NOTICE: Mosquito Talk
Below is a link to an mp3 of the audio recording of the mosquito talk, saved in dropbox. You can access the recording by pasting the URL:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bxdd6qx2pff3o5d/Mosquito%20Control%20Panel%20-Cruiseport%20-%203-27-13.MP3
into your favorite web browser. You may be prompted to open a dropbox account, if you don't already have one; however, you don't need to have (nor create) a dropbox account to open this. (so you can go around the "open account" prompts)
MISSION
The Rockport Board of Health mission is to promote and protect
public health in Rockport.
The Board of Health over sees health and safety issues with regard to: retail food establishments, septic systems, public beaches, semi-public pools and hot tubs, sanitary housing issues, recreational camps for children, disease surveillance and reporting, emergency preparedness, and more.
FOOD
The Board of Health's Food Inspector conducts regular inspections and responds to complaints of all retail food establishments in accordance with the Massachusetts retail food establishment regulations and specific portions of the 2009 Federal Food Code. Retail food establishments include restaurants, food service take-out, food stores, convenience stores, bed & breakfast establishments (4-9 rooms), caterers, residential kitchens, and temporary food events. Food Permit Applications
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
The Board of Health is charged with enforcing Title 5 septic system regulations and Rockport septic system regulations. Before selling a property with a septic system, the septic system must be inspected by a private Title 5 Inspector and the report reviewed and approved by the Health Agent. The Health Agent witnesses soil tests, reviews septic system plans, and inspects the installation of septic systems.
Local Septic Information: Lists of Professionals, Regulations, Fact Sheets, etc.
Local Septic Applications: Soil Testing, Installer's Permit, etc.
Septic Information from MA Department of Environmental Protection
Septic Loan information from Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency
Septic Tax Credit information from MA Department of Revenue
HOUSING
The Health Agent responds to housing complaints by conducting inspections under the State Sanitary Code: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation.
Link to
MassLegal Services.
BED BUGS
Link to EPA webpage
Frequently Asked Questions
Information
What’s Working for Bed Bug Control in Multifamily Housing
Information sheet for apartment company managers and staff
Bed Bug Treatment What You Should Expect
Bed Bug news, information, activisim and support.
CAMPS
Recreational Camps for Children must be licensed and inspected by the Board of Health.
SWIMMING POOLS
All swimming pools and special purpose pools (hot tubs) that are public or semi-public (hotel, condo, apartment, etc.) shall be maintained by a trained Certified Pool Operator. The Health Agent inspects those pools annually for compliance with the Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
The Public Health Nurse investigates and reports all communicable diseases as required by the Mass Department of Public Health (MDPH) including tuberculosis, salmonella, campylobacter, pertussis, etc.
FLU CARE RESOURCES
Seasonal Flu Updates from the CDC
Influenza Mass Dept. of Public Health
Protecting, Preparing, and Caring - for Yourself and Others -MDPH
Flu: Caring for People at Home -MDPH
Flu Related Complications -CDC
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed: Ready.gov
American Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts
BEACHES
Rockport's public beaches are tested regularly during the summer season (June to September) for bacterial contamination. Beach testing results are posted on-line for all public beaches. In recent years, all of Rockport's beaches have consistently tested safe for swimming. However, people should avoid playing in streams or creeks, particularly after a heavy rain. The streams at Long Beach and Front beach typically have levels of bacteria unsafe for swimming for a day or so during and after heavy rains.
FISH AND SHELLFISH ADVISORIES
Local Red Tide Information is available from Mass. Div. of Marine Fisheries.
Fish Consumption Advisory web page. Certain types of fish/shellfish should not be eaten by children under 12, pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, or nursing mothers. Lobster tomalley should not be eaten by anyone.
MASSAGE THERAPY
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Massage Therapy issues licenses to Massage Therapists.
OFFICE IS OPEN
Adminstrative Assistant, Paula Geehan is available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00 – 12:00
Health Agent, Leslie Whelan has Open Office Hours Monday & Thursday 9:00 – 10:00
For additional days and times, it's best to call or email Leslie directly to schedule a meeting.
Closed Friday
MEETINGS
The Board of Health meets once a month at 6:30 PM at the Town Hall Annex, 26 Broadway.
Board Members
Dr. Syndey Wedmore, Chairman
Dr. Russell Sandfield
Richard Meringer
Staff and Consultants
Leslie Whelan, R.S., Health Agent
Paula Geehan, Administrative Assistant
Regina Ghidella, R.N., Public Health Nurse
Laura Osmond, Food Consultant
