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Ipswich public-health director reports Brox odor mitigation, opioid-abatement grant and training updates
Summary
Director Colleen Fermon told the Board that Brox Industries planned MA DEP–approved ductwork changes to reduce pugmill odors, the Gloucester–Ipswich–Rockport Opioid Abatement Collaborative launched course4care.org with a Rize grant for March 2026–January 2027, and town events included an overdose rescue training and a large sharps collection.
Colleen Fermon, Ipswich Director of Public Health, briefed the Board on several operational and outreach items on May 4.
Fermon said Brox Industries planned to reroute ductwork to move pugmill fumes currently vented to the baghouse into the dryer so the fumes can be incinerated by the burner flame; Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) has approved the change and Brox expected the work to be finished by May 5 or May 6, 2026. Fermon said MA DEP had not contacted the Ipswich Public Health Department about the change as of the meeting.
To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, the Public Health Department is using the town NewsFlash to promote the Behavioral Health Helpline and will post weekly material from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Fermon reported the Gloucester–Ipswich–Rockport Opioid Abatement Collaborative (OAC) launched course4care.org and received a second grant from Rize covering March 2026 through January 2027.
Fermon said an Overdose Rescue training on April 15 had nine participants and was conducted in conjunction with One Stop. At a Drug Take Back Day and sharps collection on April 25, One Stop reported collecting over 3,000 sharps; the Ipswich Police Department had not yet reported the quantity of medications collected. Health Inspector John Morris attended the event.
Fermon also said guidance and a sample contract for tight-tank owners and septage haulers were distributed and that so far owners have complied. Regarding raw dairy, Fermon said the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture contacted the town about potential raw milk sales; she reminded the Board that raw milk regulation occurs at the state level and recommended education rather than a local regulation.
Fermon closed with administrative reminders about Board reappointments and upcoming meeting dates.
