Board Of Health Can Not Yet Inspect Curtis Paper
ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Health says it can take no action on the former Curtis paper mill property until the town takes control of it.
Chairman Peter Hoyt told the board Wednesday that after talking with then Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco, he has the understanding that the board's hands are tied when it comes to the 115 Howland Ave. property.
"We wanted to make sure that we were all on the same page but until the town really takes over the property, which we are in the process of doing, we can't do a whole lot," Hoyt said. "There is no response from the property owner so, therefore, we can't enter the premise."
The town began the process of taking the property last year from MJD Real Estate, which owes more than $450,000 in property taxes.
Since then, residents have reported activity on the site even though MJD's permits were pulled. Activity included tractor trailers moving on and off the property, some kind of automotive repair operation and the storage of roll-offs.
The roll-offs caught the attention of the Board of Health because they were filled with potentially hazardous material.
The roll-offs have been removed, however, the board still has concerns about the interior and the grounds of the old mill.
"That is a building you don't want to walk around in," Code Enforcement Officer Thomas Romaniak said.
In other business, board member David Rhoads said the newly implemented transfer station seems to be a success and more than 450 permits have been sold.
Board member Bruce Shepley said the original goal was to sell 200 permits.
"There is a lot of positive feedback from those who are using it and there are still negative comments, but I think they are blending in," he said. "I think a year from now it will be accepted, and we will be able to possibly expand services."
The board did pass a policy stating that it would not accept propane tanks at the station but would refer patrons to other possible vendors if the situation arises.
"There are plenty of resources to get rid of propane tanks in Berkshire County and I think we can make this a permanent policy," Shepley said. "Maybe if the issue comes up we can address it again."
The board also put the kibosh on brush removal and brush burning by the Department of Public Works at the transfer station until it can figure out a better and fairer way to remove it.
"We need to sit down as a committee and look at alternatives to limit the amount of brush that comes in because we think there is a lot coming in from landscapers," Shepley said. "It is not a showstopper, but we have to figure something else out."
Before closing the meeting, the board agreed to seek more information on training from a company called 24Trauma that trains organizations in how to enter a potential biohazardous situation or a crime scene.
"They will show us how to safely enter a premise and not damage a crime scene or come in contact with the biohazardous material," Hoyt said.
Hoyt said Police Chief Richard Tarsa floated the idea and said the town may be able to host the training.
Tags: biohazard, BOH, delinquent taxes, transfer station, trash,
