","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427343-04f449a5841f81b23b3b19da1647082b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142080&Signature=ag9yRZQOh8Gzkjkqww7oqm97M1wnw7K91nyk~dyTPunj651NV26rAqOHtPc1-62g3BS4Huk7fpvsAYHsshugE1B5CgoQ1OSMzPMBzBOgLn0BRDZ~zMZ3~5hyZ0FKiJr~VgIKukdnTp~LzxkhDRBCEDbZYHoyJwF4QI4MMuFHk7iiaWSZHKELajm6KFGHTrIhtSTtd5GJufB7tzB7Uagd-HgnbwD0ANJf0VANO9ozt8sL~vl5MirIDHKRnXsTtppo4ygQ8FYtqUBJH12U2aobVwECsu0RbFXN65hnzSMdhTs2CeSftMtfO6nEMfC9AXbXLndAlDEFP2dmgRRB9w~RfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members told residents at the Town of Hubbardston Board of Health meeting that three decades of landfill monitoring have not shown contamination and that they will pursue a regulatory review with the state to request an end to routine testing.

The board reviewed the most recent monitoring report and discussed how the testing program began at higher frequency and was reduced over time. Members said the town has completed roughly 30 years of sampling with no significant results and that seeking a formal determination from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) could relieve the town and taxpayers of recurring testing costs.

Why it matters: ongoing monitoring can be costly; a formal DEP determination that monitoring is no longer required would reduce future costs and administrative burden if the state agrees.

What the board recorded: the board asked staff to prepare documentation and to engage legal or administrative support as necessary to request that the DEP retire routine monitoring requirements for the town landfill. Members noted that testing frequency had fallen from quarterly in the 1990s to once yearly recently and that total historical testing covered a wide suite of organic and inorganic analytes.

Board member Gael (named during the meeting) was thanked for taking responsibility for advancing the paperwork. The chair said the next step is to \"go and say, okay. Who do we go to at the DEP ... to say that we've done 30 years, completed 30 years of testing with no bad results.\" Members discussed obtaining a scanned copy of the historical report and forwarding it to the state as part of the request.

Ending: staff will prepare documentation, coordinate with the town treasurer for invoicing matters and return with a draft request or recommended next steps to present to DEP.","Board members said 30 years of monitoring found no significant contamination and directed staff to pursue a regulatory end to testing with the state, citing potential savings for the town.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427332,"Board of Health discusses new town process for committee appointments and an upcoming vacancy",249,3735000,3984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4&start=3735&end=3984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4/thumbnail_3735000.jpg","/articles/6427332/Massachusetts/Board-of-Health-discusses-new-town-process-for-committee-appointments-and-an-upcoming-vacancy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427332-c385de0a0e14cb70fdad551e939d14d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142080&Signature=bitL~FJuvyxm5uzKAlvR04a~-G3YAC1ZvhVE1W1F~iwvTk4Ib3JCfgcblIUvnA3S-z5fyAqcQmokYTNRkXHmG9PDHqBMpFHPd4CbjyLqHQdvI8i5g9QwcgWqu2ZmhffY1TnHxalgG3gAPGb-tPVJElKE7LLEoxl~sHMHsjTDIU-4MrpmW7Nu4sbgmaohv6HqNOVrGrLUT0gDw17s5MSiXpusJVOE4Lu62TjbTKqNM4MjCrgkpG6M-1JndBORJcJhg3u8tpu8FytN4LYrU9Dvx0clXxZanqBCklYhXcvsHh33NC4lD12palhKZbAeAdLYy5B~Jt1ZCfuA3iMjOkIN3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Hubbardston Board of Health discussed a draft town policy that would change how committee vacancies are filled, including requiring coordination between the Select Board and the committee when appointing members.

Board members said the draft, prepared by town administration, is posted online and is intended to streamline appointments and clarify which positions remain elected versus appointed. The proposed process would in many cases require a quorum of both the Select Board and the committee to participate in appointment votes when a vacancy occurs, and some positions would still be elected or otherwise exempt.

Why it matters: the procedural change affects how vacancies are filled across town committees and would change the post‑election appointment process in certain situations; the board discussed how this interacts with the statutory requirement that Board of Health members be elected unless an interim appointment is needed.

What the board decided: members encouraged review of the draft on the town website, suggested attendance at the upcoming public meeting about the draft to ask questions, and said a candidate who has expressed interest will be invited to the next Board of Health meeting for consideration.

Quotations and context: a board member summarized the draft policy, saying it \"is very comprehensive\" and that \"ultimately, they would need to apply, you know, and then submit it to the select board for a vote.\" Members discussed how an interim appointment process would work if an election failed to fill a seat.

Ending: board members will invite the prospective applicant to the next meeting and monitor the town meeting where the draft appointment process will be discussed publicly.","Members reviewed a draft process that would formalize committee appointments and require joint action with the Select Board for filling vacancies; the board expects a candidate at the next meeting for one open seat.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6427338,"Board of Health readies flu clinic, open house outreach and preparedness workshops; AED grants approved",2681,232000,2913000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4&start=232&end=2913","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5880394-b42f4697429a15113e08af912d4df3c4/thumbnail_232000.jpg","/articles/6427338/Massachusetts/Board-of-Health-readies-flu-clinic-open-house-outreach-and-preparedness-workshops-AED-grants-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427338-c0cd997510add175534844876c83a062/orig.mp4?Expires=1771142080&Signature=M5m3GKuX8z6gIKWDSUp~Twh5CoiVVzfjG81AHtY4M5KQ1WmYpRNR8wl40tQg6s45jtfFSQSjkjEOVF5Xjfy9mnKDnqRRe3r9G~mKU3OMfqiURU6sdAOW~Jypx~J31Sp5YYvO1421N-Ji6UxRn0eca0Y4ZqLGMJmOxv2eKYVlJCjdu1m~4psAnDnz0ehaZx-9RWPBLORDgm7C6ANVgTtN0KwzhcO-3vhe~7dwtfy0B7WGxmfyp~5fEy7GWFo8C8aX4BAalXyXDJBc2Es-0LTEXdG-Hf-R9p2ijMeKw2MV8lpOUwv4eU1XJCY3bz5oYh9~Rt7N93PsfGCKQrVM~RilaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Hubbardston Board of Health used part of its Sept. 30 meeting to review public‑health outreach and community events and to confirm steps for vaccine clinics, free test distribution and preparedness programming.

Board members reported there is one known COVID case in town at the time of the meeting and that the October flu clinic is scheduled and publicized on the town website, electronic signage and with posters at local businesses. Members discussed making free COVID test kits available at the town open house for 48 Gardner Road and at the \"Taste of Hubbardston\" event.

The board also signed food‑vendor permits for the Non Such Festival (October 11) and related events. The Hubbardston Police Department’s hot‑dog permit for Halloween was recorded as fee‑waived; the chair (who also oversees food safety checks) said she will inspect and verify safe handling during the event.

On preparedness, members discussed a Saturday workshop (9 a.m.–2 p.m., location: Hubbardston school) featuring sessions on chemical/biological/radiological topics (CBRN), pet sheltering, social media and emergency communications, ham radio and a tabletop exercise. The board asked staff to ensure the event is included in the town e‑blast and promotional material.

Defibrillators: members said two AEDs were provided to the town through a regional fund program, and an additional grant application was submitted for three more AEDs to cover new public buildings (including 48 Gardner Road conference space). The board noted one logistical issue: devices must be picked up in Worcester rather than delivered, and members agreed to collect them.

Why it matters: local clinics, tests and AED coverage affect immediate public‑health readiness and community safety, especially with colder months approaching.

Ending: staff will coordinate distribution of tests at the open house, confirm flu‑clinic publicity, finalize vendor permits, and help coordinate AED pickup and placement.","At the Sept. 30 meeting members confirmed an October flu clinic, discussed distributing free COVID tests at an upcoming open house, reviewed several vendor permits for the Non Such festival and Taste of Hubbardston, and reported that the town received AEDs through two grant sources.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hubbardston Board of Health signs multiple Title 5 permits, flags an 8‑bedroom tank as undersized

Hubbardston Board of Health to investigate ownership of condemned house at 10 Bridal Road

After 30 years of testing, Hubbardston Board of Health to pursue DEP review of landfill monitoring

Board of Health discusses new town process for committee appointments and an upcoming vacancy

Board of Health readies flu clinic, open house outreach and preparedness workshops; AED grants approved