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Board of Health raises noise and odor concerns about temporary vaporization facility; plans to request decibel data
Summary
Board members said the proposed temporary natural-gas vaporization facility on town land could emit high-pitched noise and odors; they discussed jurisdiction under 310 CMR and agreed to seek decibel estimates and consider sending a representative to the Planning Board hearing on July 9.
Members of the Littleton Board of Health raised public-health and quality-of-life concerns about a proposed temporary gas-vaporization facility that would operate on town property during winter months.
Several members said they had seen planning materials and asked the town to produce expected decibel levels and odor mitigation data so the Board could evaluate potential nuisance and health impacts. "We have responsibilities for noise and we have responsibilities for nuisance," one board member said, referencing the board's public-health role. Another member pointed to the state regulation (310 CMR 7.10) that provides a framework for controlling noise and noted the Board could leverage that authority.
The board discussed attending the Planning Board public hearing scheduled for July 9 to request the expected decibel levels and to make a formal statement about potential health impacts. Members flagged that the vaporization equipment will be located on Littleton property and that the operation is trailer-based and seasonal; they also raised the need to coordinate with Select Board, Planning, Building Inspection and Police regarding enforcement and monitoring.
Next steps: board leadership will coordinate with the chair to determine whether to send a representative to the July 9 Planning Board hearing and to request a sound analysis from the project proponents.
