Littleton Board of Health Approves Three Septic Actions, Continues Well Regulation Hearing

LITTLETON -- May 24, 2023, Littleton Board of Health hears opioid settlement strategy pitch, approves three septic actions, and continues private well hearing amid cost concerns. At the May 24 meeting, Nicole Savetta, Assistant Director at Littleton Elder and Human Services, recommended the town form a multi-stakeholder task force to guide allocation of approximately $384,700 in opioid settlement funds the town is slated to receive by 2029, citing gaps including no Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in town and no local addiction treatment or supportive housing. The board approved Title 5 local upgrade variances for 61 Oak Hill Road, granted a pool setback variance at 300 Harwood Avenue after Health Agent Gene Gareffi acknowledged a permit-review error on that project, and unanimously approved a 4,000-gallon tight tank as the only feasible wastewater option on a wetland-constrained lot at 18 Ivy Road. On private well regulations, resident Chase Garbarone of 1 Oak Ridge Road estimated annual compliance costs at roughly $400,000 townwide if the board adopts broad testing requirements, calling the surveillance benefit "not worth the cost," while resident Rebecca Craven said she learned of the pending regulation change only through a Facebook comment, prompting board discussion of how to reach the town's several hundred private well owners before any vote.