The Duxbury Board of Health opened its December session by securing a residential septic variance for 94 Buckboard Road. Presenter Shane McCloone explained that the property's substantial wetlands necessitated placement only 54 feet from the resource area, rather than the standard 150 feet. McCloone noted that while the project conforms to state standards, it required local relief to maintain a gravity-fed system. Essentially the furthest spot away from the wetlands would be behind the house where there’s no room at all, McCloone said, adding that the new system would be higher above the water table than the failed one it replaces. After verifying the property could not add future bedrooms without advanced treatment, Motion Made by David to grant a variance to Duxbury supplementary rules and regulations 1.101A 10 1A allowing the proposed soil absorption system to be located 54 feet from a wetland versus the required 150. Motion Passed 3-0. The board also approved a second request, as Motion Made by David to grant a variance to Duxbury rules and regulations 1.101 101B allowing the proposed soil absorption system to be constructed 5 feet to the water table versus 6 feet. Motion Passed 3-0.

The meeting’s primary focus shifted to the 2025 State of the Bay report, delivered by Peter Quigley of the Bay Management Commission. Quigley warned that Duxbury Bay is approaching a critical nitrogen threshold that could trigger mandatory state interventions. He highlighted a dramatic loss of eelgrass and a "green sheen" appearing on the flats during warmer months as signs of ecological stress. It’s most likely that 70% of the sources are septic systems, Quigley reported, noting that the EPA is poised to designate the area as nitrogen sensitive. He suggested that while the oyster industry offsets the nitrogen output of roughly 750 homes, current trends show water quality is impaired in the upper reaches of the bay. Chairman David Itzkan emphasized the technical necessity of the system’s location during the earlier variance discussion, later adding, This is the best location for the system that maximizes distance to the wetlands.

Board members expressed a strong desire to lead on the issue rather than waiting for state mandates. Member Bruce Hyer advocated for immediate planning, recalling decades of local observation. I’ve been pushing for us to start getting the regulations in place and maybe not wait for somebody else to tell us to do it because we all know we should do it, Hyer said. Member Melissa Mourkas questioned how the town could best leverage existing data, asking, I’m just trying to think about some sort of concrete next steps... is there an opportunity to have a board of health member on that or go to meetings? Meanwhile, member Mike McGee suggested looking into municipal infrastructure, noting that retrofitting existing catch basins with nitrogen reducing systems would be something else that might be worthwhile looking at.

Health Agent Lauren Saunders provided a year-end update, including the news of a $2,000 tobacco compliance fine for a local vendor’s second violation. She also noted that the town’s food inspections for 2025 are complete. We’ve completed all of the statutory food inspections for 2025 thankfully, Saunders said, mentioning that the department is currently seeking a new inspector following a retirement. The board also prepared for future discussions regarding E-bike regulations and the allocation of opioid abatement funds. The meeting concluded with a look toward 2026, as Saunders mentioned the department is now using AI tools to assist with administrative backlogs. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 PM.