HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-26 Board of Health Minutes Town of Reading
� meeting g Minutes
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Board - Committee - commission - Council: 2020 JAS 15 Am 9: 23
Board of Health
Date: 2019-11-26 Time: 7:02 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Emmy Dove, Eleanor Shonkoff, Kevin Sexton, Lara Romonowski
Members - Not Present:
Annmaire Messina
Others Present:
Jean Delios, Laura Vlasuk
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lara Romonowski
Topics of Discussion:
Chair report
• Thanks to Laura, Jean and other Town employees for recent Boil Water Order.
• Will start to prepare for BOH goal-development meeting next month.
Health Agent Report
• See attached update
• October: 31 inspections, 9 reinspection, 5 complaints, all 5 complaints inspected, 0 septic
abandonments
Roundtable
• MA DPH weekly report on vaping-related illnesses
• Legislature is proposing to ban mint and menthol nicotine in addition to vaping
• In light of 2 recent hazardous cleaning material incidents in surrounding areas,wondering if local
businesses have lrainings for employees on proper storage and utilization of cleaning materials.Will
reach out to Burlington and Woburn BOH to learn what they do.
MAHB Certificate Program summary
• Dove and Shonkoff both attended this meeting
o Food safety and inspections seminar
New 2013 food codes and inspection forms are longer, and sometimes it requires an
increase of staffing.
• Climate change and toxic matters seminar
o OLIVER mapping tool-a tool for towns to maptidentify hazmat, landfill, other areas vulnerable
to climate change.
• Updates to open meeting laws in 2017
• Vaping opposition tactics seminar
General Bylaw Article 3.3.1.3 discussion
• Suggest inquiring about what other towns have done regarding this bylaw
Page 1 1
Pesticide regulations update
• Draft sent to Town Council
Review minutes from 10-22-19
• Motion to accept meeting minutes from 10-22-19; motion passes 3-0.
Motion to adjourn at 7:99pm; motion passes 3-0.
Page 1 2
M
CUSHING
�1 JAMMALLO &
CJW WHEELER, INC. P.O.Box an,Ayer MA 01932
PUBLIC SERVICES
December 11,2019 DEC 16 2019
Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. ,READING
Town Manager MA
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, Massachusetts 01867
Ms. Emmy Dove, Chairperson
Board of Health
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, Massachusetts 01867
Re: Release of Mineral Oil Dielectric Fluid
Parkman Road
Reading,Massachusetts
MADEP Release Tracking No. 3-35936
CJW Project#6001
Dear Ms. Dove and Mr LeLacheur.
We are providing this letter to you on behalf of Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD).
The purpose of this letter is two-fold
1. To notify the Town of Reading, in accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan
(MCP) [(310 CMR 40.0371(3) and 40.1403(3)(h)], of the availability of the "Immediate
Response Action Completion Report and Permanent Solution with No Conditions"for the
above-referenced site and Release Tracking Number (RTN). This report has been
submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP). It
pertains to RTN 3-35936 which is associated with a October 17, 2019 release of
approximately 36 gallons of mineral oil dielectric fluid (MODF) from a transformer that
sat atop a utility pole adjacent to 25 Parkman Road. The transformer landed on the roadway
pavement of Parkman Road adjacent to 26 Parkman Road and released MODF to the paved
surface along the edge of the roadway and on a portion of the property at 26 Parkman Road.
NRC East Environmental Services, Inc. (NRC) responded to the release and performed
cleanup activities.
The completed Immediate Response Action (I RA) activities have abated the conditions
that initially required the IRA and stabilized site conditions to the degree necessary. CJ W
further concludes that the release of has been remediated to levels approaching
background, a level of No Significant Risk of harm of health, safety, public welfare,and
the environment exists or has been achieved, and an Activity and Use Limitation(AUL) is
Tel.978-3686320 www.cjw-env.com
OW Project#6001
December 11,2019 Paee2
not required to maintain a Permanent Solution with No Conditions[310 CMR 40.1041(1)]
at the site.
2. To provide you notification, in accordance with 310 CMR 40.1406(1), that the portion of
Parkman Road which was impacted by the release lies within the boundaries of the
Disposal Site as shown on a figure within the report which we are providing to you. Please
see attached Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup form BWSC 122. Also,please note that Public
Involvement Activities may be available under 310 CMR 40.1400.
You may also view or obtain a copy of this report on the MADEP's Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup
web page, https://www.mass.pov/find-out-about-a-contaminated-property.
Please do not hesitate to call us at your convenience if you should have any questions.
Sincerely,
CUSHING,JAMMALLO & WHEELER, INC.
Joseph M. Digitallysigned by Joseph M.Jammallo
Mcn=Joseph M.Jammallo,o,ou,
Jammallo email=ijammallo@gwena.com,c=us
Date:2019.130609:1732 05'00'
Joseph M Jammallo, LSP, PG
President
Enclosures: Immediate Response Action Completion Report and Permanent Solution;
BWSC Form 122
cc: Nick D'Alleva, RMLD w/enclosure;
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection w/enclosure
11.0 Baa 322
A}vx,MA 01432
TW 9783686320
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup BWSC122
This notice is related to:
L11 INFORMATIONAL NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS Release Tracking Number
3.I - 13593=
As Required by 310 CMR 40.1406 of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan(MCP)
A. DISPOSAL SITE ADDRESS:(associated with Release Tracking Number provided above)
1. Street Address Parkman Road adjacent to 26 Parkman Road
2. cityrrowm. Reading _ 3. ZIP code. 01867-0000
4.Assessor's Parcel ID: N/A _--
B. THIS NOTICE IS BEING PROVIDED TO THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY OWNER:
1. Name of Property Owner: Town of Reading
2.Address of Property For Which This Notice is Being Provided (property owned by person named in Bi)
a. Street Address: Parkman Road adjacent to 26 Parkman Road
b. City/Town Reading c. ZIP code. 01867-0000
3.Assessor's Parcel ID: N/A
C. THIS NOTICE IS BEING GIVEN :(check one)
1. Upon Completion of a Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment.
�] 2. Upon Submittal of a Permanent or Temporary Solution Statement(i.e., Site Closure Report).
❑ 3. Upon Completion of Additional Investigation showing that Oil or Hazardous Material is not Present at the Property.
D. DESCRIPTION OF OIL AND/OR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL PRESENT OR LIKELY TO BE PRESENT AT THE PROPERTY:
(check all that apply)
AFFECTED ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA PRINCIPAL CHEMICAL(S)PRESENT
Lj 1 soil
L 1 2 Groundwater
❑ 3. Surface Water _
❑ 4. Sediment
❑ 5. Indoor Air
❑ 6. Soil Gas
GLI T. Other pavement mineral oil dielectric Fluid constituents
(specify)
E. ATTACHMENTS PROVIDED WITH THIS NOTICE,AS REQUIRED BY 310 CMR 40.1406:
V1 1.A Copy of the Map Showing or a Description Describing the Area where the Oil and/or Hazardous Material is or is
likely to be Present.
2,A Copy of the Phase II Comprehensive Site Assessment or Permanent or Temporary Solution Statement Conclusions.
3.Specify the category of Solution that applies to the Disposal Site.
W] 1. Permanent Solution with No Conditions.
❑ 2. Permanent Solution with Conditions.
❑ i.An Activity and Use Limitation has been implemented.
❑ ii.An Activity and Use Limitation has not been implemented.
❑ 3.Temporary Solution.
Revised: 5130/2014 Page 1 of 2
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup BWSC722
This notice is related to'.
INFORMATIONAL NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS Release Tracking Number
35936
As Required by 310 CMR 40.1406 or the Massachusetts Contingency Plan(MCP)
F. CONTACT INFORMATION RELATING TO THE PARTY PROVIDING THIS NOTICE:
1. Name of Organization: Cushing, Jammallo_& Wheeler, Inc_.
2. Contact First Name: Joseph 3. Last Name Jammallo
4. street: P.O. Box 322 5. Tine: President
6, Cityrtown: Ayer _ 7. state: MA 6. ZIP Code. 04132-0000
g. Telephone: (978) 368-6320 10. Email: Uammallo@ejw-env.com
MASSACHUSETTS REGULATIONS THAT REQUIRE THIS NOTICE
This notice is being provided pursuant to the Massachusetts Contingency Plan and the notification
requirement at 310 CMR 40.1406. The Massachusetts Contingency Plan is a state regulation that specifies
requirements for parties who are taking actions to address releases of chemicals(oil or hazardous material)
to the environment.
THE PERSON(S) PROVIDING THIS NOTICE
This notice has been sent to you by the par y(ies)who is/are addressing a release of oil or hazardous material to
the environment at the location listed in Section A on the reverse side of this form.
PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE
Parties who are taking actions to respond to releases of oil or hazardous material to the environment are required by
state regulations(referred to above)to notify the owners of property where the oil or hazardous material is or is likely
to be present. These same parties are also required to notify property owners upon completion of actions to address
the oil or hazardous material, or if additional investigations show that the oil or hazardous material is not present at a
property. Section C on the reverse side of this form indicates the circumstance under which you are receiving this
notice at this time.
INFORMATION RELATED TO YOUR PROPERTY
Section D on the reverse side of this form indicates the type(s)of oil or hazardous material that is or is likely to be
present at your property, and the environmental medium(e.g., soil or groundwater)where it is or is likely to be
present. Please note that when an investigation indicates that the oil or hazardous material is or is likely to be
present at your property,this does not mean that the oil or hazardous material is posing a health risk to you. Parties
who are taking actions to address oil and hazardous material releases are required by state regulations to adequately
investigate these releases and take necessary actions to ensure that affected properties meet standards that are
protective of human health and the environment.
ATTACHED MAP OR DESCRIPTION AND REPORT CONCLUSIONS
The party providing this notice to you is required to attach a map or description that indicates the boundaries of the
area where the oil or hazardous material is or is likely to be present, and the conclusions of the site investigation or
closure report (Section E). These attachments should give you additional information about the nature and location
of the oil or hazardous material with respect to your property.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Information about the general process for addressing releases of oil or hazardous material under the
Massachusetts Contingency Plan and related public involvement opportunities may be found at
bttp,//vvww mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/cleanup.
For more information regarding this notice, you may contact the party listed in Section F of this form. Information
about the disposal site identified in Section A is also available in files at the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection.
See http://publicdepstate.ma.us/SearchableSites2/Search aspx to view site-specific files on-line or
http;//mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/about/contacts/conduct-a-file-review.html if you would like to make an
appointment to see these files in person. Please reference the Release Tracking Number listed in the upper right
hand corner on the reverse side of this form when making file review appointments.
Revised. 5/30/2014 Page 2 of 2
Health Agent update from December 1st to December 31, 2019
• Inspections
• Food inspections/re-inspection of food location
25 Inspection, 13 Re-Inspection
• complaints/animal inspections/dumpster
3 Complaints
3 Have been inspected and 3 corrected, 0 Pending
0 Animal inspection
• Septic Abandonment
1 Location
Community Health/Public Health Nursing Division
• Flu shots administered
• MAVEN
1 Callicivirus/Norovirus
6 Influenza
1 case Salmonellosis
• Tobacco update
no violations
111 Permits Issued
1 Animal Inspection
49 Food Permits
1 Septage Hauler Permits
56 Dumpster Permits
4 Tobacco Permits
Health Agent update from November 1st to November 30, 2019
Inspections
• Food inspections/re-inspection of food location
10 Inspection, 4 Re-Inspection
• complaints/animal inspections/dumpster
3 Complaints,
3 Have been inspected and 3 corrected, 0 Pending
0 Animal inspection
• Septic Abandonment
0 Location
Community Health/Public Health Nursing Division
• Flu shots administered
• MAVEN
1 case Influenza
1 case Salmonellosis
• Tobacco update
no violations
• 103 Permits Issued
49 Food Permits
5 Septage Hauler Permits
45 Dumpster Permits
2 Tobacco Permits
2 Pool Permits
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
US Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108-4619
CHARLESD.BAKER MARYLOU SUDDERS
Governor Secretory
KARYN E.POLITO MONICA BHAREL,MD,MPH
Lieutenant Governor Commissioner
Tel 617,124-6000
www.maee.govldph
December 11, 2019
Dear Public Health Colleagues:
On Wednesday, November 27, 2019, Governor Baker signed An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control into
law.This legislation substantially restricts the sale of e-cigarette and nicotine vaping products(referred
to in the law collectively as "electronic nicotine delivery systems") and flavored tobacco products.
Certain sections of the new legislation became effective immediately upon signing.The Massachusetts
Department of Public Health (DPH) has promulgated an emergency regulation, 105 CMR 665: Minimum
Standards for Retail Sale of Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems,to implement these
sections.The emergency regulation is effective as of December 11, 2019 and the Department of Public
Health and Boards of Health have the authority to enforce the emergency regulation. As a result,there
are important new requirements for retail establishments that sell tobacco.These requirements differ
depending on what kind of retail establishment you work with and are summarized below.The full text
of the regulation is available at: mass.gov/NewTobacco Law.
Pursuant to 105 CMR 665:
Non-age-restricted establishments (such as convenience and liquor stores):
• Cannot sell any tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes to anyone under the
minimum legal sales age.
• Cannot sell any flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems such as flavored e-cigarettes and
flavored vaping products.
• Cannot sell electronic nicotine delivery systems with nicotine content greater than 35 milligrams
per milliliter.
• Cannot advertise tobacco products that they cannot sell, use fraudulent or misleading
statements in advertising, or display advertisements with celebrities, cartoons, or similar
endorsements.
• Can sell non-flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems with nicotine content 35 milligrams or
less per milliliter.
o Must maintain records obtained by the manufacturer that validate the nicotine content
of electronic nicotine delivery systems available for sale on the premises.
This documentation may be provided to the retailer by a distributer, but must
have originally come from the manufacturer.
• Must keep all tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes for sale behind the counter
where sales are made, out of reach of consumers and not on the counter.
• Must display all of the following signs in plain view by a person standing at the cash register
(establishments must use the signs developed and provided by DPH available at
mass.gov/NewTobaccoLaw):
o The text of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 270,Sections 6 and 6A
o A statement that the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes,to someone under
the minimum legal sales age is prohibited
o Notice that the sale of flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems is prohibited
o A warning about the health impacts of vaping
o Information on tobacco cessation services
Retail Tobacco Stores (retail establishments whose primary purpose is the sale of tobacco products and
paraphernalia,and who restrict the entry for people under the age of 21.These include tobacconists,
smoke shops, and vape shops):
• Must have a municipal permit for sale or distribution of tobacco products, unless in operation
before December 11, 2019 in a municipality that has not previously required a permit for
operation.
• Cannot sell any tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes to anyone under the
minimum legal sales age.
• Cannot sell any flavored electronic nicotine delivery system, such as flavored e-cigarettes and
flavored vaping products.
• Cannot advertise tobacco products that they cannot sell, use fraudulent or misleading
statements in advertising, or display advertisements with celebrities,cartoons or similar
endorsements.
• Must display the following signs in plain view of a person standing at the cash register(all signs
are developed by the Department of Public Health and are available at
mass.gov/NewTobaccoLaw):
o The text of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 270, Sections 6 and 6A
o A statement that the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes,to someone under
the minimum legal sales age is prohibited
o Notice that the sale of flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems is prohibited
o A warning about the health impacts of vaping
o Information on tobacco cessation services
• Must display the following signs on the exterior of the entrance door(establishments must use
the signs developed and provided by DPH available at mass.gov/NewTobaccolaw):
o A warning that smoking and vaping maybe present on the premises
o Information concerning the health risks of secondhand smoke and vaping
o A statement that no person under the age of 21 is allowed on the premises at anytime
Smoking Bars: (a retail establishment that exclusively occupies an enclosed indoor space, limits entry to
persons over the age of 21, and primarily sells tobacco products for onsite consumption.):
• Must have a municipal permit for sale or distribution of tobacco products, unless in operation
before December 11, 2019 in a municipality that has not previously required a permit for
operation.
• Cannot advertise tobacco products that they cannot sell, use fraudulent or misleading
statements in advertising, or display advertisements with celebrities, cartoons or similar
endorsements.
• Can sell flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems such as flavored e-cigarettes and flavored
vaping products for on-site consumption only.
• Must display the following signs in plain view of a person standing at the cash register(all signs
are developed by the Department of Public Health and are available at
mass.gov/NewTobaccoLaw):
o The text of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 270, Sections 6 and 6A
o A statement that the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes,to someone under
the minimum legal sales age is prohibited
o A warning about the health impacts of vaping
o Information on tobacco cessation services
• Must display the following signs on the exterior of the entrance door(establishments must use
the signs developed and provided by DPH available at mass.gov/NewTobaccoLaw):
o A warning that smoking and vaping may be present on the premises
o Information concerning the health risks of second hand smoke and vaping
o A statement that no person under the age of 21 is allowed on the premises at any time
Other sections of the new legislation,An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control, go into effect on lune 1,
2020. DPH has summarized those sections that pertain to DPH. Please note that there are additional
sections of An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control, including sections pertaining to the regulation of
insurance and taxation.Those sections are not summarized here.
Beginning on lune 1,2020:
Non-age-restricted establishments:
• Cannot sell any tobacco products that have a characterizing flavor(e.g, menthol cigarettes and
flavored cigars and chewing tobacco)or tobacco product flavor enhancer.
Retail Tobacco Stores:
• Cannot sell any tobacco products that have a characterizing flavor(e.g. menthol cigarettes and
flavored cigars and chewing tobacco) or tobacco product flavor enhancer.
Smoking Bars:
• Can sell tobacco products that have a characterizing flavor(e.g. menthol cigarettes and flavored
cigars and chewing tobacco) or tobacco product flavor enhancer for consumption on-site.
The following resources are available to assist you in educating your retailers and helping them to
comply with the new legislation and DPH regulation:
• Standard Retailer Inspection form
• Chart of required signage and what can be sold by retailer
• Link to the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse
The Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program will be conducting a webinar to further
assist you on December 12, 2019 at 3:00 pm.
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
Z\ COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
STATE HOUSE • BOSTON, MA 02133
(617) 725-4000
CHARLES D. BAKER KARYN E. POLITO
GOVERNOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
TERMINATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
DECLARED PURSUANT TO G. L. c. 17, § 2A
WHEREAS, on September 24, 2019,I, Charles D. Baker, Governor of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting pursuant to General Laws chapter 17, section 2A,
declared that a multistate outbreak of severe lung disease associated with the use of vaping
products and e-cigarettes constituted an emergency detrimental to the public health; and
WHEREAS, also on September 24, 2019,the Commissioner of Public Health, acting
pursuant to authority granted by my emergency declaration and with the approval of the Public
Health Council, issued an Order temporarily prohibiting the sale or display of vaping products
and e-cigarettes to consumers in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, on November 12, 2019, the Executive Director of the Cannabis Control
Commission made a determination that vaporizer products pose an immediate threat to the public
health and, acting under independent authority of the Commission,issued a Quarantine Order
temporarily prohibiting the sale of vaporizer products by licensed Marijuana Establishments and
Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature enacted and on November 30, 2019 I signed into law
Chapter 133 of the Acts of 2019, a comprehensive tobacco and vaping control statute that
substantially restricts the availability of nicotine vaping products and e-cigarettes in the
Commonwealth and adopts certain other measures designed to protect against the health risks of
vaping products and e-cigarettes; and
WHEREAS, on December 11,2019, acting pursuant to authority granted to it by the new
law,the Department of Public Health adopted regulations on an emergency basis to implement
additional controls on the sale of nicotine vaping products and e-cigarettes and to require
retailers to post warnings identifying the dangers these products present in order to protect the
public health; and
WHEREAS, while the underlying public health concerns associated with the use of
vaping products and e-cigarettes and identified in my September 24, 2019 declaration remain,
the need for addressing these public health concerns through measures adopted pursuant to
General Laws chapter 17, section 2A has abated in view of the intervening actions of the
Legislature, the Cannabis Control Commission, and the Department of Public Health;
NOW THEREFORE, I declare that the public health emergency declared on September
24,2019 is hereby terminated.
Given this 11th day of December,two
thousand and nineteen.
CHARLES D. BAKER
Governor
Please be advised that the following does not constitute the official version of this regulation.
As is the case with all state regulations official versions are available once published from the
Secretary of the Commonwealth's State Publications and Regulations Division, through the
State Bookstore in Boston at (617) 727-2834.
105 CMR 665.000: MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR RETAIL SALE OF TOBACCO AND
ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS
665.005 Definitions
665.010 Sale of Tobacco Products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
665.013 Permitting Requirements
665.015 Required Signage
665.017 Advertising
665.020 Identification Requirements
665.025 Prohibition on Coupons and Other Discounts
665.030 Out-of-Package Sales
665.035 Liquid Nicotine Containers
665.040 Requirements for Retail Establishments
665.045 Violations
665.050 Order to Cease and Desist
665.055 Enforcement
665.060 Severability
665.005: Definitions
Board of Health means the appropriate and legally designated health authority of the city,
town, or other legally constituted governmental unit within the Commonwealth having
the usual powers and duties of the board of health of a city or town.
Business Agent means an individual who has been designated by the owner or operator of
any tobacco retail store or smoking bar to be the manager or otherwise in charge of said
establishment.
Characterizing Flavor means a distinguishable taste or aroma, other than the taste or
aroma of tobacco, imparted or detectable before or during consumption of a tobacco
product, including, but not limited to, a taste or aroma relating to any fruit, chocolate,
vanilla, honey, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, menthol, mint, wintergreen,
herb, or spice; provided, however, that no tobacco product shall be determined to have a
characterizing flavor solely because of the provision of ingredient information or the use
of additives or flavorings that do not contribute to the distinguishable taste or aroma of
the product.
Child-Resistant Packaging means packaging intended to reduce the risk of a child
ingesting nicotine and that meets the minimum standards of 16 C.F.R. 1700 et seq.,
pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 1471 to 1476, inclusive.
Coupon means any card, paper, note, form, statement, ticket or other communication
distributed for commercial or promotional purposes to be later surrendered by the bearer
so as to receive an article, service or accommodation without charge or at a discount
price.
Department means the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Distimmishable means perceivable by either the sense of smell or taste.
Electronic Nicotine Delivery System means an electronic device, whether for 1-time use
or reusable, that can be used to deliver nicotine or another substance to a person inhaling
from the device including, but not limited to, electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars,
electronic cigarillos, electronic pipes, vaping pens, hookah pens and other similar devices
that rely on vaporization or aerosolization; provided, however, that"electronic nicotine
delivery system" shall also include any noncombustible liquid or gel that is manufactured
into a finished product for use in such electronic device; provided further, that"electronic
nicotine delivery system" shall also include any component, part, or accessory of a device
used during the operation of the device even if the part or accessory was sold separately;
provided further, that"electronic nicotine delivery system" shall not include a product
that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the sale of
or use as a tobacco cessation product or for other medical purposes and is marketed and
sold or prescribed exclusively for that approved purpose.
Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Flavor Enhancer means any product designed,
manufactured, produced, marketed or sold to produce a characterizing flavor when added
to any electronic nicotine delivery system.
Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery System means any electronic nicotine delivery
system, or component part thereof that contains a constituent that has or produces a
characterizing flavor. A public statement, claim or indicia made or disseminated by the
manufacturer of an electronic nicotine delivery system, or by any person authorized or
permitted by the manufacturer to make or disseminate public statements concerning such
electronic nicotine delivery system,that such electronic nicotine delivery system has or
produces a characterizing flavor shall constitute presumptive evidence that the electronic
nicotine delivery system is a Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery System.
Liquid Nicotine Container means a package: (i) from which nicotine or other substance in
a solution or other form is accessible through normal and foreseeable use by a consumer;
and (ii)that is used to hold soluble nicotine or other substance in any concentration;
provided,however, that"liquid nicotine container" shall not include a sealed, prefilled
and disposable container of nicotine or other substance in a solution or other form in
which the container is inserted directly into an electronic cigarette, electronic nicotine
delivery system or other similar product if the nicotine or other substance in the container
is inaccessible through customary or reasonably foreseeable handling or use, including
reasonably foreseeable ingestion or other contact by children.
Listed or Non-Discounted Price means the higher of the price listed for a tobacco product
on its package or the price listed on any related shelving, posting, advertising or display
at the place where the tobacco product is sold or offered for sale plus all applicable taxes
if such taxes are not included in the state price, and before the application of any
discounts or coupons.
Minimum Legal Sales Age means the minimum age of a person to whom a tobacco
product may be sold or provided as determined by the Board of Health,provided that
such age may not be less than 21 years of age except for those individuals who attained
the age of 18 before December 31, 2018, as verified by said person's proof of
identification; provided further that a person who attained the age of 18 before December
31,2018 shall be subject to any municipal ordinance, by-law or other regulation that
prohibited sales of tobacco products to persons under the age of 19, 20 or 21 in effect on
December 30, 2018.
Person means any individual, firm, fiduciary, partnership, corporation, trust or
association, however formed, or a club, trustee, agency or receiver.
Retail Establishment means a physical place of business or a section of a physical place
of business in which a tobacco product is offered for sale to consumers.
Retailer means a person that operates a retail establishment.
Retail Tobacco Store means an establishment which is not required to possess a retail
food permit whose primary purpose is to sell or offer for sale to consumers, but not for
resale, tobacco products and paraphernalia, in which the sale of other products is merely
incidental, and in which the entry of persons under the age of 21 is prohibited at all times,
and maintains a valid permit for the retail sale of tobacco products as required to be
issued by the appropriate authority in the city or town where the establishment is located.
Smoking Bar means an establishment that: (i) exclusively occupies an enclosed indoor
space and is primarily engaged in the retail sale of tobacco products for consumption by
customers on the premises; (ii) derives revenue from the sale of food, alcohol or other
beverages that is incidental to the sale of a tobacco product and prohibits entry to a
person under 21 years of age; (iii)prohibits a food or beverage not sold directly by the
establishment from being consumed on the premises; (iv) maintains a valid permit for the
retail sale of a tobacco product as required to be issued by the appropriate authority in the
city or town in which the establishment is located; and (v) maintains a valid permit issued
by the department of revenue to operate as a smoking bar.
Tobacco product means a product containing, made or derived from tobacco or nicotine
that is intended for human consumption, whether smoked, chewed, absorbed, dissolved,
inhaled, snorted, sniffed or ingested by any other means including, but not limited to,
cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff, electronic cigarettes,
electronic cigars, electronic pipes, electronic nicotine delivery systems or any other
similar products that rely on vaporization or aerosolization; provided, however,that
"tobacco product" shall also include any component, part or accessory of a tobacco
product; and provided further,that "tobacco product" shall not include a product that has
been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the sale of or use
as a tobacco cessation product and is marketed and sold exclusively for the approved
purpose.
665.010: Sale of Tobacco Products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Svstems
(A) No person shall sell or provide a tobacco product to any individual under the
minimum legal sales age, as verified by said person's valid government-issued
photographic identification.
(B) Retail establishments other than retail tobacco stores or smoking bars shall not place
any tobacco product on the counter, but shall place all tobacco products for sale behind
the counter where retail sales are made in the establishment and out of the reach of
consumers.
(C) No person shall sell an electronic nicotine delivery system with nicotine content
greater than 35 milligrams per milliliter outside of a retail tobacco store or smoking bar.
Retail establishments including retail tobacco stores or smoking bars may sell or provide
unflavored electronic nicotine delivery systems with nicotine content less than or equal to
35 milligrams per milliliter. Prior to the sale of such a product in a retail establishment
other than a retail tobacco store or smoking bar,the product's manufacturer must submit
to the owner, retailer, or other person in charge of any retail establishment that is not a
retail tobacco store or smoking bar documentation indicating the nicotine content
expressed as milligrams per milliliter for each product to be sold in the retail
establishment. The owner, retailer, or other person in charge of the retail establishment
must maintain record of the nicotine content submitted by the manufacturer for each
electronic nicotine delivery system sold or offered for sale within the retail establishment,
and provide such records upon request of any authorized enforcement agent, including
Boards of Health or their agents and the Department or its agents.
(D) No person, retail establishment, or manufacturer shall sell, distribute, cause to be
sold or distributed, or offer for sale to a consumer located in the Commonwealth a
flavored electronic nicotine delivery system or electronic nicotine delivery system flavor
enhancer except for a smoking bar for on-site consumption.
(E) No person, retail establishment, or manufacturer shall sell online, distribute online,
or cause to be sold or distributed online to any consumer located in the Commonwealth,
an electronic nicotine delivery system, except for a non-flavored electronic nicotine
delivery system with nicotine content less than or equal to 35 milligrams per milliliter.
665.013 Permitting Requirements
(A) All retail tobacco stores and smoking bars shall obtain prior to operation and shall
maintain during any period of operation a municipal permit allowing the sale or
distribution of tobacco products.
(B) Retail tobacco stores and smoking bars in operation prior to December 11, 2019, and
compliant with all then existing permitting requirements in the municipality in which
they operate shall not be subject to 105 CMR 665.013(A) unless the municipality in
which they operate later imposes a municipal permitting requirement applicable to such
establishments.
665.015: Required Signage
(A) All retail establishments, including smoking bars and retail tobacco stores, shalt
conspicuously post signage, in the form developed and made available by the
Department. Such signage shall include: (i) a copy of MGL c. 270, §§ 6 and 6A, (ii)
referral information for smoking cessation resources, (iii) a statement that sale of tobacco
products, including e-cigarettes, to someone under the minimum legal sales age of[AGE]
years is prohibited, (iv)health warnings associated with using electronic nicotine delivery
systems, and , (v) except in the case of smoking bars, notice to consumers that the sale of
flavored electronic nicotine systems are prohibited at all times. Such signage shall be
posted conspicuously in the retail establishment or other place in such a manner so that it
may be readily seen by a person standing at or approaching the cash register. The notice
shall directly face the purchaser and shall not be obstructed from view or placed at a
height of less than four(4) feet or greater than nine (9) feet from the floor.
(B) In addition to the signage required by 105 CMR 665.015(A), smoking bars and retail
tobacco stores shall post signage, in the form developed and made available by the
Department, on the exterior of the door providing entrance to the tobacco retail store or
smoking bar and such sign shall not be obstructed from view or placed at a height of less
than 4 feet or greater than 9 from the bottom of the door. Such signage shall: (i)warn
persons entering that smoking and vaping may be present on the premises, and provide
information concerning the health risks associated with second-hand smoke and the use
of electronic nicotine delivery systems; and (ii) state that "No person under the age of 21
years is permitted on the premises at any time."
(C) The owner, retailer, or other person in charge of a retail establishment shall
conspicuously post any additional signs required by the Department in a form and
manner as required by the Department.
(D) Any person who violates 105 CMR 665.015 shall be subject to the provisions of 105
CMR 665.045; provided that, however, any retail establishment who violates 105 CMR
665.015(A)(i)or 105 CMR 665.015(A)(ii) shall additionally be subject to a fine of not
more than $50. Any person found to have unlawfully removed a copy of the postings
required by 105 CMR 665.015(A)(i) or 105 CMR 665.015(A)(ii) shall be punished by a
fine of not more than $10.
665.017: Advertising
(A) No person or retail establishment shall:
(1) Market or advertise a proposed sale or distribution of any tobacco product
prohibited for sale or distribution within the retail establishment; or
(2) Use fraudulent or misleading statements in advertisements for tobacco
products, including the use of any safety or efficacy claims that have not been
approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration; or
(3) Use or display tobacco product advertisements that depict celebrities,
mascots, sponsorships, cartoons, or any other similar endorsements.
665.020: Identification Requirements
(A) Unless otherwise specified in 105 CMR 665.000, each person selling or providing
tobacco products shall verify the age of the purchaser by means of a valid government-
issued photographic identification containing the bearer's date of birth that the purchaser
is the minimum legal sales age, as verified by said person's proof of identification.
(B) In addition to the requirements of 105 CMR 665.020(A), an employee of a retail
tobacco store or smoking bar must inspect the individual's valid government-issued
photographic identification and determine the individual's age prior to said individual
entering said tobacco retail store or smoking bar. An individual shall not be admitted to
the tobacco retail store or smoking bar unless the employee has verified that the
individual meets minimum legal sales age, as verified by said person's proof of
identification.
(C) Mail-order or internet sales shall require verification that the purchaser is at least the
Minimum Legal Sales Age. Verification of age through the mail or intemet shall consist
of, at a minimum:
(1) verification that the purchaser is of the Minimum Legal Sales Age through a
commercially available database, or aggregate of databases,that is regularly used
by government and business for the purpose of age and identity verification; and
(2) use of a method of mailing, shipping, or delivery that requires signature of a
person who is of the Minimum Legal Sales Age before the shipping package is
released.
(3) Any information required to complete the age verification process must be re
quested on a form separate from that used to collect payment information, shall
not include Personal Information as defined by M.G.L. c. 93H, and shall not be
used for any purposes other than age verification.
665.025: Prohibition on Coupons and Other Discounts
No person shall accept or redeem, offer to accept or redeem, or cause or hire any person
to accept or redeem or offer to accept or redeem any coupon that provides any tobacco
product without charge or for less than the listed or non-discounted price. No retail
establishment that is not a retail tobacco store or smoking bar, or any other establishment
shall distribute or cause to be distributed a free sample of a tobacco product.
665.030: Out-of-Package Sales
(A) The sale of tobacco products, as defined herein, in any form other than an original
factory wrapped package is prohibited, including the repackaging or dispensing of any
tobacco product for retail sale.
(B) No person shall refill a cartridge that is prefilled and sealed by the manufacturer and
not intended to be opened by the consumer or retailer.
665.035: Liquid Nicotine Container Packaging
No person shall knowingly sell or provide:
(A) A liquid or gel substance containing nicotine unless the substance is contained in
child- resistant packaging; or
(B) A liquid nicotine container unless the container includes child-resistant packaging as
part of its design.
665.040: Requirements for Retail Establishments
A retail establishment operating on or after December 11, 2019, must meet the following
requirements:
(A) Only establishments with a permanent, non-mobile location are eligible to operate.
(B) Operation of a retail establishment shall be conditioned on the retailer's or retail
establishment owner's consent to unannounced, periodic inspections of his or her retail
establishment and tobacco products to ensure compliance with 105 CMR 665.000 and
any applicable local regulations, orders, or ordinances.
(C) A retail establishment shall be prohibited from selling tobacco products if the retailer
or owner of the retail establishment has failed to pay all fines issued and the time period
to appeal the fines has expired and/or the retail establishment has not satisfied any
outstanding orders issued pursuant to 105 CMR 665.000.
(D) Sale of a tobacco product by a retail establishment to a person under the minimum
sales age shall result in the retail establishment being prohibited from selling tobacco
products for up to 30 consecutive business days.
665.045: Violations
Unless otherwise specified or provided for in 105 CMR 665.000, violations of 105 CMR
665.000 shall be assessed as follows:
(A) It shall be the responsibility of any person to ensure compliance with 105 CMR
665.000. If an inspection pursuant to 105 CMR 665.000 reveals a retail establishment,
and/or his or her business agent does not comply with the provisions of 105 CMR
665.000, the retail establishment shall be ordered to comply with the violated provision
of 105 CMR 665.000. In addition to the correction order, the following fines and actions
apply against any person who violates 105 CMR 665.000:
(1) In the case of a first violation, a fine of$1,000 shall be imposed.
(2) In the case of a second violation within a period of 36 months from the first
violation, a fine of$2,000 shall be imposed; and a prohibition on the sale of
tobacco products may be imposed for at least one day and up to seven consecutive
business days.
(3) In the case of a third violation within a period of 36 months from the first
violation or additional violations during that time period, a fine of$5,000 shall be
imposed; and a prohibition on the sale of tobacco products may be imposed for at
least seven consecutive business days and up to 30 consecutive business days.
(B) Failure to cooperate with inspections pursuant to this regulation shall result in the
prohibition on the sale of tobacco products for up to 30 consecutive business days.
(C) Consistent with 105 CMR 665.055, a retail establishment shall be provided notice of
the intent to prohibit the sale of tobacco products at or by the retail establishment. The
notice shall contain the reasons therefor and establish a time and date for a hearing. The
retail establishment or its business agent shall have an opportunity to be heard at such
hearing and shall be notified of the decision regarding the retail establishment's
prohibition from selling tobacco products and the reasons therefor in writing. After a
hearing, the retail establishment may be prohibited from selling tobacco products upon a
finding that a violation of 105 CMR 665.000 for which such prohibition is applicable
occurred. All tobacco products shall be removed from the retail establishment upon an
indefinite suspension from operating as a retail establishment. Failure to remove all
tobacco products shall constitute a separate violation of 105 CMR 665.000.
(D) Separate Violations: Each day any violation of 105 CMR 665.000 exists shall be
deemed to be a separate offense.
665.050: Order to Cease and Desist
(A) An Order to Cease and Desist may be issued by the Department or Board of Health
to a person or a business agent of a retail establishment upon the regulatory authority's
reasonable belief that:
(1) A person is conducting sales of tobacco products in violation of the law,
regulations, and/or standards applicable to it; or
(2) A person refuses access to the premises and/or records to authorized
enforcement agents; or
(3) A person or retail establishment is operating in a manner that may pose an
imminent danger to the public health; or
(4) A retail establishment has failed to comply with a correction order within the
time specified; or
(5) A retail establishment is operating in a manner that is unsafe or otherwise
below the accepted standards for the type of operation and summary closure is
authorized by statute on these grounds.
(B) Service of Orders to Cease and Desist shall be on the person or retail establishment
or business agent of the retail establishment by:
(1) Personal delivery by an agent of the regulatory agency; or
(2) Posting in a conspicuous place at the retail establishment; or
(3) Simultaneously mailing, by first class and certified mail return receipt
requested; or
(4) By any officer of the Commonwealth authorized to make service.
Notice is deemed to be served if the person or retail establishment or business
agent of the retail establishment has actual notice of the Order to Cease and
Desist.
665.055: Enforcement
(A) Local Enforcement.
(1) General Procedures. Unless otherwise expressly provided in any general law
to the contrary, each board of health may enforce 105 CMR 665.000, or otherwise
at law or in equity in the same manner that local rules and regulations are
enforced.
(2) Emergency Procedures.
(a) Whenever an emergency related to tobacco products exists in which
the interest of protecting the public health requires that ordinary
procedures be dispensed with, the board of health or its authorized agent,
acting in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 111, § 30, may,
without notice or hearing, issue an order reciting the existence of the
emergency and requiring that such action be taken as the board of health
deems necessary to meet the emergency. Any person to whom such order
is directed shall comply therewith within the time specified in the order.
Each day's failure to comply with the order shall constitute a separate
offense. Upon compliance with the order and within seven days after the
day the order has been served,he or she may file a written petition in the
office of the board of health requesting a hearing. fie or she shall be
granted a hearing as soon as possible, but not later than ten days after the
filing of the petition. The procedures for such hearing shall otherwise
conform with the hearing requirements which would have existed had the
order been issued under non-emergency circumstances.
(b)No provision of this subsection shall be construed as a limitation on
the emergency powers of the Department of Public Health of the
Commonwealth or its Commissioner.
(B) Complaints. Any person who desires to register a complaint pursuant to the
regulation may do so by contacting the Board of Health or its designated agent(s) in the
town where the retail establishment is located.
(C) State Enforcement.
(1) Whenever any Board of Health has failed after a reasonable length of time to
enforce the 105 CMR 665.000 the Commissioner of Public Health of the
Commonwealth or his or her designated representative may act for the
Commonwealth in any way that the local board of health is authorized to act to
effect compliance.
(2) Upon the determination by the federal Food and Drug Administration or the
federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other regulatory authority
that an electronic nicotine delivery system has been shown by substantial
epidemiologic, laboratory, or other evidence to be the cause of an imminent
danger to public health, the Commissioner of Public Health may place a ban or
restriction on the sale of such electronic nicotine delivery system.
(D) Service of Orders
(1) Unless otherwise stated herein, orders issued under the provisions of 105
CMR 665.000 shall be servedonall persons responsible for the violation of such
regulation.
(2) These orders shall be served in the following manner:
(a) personally, by any person authorized to serve civil process, or
(b)by any person authorized to serve civil process by leaving a copy of
the order at his last and usual place of abode, or
(c) by sending him a copy of the order by registered or certified mail,
return receipt requested, if he is within the Commonwealth, or
(d) if his last and usual place of abode is unknown or outside the
Commonwealth, by posting a copy of the order in a conspicuous place on
or about the premises and by advertising it for at least three out of five
consecutive days in one or more newspapers of general circulation within
the municipality wherein the building or premises affected is situated.
(E) Hearings
(1) Procedure for Requesting and Holding Hearing. Unless otherwise specified
herein, the person or persons to whom any order has been served pursuant to any
section of 105 CMR 665.000 may request a hearing before the Board of Health or
the Department, as applicable, by filing with the Board of Health or the
Department, as applicable, within seven days after the day the order was served, a
written petition requesting a hearing on the matter. Upon receipt of such petition,
the Board of Health or the Department, as applicable, shall set a time and place
for such hearing and shall inform the petitioner thereof in writing. The hearing
shall be commenced not later than 30 days after the day on which the order was
served. The Board of Health or the Department, as applicable, upon application of
the petitioner, may postpone the date of hearing for a reasonable time beyond
such 30-day period if in the judgment of the Board of Health or the Department,
as applicable, the petitioner has submitted a good and sufficient reason for such
postponement.
(2) Hearing of Petitioner. At the hearing the petitioner shall be given an
opportunity to be heard and to show why the order should be modified or
withdrawn.
(3) Procedure by the Board After Hearing. After the hearing the Board of Health
or the Department, as applicable, shall sustain, modify, or withdraw the order and
shall inform the petitioner in writing of its decision. If the Board of Health or the
Department, as applicable, sustains or modifies the order, it shall be carried out
within the time period allotted in the original order or in the modification.
(4) Public Record. Every notice, order, or other record prepared by the Board of
Health or the Department, as applicable, connection with the hearing shall be
entered as a matter of public record in the office of the clerk of the city or town,
or in the office of the Board of Health or the Department, as applicable.
(5) Hearing Petition not Submitted or Sustaining of Order. If a written petition
for a hearing is not filed with the board of health within seven days after the day
an order has been served or if after a hearing the order has been sustained in any
part, each day's failure to comply with the order as issued or modified shall
constitute an additional offense.
(F) Judicial Anneals. Any person aggrieved by the final decision of the Board of Health or the
Department, as applicable, with respect to any order or other action taken with respect to 105
CMR 665.000 may seek relief therefrom in any court of competent jurisdiction, as provided by
the laws of this Commonwealth.
665.060: Severability
If any provision of 105 CMR 665.000 is declared invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions
shall not be affected thereby but shall continue in full force and effect.
REGULATORY AUTHORITY: St. 2018, c. 157, §§17 through 19; MGL c. 111, § 239; and
MGL c. 270, §§ 6, 7, and 27 through 29.
State Tobacco Law
Effective immediately all retail stores can resume selling vape products
as long as they are unflavored or tobacco flavored as follows:
Family friendly stores (convenience stores, gas station mini-marts,
those stores that are not age-restricted) can sell unflavored vape
products with a nicotine content of 35mg/ml or less.
Adult-only stores (those that restrict entry to customers age 21 and
older) can sell unflavored vape products with higher than 35mg/ml
content.
Smoking bars can sell flavored products for consumption on premises
only.
ADDITIONAL REMNDERS:
The ban on menthol cigarettes will go into effect June 1, 2020.
The flavor restriction for cigars, chewing tobacco and all other
tobacco products is still in effect.
. The cigar minimum price is still in effect. Minimum price of $2.50 plus
sales tax for any single cigar and minimum price of $5.00 plus sales tax
for any multipack.
Refer callers to mass.gov/NewTobaccoLaw for additional information.
Maureen Buzby
December 12, 2019
Pest Management Regulation for Land Owned by the Town of Reading
SECTION I — FINDINGS & PURPOSE
WHEREAS, all pesticides are toxic to some degree and the commonplace,
widespread use of pesticides is both a major environmental problem and a public
health issue;
WHEREAS, all citizens, and in particular children, as well as other inhabitants of
our natural environment, have a right to protection from exposure to hazardous
chemicals and pesticides in particular;
WHEREAS, a balanced and healthy ecosystem is vital to the health of the town
and its citizens; and as such is also in need of protection from exposure to
hazardous chemicals and pesticides;
WHEREAS, when an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human
health, precautionary measures should be taken, even if some cause and effect
relationships are not yet fully established; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of public health to: 1) eliminate the use of
toxic pesticides on Town-owned land; 2) encourage the reduction and elimination
of the use of toxic pesticides on private property; and, 3) introduce and promote
natural, organic cultural and management practices to prevent and, when
necessary, control pest problems on Town-owned land;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Health finds and declares that the purposes of
this Pest Management Regulation are: 1) to protect the public health by
restricting the use of hazardous chemicals and pesticides on Town-owned land;
2) to guarantee the right of the residents of the Town of Reading the safe use of
Town-owned land; and, 3) to encourage the reduction and elimination of the use
of toxic pesticides on private property.
SECTION II —AUTHORITY
This regulation is issued under the authority granted to the Reading Board of
Health by the Reading Select Board, which has care, custody, and control of
Town-owned land, has delegated this authority over such land to the Board of
Health only to the extent required to adopt and enforce this regulation. Any
future amendment to this regulation shall have no force and effect unless and
until specific authority to adopt such amendment is delegated by the Select
Board.
SECTION 111 — DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases, whenever used in this regulation, shall be
construed as defined in this section:
Pesticides shall mean herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, miticides, avicides,
rodenticides and other substances or mixtures of substances that are formulated
or intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests or to defoliate, desiccate,
or regulate undesirable plants. Only Pesticides that are classified as known,
likely, or probable human carcinogens or probable endocrine disruptors, or those
Pesticides that meet the criteria for Toxicity Category I or Toxicity Category II, as
defined by the United States Environmental Protection Act in 40 CFR 156 shall
be deemed to be subject to this regulation.
Pests shall mean undesirable plants, insects, fungi, bacteria, and rodents, birds
and other animals. Common examples in turf grass and the landscape can be,
but are not limited to, crabgrass, knotweed, poison ivy, chinch bugs, grubs, and a
variety of plant pathogens.
Town-owned land shall mean sidewalks and tree lawns owned by the Town of
Reading.
SECTION IV— PROHIBITION
The use and application of toxic pesticides is prohibited on all Town-owned land,
unless exempt from this regulation pursuant to Section VI.
SECTION V— CONTROL OF POTENTIAL PEST PROBLEMS
The Board of Health has determined that Organic Pest Management practices,
i.e. natural, organic turf and landscape cultural practices and maintenance, shall
be the method of choice to understand, prevent, and control potential pest
problems.
Control products used under the terms of this regulation shall be those products
on the approved list of the Northeast Organic Farmers Association Organic
Landcare Program and/or the Organic Materials Review Institute of Eugene,
Oregon, or such other lists or products as may be approved by the Board of
Health from time to time.
SECTION VI — EXEMPTIONS
All pest management activities taking place on Town-owned land shall be subject
to this regulation, except as follows:
1. Pesticides in contained baits or traps for the purpose of rodent control.
2. Pesticides classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
as exempt materials under 40 CFR 152.25, or those pesticides of a character not
requiring regulation pursuant to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act.
4. The use of chemical controls pursuant to a waiver approved in advance and in
writing by the Board of Health or its designee in the event of a public health
emergency as determined by the Board of Health; provided, however, that such
authority to grant a temporary waiver shall be limited to a period of 30 days; and
provided further that such waiver may be extended for an additional period not to
exceed six months but only by a vote of the Board of Health.
A. The Board of Health or its designee shall determine if such a waiver is
warranted based on (1) whether the pest situation poses a threat to
human health; and (2) whether viable alternatives consistent with this
regulation exist.
B. Any person granted a waiver hereunder shall comply with all applicable
laws, rules and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
including, but not limited to those requiring notification to site users,
abutters, and the proper method for storage, application, and posting.
SECTION VI"OMPLAINTS
Upon the first written complaint received about any practices or acts that may
violate any provision of this regulation, the Board of Health or its designee, shall
document the complaint and shall issue a copy of this regulation to the subject of
the complaint.
Upon second and subsequent written complaints:
1. If the Board of Health or its designee finds that an investigation is not
required because the alleged act or practice is not in violation of this
regulation, the Board of Health or its designee shall notify the complainant
of such finding and the reasons upon which it is based. The Board of
Health shall maintain a copy of each complaint and finding.
2. If the Board of Health or its designee finds that an investigation is
warranted, such investigation shall be conducted, and of the Board of
Health or its designee finds that there has been a violation of this
regulation, then the Board of Health shall be authorized to take such
action and institute such proceedings as are provided by law.
SECTION Vlll –VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
It shall be unlawful for any person to use or apply any toxic pesticides on any
Town-owned land except as specifically authorized in this regulation.
Any person who violates any provision of this regulation shall be subject to a fine
of$50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $150 for each
subsequent offense.
Each application of a prohibited pesticide in violation of this regulation shall be
deemed to be a separate offense.
Citations for violations of this regulation may be in such form as the Board of
Health may determine.
In addition to the penalties provided for hereunder, the Board of Health, with the
prior approval of the Select Board, shall have the authority to file a civil suit for
damages to compensate the Town for all costs incurred as a result of violations
of this regulation.
SECTION IX - OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS
This regulation shall not be interpreted or construed to permit the application or
use of pesticides or other hazardous materials where such use or application is
restricted by other applicable health, environmental, safety or fire codes,
regulations or statutes.
SECTION X– SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this regulation is declared invalid or unenforceable, for any
reason, in a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall be construed as
narrowly as possible, and the balance of the regulation shall be deemed to be
affected to the minimum extent necessary, so as to secure the purposes thereof,
as set forth in Section I.
SECTION XI—EFFECTIVE DATE
This regulation shall be effective
Adopted:
By the Board of Health
Pest Management Regulation for Land Owned by the Town of Reading
.SECTION I-IntemIFINDINGS&PURPOS Porm,tt, rv,c:eua
The Board of H--fth dnAA hereby find thaC
sorn„ae:ronmm
FOmntteA:PonF Pd0
All
WHEREAS, all pesticides are toxic to some degree and the commonplace, rmmarxn:names
widespread use of pesticides is both a major environmental problem and a public
health issue;
ANWHEREAS. all citizens, and in particular children, as well as other inhabitants
of our natural environment, have a right to protection from exposure to hazardous
chemicals and pesticides in particular,
AWHEREAS a balanced and healthy ecosystem is vital to the health of the town
and its citizens; and as such is also in need of protection from exposure to
hazardous chemicals and pesticides;
WhenWHEREAS. when an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or
human health, precautionary measures should be taken,even if some cause and
effect relationships are not yet fully established;and
NVJHEREAS. it is in the best interest of public health tom eliminate the use of
toxic pesticides on Town—owned land; tot encourage the reduction and
elimination of the use of toxic pesticides on private property; and4o 3)introduce
and promote natural, organic cultural and management practices to prevent and,
when necessary,control pest problems on Town-owned land;
AccordinglyNOW. THEREFORE, the Board of Health finds and declares that the
purposes of the rethis Pest Management RegulagensRegulation are-(_1)to protect
the public health by restricting the use of hazardous chemicals and pesticides on
Town-owned land-L2)to guarantee the right of the residents of the tewnTown of
Reading the safe use of publisTown-owned land-( a`d 3) to encourage the
reduction and elimination of the use of toxic pesticides on private property.
SECTION 11-AUTHORITY Fo.n.attea:Foac:eaa
This regulation is issued under the authority granted to the Reading Board of—�enm
Health
Boards at Health may mPkA Seasonable health by the Reading Select
Board which has care custody and unde"hecontrol of Town-owned land has
delegated this authority gremtedover such land to the Reading-Board of Health
unaa 2only to make
reguahsia -fei-the pu§Io�Jrealthextent required to adopt and safety-relative
nuisanses enforce this aulatio Any future amendment to this regulation shall
have no force and �sseRect less and until s2e 'fc autho ty to
adopt such amendment is delegated by the Select Board.
SECTION III DEFINITIONS Fermmea:rant eou
The following words and phrases,whenever used in
Regulatieasthis regulatipn, shall be construed as defined in this section:
Pesticides shall mean herbicides,fungi 'des insecticides miticides avicides
rodenticides d other substances or mixtures of substances that are tom elated
or intended to prevent, destroy,repel or mitigate pests or to defoliate desiccate
r regulate undesirable giants. Only PesticWts that are olassmed as known
likely probable human carcinogens or probable 20docrined' raptors or those
Pesticides that meet the cri<ena for Take tv Category I or Toxicity Category II as
defined by the United States Environmental Protection Act in 40 CFR 156 shall
be deemed to be subiect to this regulation
PestsHladeNrable shall mean undesirable plants,insects,fungi, bacteria,and
rodents,birds and other animals.Common examples in turf grass and the
landscape can be, but are not limited to,crabgrass,knotweed, poison ivy,chinch
bugs,grubs, and a variety of plant pathogens.
OF M t gets POSW-F defoliate des esste -F Fall 1-1-plant,*as defined by the
endoixinedsoupt-r- 9F th-SP past Sides that meet the Aritgria for TAX at)
PFoteGton8ct(EPA) resale
Fedesa- Re
Town-owned land s all mean sidewalks and tree lawns owned by the Town of
Reading+
C CTION IV PROHIBITION / vormepea:font eotl
The use and application of toxic e4emiGa4estiades—ieTfwwate-senMast ,
is prohibited on all Town-owned landsland unless
exempt from this regulation pursuant to Section VI.
SECTION V—CONTROL OF POTENTIAL PEST PROBLEMS 'F°"''BO''0
The Board of Health has determined that Organic Pest Management practices,
i.e.natural, organic turf and landscape cultural practices and maintenance,shall
be the method of choice to understand, prevent,and control potential pest
problem
Control products used under the terms of this RegWetienregulalion shall be those
products on the approved list of NOFNMass{Lq_Northeasl Organic
ParmersFarners Association lMass:)Organic Landcare Program and/or the
Organic Materials Review Institute of Eugene, Oregon,or such other lists or
products as may be approved by the ape-Board of Health from
time to time.
SECTION VI EXEMPTIONS °;font:mm
AII-eutdeer pest management activities taking place on Town-of-Reading=owned
land shall be subject to arsthis regulation,except as follows:
�e9ply
21.Pesticides in Contained bads or traps for the purpose of rodent control.
32. Pesticides classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency
as exempt materials under 40GRF40 CFR 152.25,or those pesticides of a
character not requiring FIFRA-regulatioursuant to the Federal Insectici
Fungicide,and Rodenticide Act.
4. The use of chemical Controls"pursuant to a waiver approved in advance and
in writing by the Neaith-Agent-�Board of Health or is designee in the
event of a public health emergency as determined-lby4he,44eaftlh-Ageflt-or by the
Board of Health;provided, however,that such authority to grant a temporary
waiver shall be limited to a period of thill days-AnY' and provided further that
such waiver may be extended
for an additional period not to exceed six months but only by a vote of the Board
of Health.
A The Board of Health or is designee shall determine if such a waiver is
warranted based on til whether the pest situation poses a threat to
human health and (2)whether viable alternatives consistent with this
regulation exist.
a. Any person granted a waiver hereunder romimaa:Numbnm+Lee:L+Numb.Nlq styes:
shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the c-ae a�taom:r+nignmene:ret+ugam at: 0.2
Commonwealth of Massachusetts including,but not limitetl to those
requiring notification to site users, abutters, and the proper method for
storage,application,and posting.
SECTION Vila—COMPLAINTS wmercea:ranc ode
roraaaees:rant eau
A.—Upon the first written sempWRtscomplaint received about any practices or
acts that may violate any provision of theseRegulationsregulation,the Board
of Health Agentor its designee shall document the complaint and shall issue a
copy ofthisregulation to the property owraeir.subject of the complaint.
R Upon second and subsequent written complaints:
t
1_If the-Board of Health Agentor its deslgllee finds that an investigation is Far.aneA:xumecm+Lore:to Numiaed,Slyt:42,
or
9
not required because the alleged act practice is not in violation of these s,--+s.n ae r+nuynmma Let+Alyn at: 0ss +
rmmtae os•
ReguHNenslhis regulation,the Board of Health Agentor its designee shall
notify the complainant of such finding and the reasons upon which it is
based.The Board of Health lgeaFshall previderryg'n�a rePeHae tha
m and
findingsfjPd[ng.
�F
2. If the Board of Health Agentor its tlesignee finds that an investigation is rormame:Nombe-i+Lme:r+nombm"s styes:i,21
warranted,Me Wealth AgerAsuch investigation shall urvestigateLe s....+stn zr.uugnmmc Len+ugnm a<: o.zs-+
conducted,and ffofthe Board of Health Agantor its desionee finds that IMmt at x.r
there has been a violation of these-Regulatiensthis regulation,then the
HealthAgentander Board of Health shall be authorized to take such
action and institute such proceetlings as are provided by law.
SECTION VIII—VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES route cam:sou
Arlt shall be unlawful for any person to use or apply any toxic ohemiGal
pesticides on any town-Town-owned land except as specifically authorized in
these Reflulatiens.Th a rasludes appi Gat on of past sides on town owried'and
that assure;dur Rg appi GatiOR Of Past G des W pit Yale .this regulation.
B—Any person who violates any provision of these Rest Managemen
Regslatiensthis regulation shall be subject to a fine of{$50b9}degar6 for a first
offense,($100.09)dollars for a second offense,and($150.00)-dollars for third
andeach subsequent effensesoffense.
G-Each application of a prohibited produstpestic'tle'nviolation ofthis regulation
shall be deemed to be a separate offense.
D-Citations for violations of this reaulation
may be in such form as the Board of Health may determine.
C.-in addition to the penalties provided for hereunder,the Board of Health,with
the prior approval of the Select Board shall have the authority to file a civil suit
for damages to compensate the Town for all costs incurred as a result of
violations of these F8gulat 9%this regulation.
SECTION XIX-OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS Fo.a.eea:rpm:add
These Pest Management Regulat ons Fa..tkW:bW Wd
This regulation shall not be interpreted or construed to permit the application or
use of pesticides or other hazardous materials where such use or application is
restricted by other applicable health,environmental, safety or fire codes,
regulations or statutes.
,SECTION XVX-SEVERABILITY Fwm•nea:ran:eow
Foa••nee:rose eou
held nval d, SUGh Avalidity,she"no!attest ft pmv a qns'ef these Pes
ManagemeAt Regulations that can be given aftGWAth-ut the nvalldproyson,
severable:
If any provision of this reputation is declared invalid or unenforceable,for any
reason, in a court of competenturadiction. such invalidity shall be construed as
narroWiv as possible and the balance of the regulation shall be deemed to be
affected to the minimum extent necessary,so as to secure the purposes thereof,
as set forth in Section I.
,SECTION X4-X1—EFFECTIVE DATE Fwm•ned:w•c add
;Aesecegulatiuns roraanm:rpm:add
This regulation shall be effective upon-pubNsaNen
Adopted:
By the Board of Health etc-
�O�N OFAEgO'N
o Public Services
N` Town of Reading Health Division
q d
4 a 16 Lowell Street Phone: (781)942-9061
° Reading MA 01867 Fax: (7si>94z-9071
s`te. open a Website: www.readinema.eov
INCORQ
Board of Health
2020 Meeting Schedule
Tuesday January 14, 2020
Tuesday February 18, 2020
Tuesday March 10, 2020
Tuesday April 21, 2020
Tuesday May 12, 2020
Tuesday June 23, 2020
Tuesday July 28, 2020
Tuesday August 18, 2020
Tuesday September 15, 2020
Tuesday October 13, 2020
Tuesday November 10, 2020
Tuesday December 1 , 2020