Duxbury homeowners seeking to maintain lush landscapes despite rising utility costs found a path forward during Wednesday’s Board of Health meeting. Freeman Boyington of Duxbury Construction represented several residents petitioning for irrigation wells to bypass town water restrictions. At 38 Ocean Avenue, the board reviewed a request for a well situated near a grassed-over "traveled way" that historically served the neighborhood. Addressing the unique layout of the property, the Board Chair noted, The reason that we had some questions is as we looked at the rendering, it just seems sort of odd that grassway or traveled way that you mentioned. Boyington clarified that the neighborhood had collectively decided to grass over the path years ago to create a communal lawn. Motion Made by the Board Chair to grant a variance to Duxbury private well regulations section 2.063 allowing the proposed irrigation well to be 66.9 feet from the existing soil absorption system versus required 100 feet. Motion Passed 3-0.

The board also approved a similar request for 39 Sunset Road, where Boyington highlighted the economic pressures facing local residents. The water department has increased the the cost of town water as well as significantly limited the number of days in the week that you can water your lawn, Boyington told the board, arguing that the proposed well would meet all safety standards for potable water even though it is intended strictly for irrigation. Motion Made by the Board Chair to grant a variance to Duxbury private well regulation section 2.063G allowing the proposed irrigation well to be 54 feet from the existing soil absorption system versus the required 100 feet. Motion Passed 3-0. Regarding the board's consensus on these matters, member Bruce remarked, I think we're unanimous.

Environmental protection took center stage during the discussion for 34 Sagamore Road, where a failing septic system will be replaced with an advanced nitrogen-reduction unit. The project required several local upgrades due to the property's tight constraints and proximity to Duxbury Bay. Boyington described the plan as an effort toward maximum feasible compliance, noting that the new system is a significant improvement over the two existing cesspools. Dr. Brumley supported the design, stating, I agree. I think it's seems like the best solution given the geography there. Motion Made by the Board Chair to grant a variance for the Duxbury supplemental rules and regulations 1.101A allowing the proposed soil absorption system to be constructed 92.9 feet from wetland resource area versus the required 150 feet. Motion Passed 3-0. The board also approved motions to allow the system to be placed 5 feet from the property line and 9.5 feet from the garage foundation, as well as the use of a sieve analysis for soil classification. Motions Passed 3-0.

The meeting concluded with updates on town-wide health initiatives, including the progress of the Safe Water Committee. The town has secured an extension on a $10,000 state grant to educate the public on remediating PFAS and other contaminants. The Health Agent also reported that the department is interviewing candidates for a regional public health nurse position to serve Duxbury and five neighboring towns. Hopefully we can find we really worked hard at tweaking the job description and the pay and we worked with a specialist through the state that’s that helped us with that, the Health Agent explained regarding the recruitment efforts. Beach water quality remains high following the July 4th holiday, with all recent samples showing low bacterial levels.