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Templeton Board of Health reviews draft hazardous‑materials storage rules focused on aquifer protection
Summary
The Templeton Board of Health reviewed a preliminary draft of hazardous‑materials storage regulations prioritizing aquifer protection, discussed public-notice and DEP review steps, and heard residents urge stronger local safeguards and investigation of nearby battery‑storage proposals.
The Town of Templeton Board of Health reviewed a preliminary draft of hazardous‑materials storage regulations Tuesday that, the presenter said, prioritizes protections for the town’s aquifers.
"I chose to do the easier one first, which is protecting the aquifers from hazardous materials," said Speaker 3, who presented the draft and said additional changes may follow. The presenter said she used a template from Wendell as the starting point and plans to post the draft on the town government website for public comment.
The board discussed next steps required by procedure. Speaker 3 said once both drafts are complete the board must schedule a public hearing and run required advertising notices (described in the meeting as seven‑day and 14‑day notices), then submit the proposed regulations to the Department of Environmental Protection for review. She also said the newspaper publication of the full text can be costly — the board noted a prior single newspaper posting cost $753 — and that she would explore using inserts via Templeton Municipal Light to reduce expense.
During public comment, Speaker 7 pointed to the town’s hazard mitigation plan and said "over 80% of Templeton’s acreage is in the Millers River watershed," with the remainder in the Chicopee River watershed, and urged the board to consider both areas when finalizing language. The commenter also recited language from the plan that, as transcribed, referenced a provision described as the "Cohen Act" and a named watershed; the board did not expand on those references during the meeting and did not offer documentary citations at the time.
Other residents and board members emphasized the local importance of regulation. "Everything starts at the local level," said Speaker 5, who thanked the presenter and cited an example referenced in the meeting — described in the transcript as "Mass Natural in Westminster" — as a cautionary case underscoring why local safeguards matter.
Speaker 7 also raised a separate concern about a reportedly proposed lithium‑battery installation near Grama Road in a neighboring town (referred to in the meeting transcript as "Barry" or "Berry") and suggested the board investigate whether the project could affect shared groundwater; Speaker 3 said she would work with staff to locate the referenced planning‑board meeting and follow up.
No formal vote on the regulations occurred; the board described the procedural steps and solicited further suggestions. The presenter said she expects to circulate additional material next month and indicated the board will schedule a public hearing after the draft is finalized and advertised.
What happens next: the Board of Health will continue drafting the regulations, post the draft for public review, and set a public hearing following the required advertising period. The board will submit the rule package to DEP for review as part of that process.
