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Date: 9/5/2022
WARREN – On a broad scope, the Warren Board of Health (BOH) works to ensure public health safety for both humans and animals. However, their day-to-day tasks, focuses and projects include a plethora of topics.
Brianna Dunn, administrative assistant on the Warren Board of Health (BOH), informed Reminder Publishing that they have “a lot going on” in their office right now, along with typical occurrences. For instance, she said they receive several trash and housing complaints, such as issues with moisture or mold.
Another main task for the BOH is conducting food establishment check-ins. In Warren, there are between 17 and 20 establishments that require two food inspections each year. This includes retail food stores, restaurants, bakeries and schools, to name a few.
The BOH also looks over the town’s transfer station and landfill. Recently, the landfill was closed due to reaching capacity, however, Dunn said it’s “on the up” and heading in a positive direction. She added that the landfill was one of the few selected in the state for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Testing on the landfill will begin in September.
Textile Recovery
Since 2014, the town has received grant funding from the Recycling Dividends Program (RDP).
Dunn said they receive a “good amount of money annually,” typically between $5,000 to $6,000, to be used for reducing, reuse and recycling.
Some of the current RDP funding is being used on a textile recovery project. The BOH is working with the Warren Board of Selectmen to implement the new project.
Dunn explained that the town is partnering with CMRK Inc., a textile exporter out of Northborough, to carry out this program. CMRK’s slogan is “Clothing with a Conscious.” Through this partnership, CMRK will distribute however many bins are wanted in town. Dunn added that they “go beyond picking up and emptying [a] bin” as they will go to someone’s house to collect items as well.
She went on to explain that residents can call, text or email for home pick-up. Some items that may be donated include knick-knacks, old bicycles, kitchen items and more.
At press time, Dunn said they would be receiving the bins any day, to be placed in the Shepard Municipal Building. All the bins will be fully customized with the town’s logo.
For every textile, the town receives 7 cents, Dunn noted. She added that in November, a new regulation will ban the dumping of mattresses and textiles in landfills. By offering this recovery process now, residents can properly dispose of their textiles before it’s too late.
Dunn recognized CMRK for their work on this project. When calling the company, she said that it is always a direct line to speak with someone.
Hazardous Waste Day
For the first time in over 10 years, the town of Warren hosted a “Hazardous Waste Day” this year. Dunn noted that they collected 1,000 gallons/pounds of waste. She described this outcome as “successful” given that there were only 66 people who signed up. Moving forward, she shared that she would like to make this an annual event, attracting even more people.
Composting Program
At Quaboag Regional High School, Dunn said they are also using the RDP grant to start a composting program. Currently, they have an environmental class with a teacher who has been working with the BOH to assist in the program’s creation. Dunn shared that one task would include students diverting organics from the trash during lunch.
“We [the BOH] would help get supplies with the RDP grant,” she said. “The goal is to use the money to make an impact somewhere.” By targeting a younger audience, Dunn believes it will “excite” the next generation to carry on these necessary habits.
While this program has been in the works for about six months, Dunn said the implementation has been “slow rolling.” Once the new school year is underway, she is hopeful that the program will pick up.
Animal Regulations
Recently, the BOH has come up with animal regulations. Dunn noted that there are “nuisance laws” with roosters, among other animals. Currently, the laws are going through the legal stage.
“The only drawback is we don’t have a holding facility [for the animals],” said Dunn. The BOH is working with the Board of Selectmen on these regulations.
COVID-19 Test Kits
The BOH has COVID-19 test kits available at their office. Dunn shared that they currently have four unopened boxes of test kits which are only good until the end of October. After the tests are gone, she said she is uncertain as to if or when the state will be distributing more.
Lucy Stone
Throughout the summer, Dunn said the BOH has conducted water sampling. While ongoing construction has closed Comins Pond this year, she said they took over sampling at Lucy Stone.
Lucy Stone is used for various recreational purposes such as kayaking, fishing and more. Dunn described it as a “beautiful location.”
The last water sampling took place on Sept. 1. Dunn shared that the results pass swimming standards and no E. coli levels have been found. Month after month, Lucy Stone has proved to be good, said Dunn.
“[The] water is safe,” she added, despite any rumors or talk about the Quaboag River.
For more information on the Warren Board of Health, visit the towns website at https://www.warren-ma.gov/.