Board gives operator seven business days to clean up unpermitted transfer activity at 561 Main St.

The Acushnet Board of Health on Nov. 19 authorized the health agent to monitor cleanup at 561 Main St., where an unpermitted junk-removal and temporary transfer operation had been discovered in a residential zone and on part of a landfill parcel.

Joe, the health agent, told the board he had issued a cease-and-desist and an order after receiving photographic evidence showing dumpsters, sorting and stockpiled material at the rear of 561 Main St. He said the operator did not have the permits required for solid-waste handling and that the activity was not allowed in the residential zoning of the site.

"It's considered Solid Waste," Joe said during his report, adding that the property is zoned residential and that the operator had not obtained a special permit or other authorization. Joe said he had communicated with the property owner and the operator; the operator provided a notarized statement denying burying or dumping and asked the board for time to relocate and remove materials.

Board members discussed giving the operator a short period to clean up and then verifying the work in person. The board voted to give the operator seven business days, beginning the day after the meeting, to remove stockpiles and to have the health agent monitor progress. Members said they would treat the holiday weekend sensibly (not expecting work during Thanksgiving). The motion passed and Joe will report back if the cleanup is not completed.

No fines or further enforcement steps were announced at the meeting; board members said they preferred to allow the operator the agreed period to complete the cleanup before escalating enforcement.