On the agenda: Littleton meeting — Data Center (Oct 28)

Town of Littleton
Board of Health

Received: AS
Date/Time: 10/26/26 – 4:25 PM
Revised:
Date/Time:

BOH AGENDA
VIRTUAL MEETING VIA ZOOM October 28th, 2026
7:00PM
https://littletonma.zoom.us/j/84561571882?pwd=astn2nL6hYmn7g5wqNONdpDKbrkBaS.1
Passcode:961841
Webinar ID: 845 6157 1882
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Public Hearing: 173 Goldsmith

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Discussion: Liquefied Natural Gas

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ID Decision Support Tool: Board Discussion on Community Illness and Prevention

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Administrative Matters
o Meeting Minute Approval—10/14/2026

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Correspondence

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Board Member Updates, Comments for Discussion, and Public Input

Included in Meeting Packet:
•

BOH Agenda 10/28/2026

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BOH Minutes 10/14/2026

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173 Goldsmith Application

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meeting through any medium, subject to reasonable requirements of the chair as to the number, placement and operation of equipment used so as not to interfere with
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Town of Littleton
Board of Health
Meeting Minutes - Draft
October 14th, 2026
Virtual Meeting
BOH Members Present: Kevin Baker, Chair; Libby Donegan, Clerk; Matt Wayson, Kevin Davis,
Members
BOH Members Absent: Dan Kane, Vice-Chair
Health Department Staff Present: Kelli Calo, Health Director
Members of the Public Presenting:

Mr. Baker called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Discussion: Data Centers
Ms. Donegan said a Data Center Working Group was formed at the 9/28 Select Board meeting.
Recommendations to the Select Board are to be submitted by February 2027, though a meeting has not
been scheduled. Mr. Davis asked about his request to be in the Working Group; Ms. Donegan said Mr.
Kyle Bubp of the Select Board had not received this. Mr. Baker suggested pushing discussions of next
steps to the 11/18 Board of Health meeting and inviting Mr. Bubp.
Discussion: Private Well Regulations
Ms. Calo said the draft Private Well Regulation was sent to Town Counsel, who provided comments.
After finalization, the draft may go to a Public Hearing. Ms. Alexandra Rubin of Town Counsel noted
that there was no Alteration section. Ms. Rubin suggested consolidating the Certified Well Driller
definition. The Board accepted this comment. Ms. Rubin suggested clarifying the PFAS testing section,
which the Board accepted. Ms. Calo accepted Ms. Rubin’s suggestion to alter language regarding the
Gross Alpha Screen and Radon Test to match MassDEP guidelines. The Board said chloroform bacteria
and nitrate/nitrite tests should match MassDEP guidelines. The Board approved adding regulations and
measurements suggested by Ms. Rubin. Ms. Calo said the Board can refer readers to MassDEP’s
Alterations section. The Board removed the 30-day waiting requirement prior to issuing Variances. Dr.
Wayson noted discrepancies between the Board’s and MassDEP’s Gross Alpha Screen and Radon Test
regulations. Mr. Davis suggested that MassDEP’s radium testing regulations also be included. The Board
discussed.
Discussion: Liquefied Natural Gas

Ms. Donegan said the Boston Gas Company/National Grid will go before the Zoning Board of Appeals
on 10/15 to request an Industrial Use Variance to operate a temporary LNG facility in a Residential Zone
at 2 Cataldo Pond Way. Ms. Donegan said National Grid has two LNG facilities, one at 550 King Street
(King) that has been operational for 2 years, and the proposed location at 2 Cataldo Pond Way (Cataldo)
that will begin operations in the 2027-2028 heating season if approved. Mr. Baker asked how the King
facility could operate without going before the Select Board or ZBA.
Ms. Donegan said the Conservation Commission approved the Cataldo facility, and that National Grid
hired Epsilon Associates Inc. to perform a sound level study. Ms. Donegan said mitigation measures will
be used as needed to meet regulations. She said National Grid met with the Littleton and Westford Fire
Departments to discuss safety and pipeline issues. Mr. Baker said Mr. Jim Gareffi might have
information on the King facility’s permitting history. Mr. Baker said the Board can intervene if a
nuisance is reported. Ms. Donegan and Mr. Baker discussed a bond to address emergency responses.
Mr. Davis said 550 King Street is surrounded by highways, whereas Cataldo Pond Way is surrounded by
woodlands, affecting the sound level study. Mr. Davis volunteered to attend the 10/15 ZBA meeting as a
member of the Board. Mr. Baker volunteered to email Ms. Gould and Mr. Bubp on the issue.
Discussion: Town Meeting Article 8—Stormwater Management
Ms. Donegan referenced Article 8 of the Town Meeting Warrant, which would redirect unused funds
from the Town Hall Feasibility Study to a Town Stormwater Plan; a fee for residents would be included.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) recommends that Boards of Health endorse these
fees, which would reduce plastic waste, improve climate preparedness, and protect natural resources.
Ms. Donegan said MAPC’s proposed user fee-based model will create a funding stream for the cause.
Ms. Donegan explained that credits could be awarded to residents who implement low-impact
construction and designs, and for certain communities such as the elderly and those with disabilities.
Dr. Wayson asked how the need for stormwater remediation would be calculated, how this would
translate into a fee, and where high-risk areas were located. Ms. Donegan said this would be calculated
by the Department of Public Works via proposed GIS funding. Mr. Davis asked if those living on
wetlands would receive credits. Mr. Baker asked how this would affect residents; Ms. Donegan said it
would mitigate issues caused by climate change and encourage residents to adopt infrastructure
conducive to stormwater management. Ms. Donegan said that many municipalities have adopted similar
policies. Mr. Baker said this would be on the Town Meeting Warrant for the 10/27 Town Meeting.
Discussion: Town Meeting Article 3--Chapter 40U
Ms. Calo said an article to adopt M.G.L Chapter 40U is on the 10/27 Town Meeting Warrant; Chapter
40U provides municipalities with an administrative process for issuing, appealing, and collecting fines
related to housing, sanitary, and snow/ice removal violations. The Health Department would lead a team
of municipal staff on implementation and enforcement. Dr. Wayson asked about the Health
Department’s role; Ms. Calo said she and Mr. Baker met with Attorney Peter Brown, who said the
Health Department would lead the process. Mr. Baker said alternatives were also proposed at that

meeting. He expressed feelings that Chapter 40U was not “right for Littleton,” but that alternatives may
help the Town monitor and aid individuals struggling to maintain their property. Ms. Calo said that she
met with the Littleton Police, Fire, Elder and Human Services, and Building Departments on the matter,
and that she is working with the owners of two unsightly properties; they have made progress on both
without Chapter 40U. Dr. Wayson asked how Chapter 40U was set up in other towns; Mr. Baker and Ms.
Calo explained. Ms. Calo said the Hearing Officer would be chosen by the Select Board.
Dr. Wayson expressed concern that Chapter 40U was not discussed with the Board. Mr. Baker said he
perceived little support for the policy. Ms. Donegan said that while Mr. Brown claimed Chapter 40U
would connect residents to care, she cannot find evidence for this and is skeptical of the policy. Ms.
Donegan said Chapter 40U has been used in cities such as Somerville and Boston, for uses not
comparable to Littleton’s proposal. She said most municipalities using Chapter 40U target blighted
properties as opposed to the properties Littleton is considering; Littleton’s policy also does not currently
allow defendants to claim financial hardship, unlike in other towns such as Weymouth. Dr. Wayson and
the Board discussed providing input on future Town Meeting articles. Mr. Baker suggested that a Board
member should attend all Select Board meetings. He urged residents to vote “no” on Article 3 at the
10/28 Town Meeting, concerning Chapter 40U.
Discussion: Notice of Disclosure—Office Coordinator
Ms. Calo said the Health Department is hiring an Office Coordinator. All municipal employees
participating in the interview process must disclose working or personal relationships with candidates.
Ms. Calo said she sent the required disclosure forms to the Board and disclosed that she had previously
worked with 3 of the 25 candidates. Ms. Calo worked with one candidate for a previous municipality,
where they both served on the Substance Use Prevention Network. Ms. Calo worked with the second
candidate in two positions, and with the third candidate in one position. Ms. Calo claimed no personal
relationships or financial interest in any candidate. Ms. Calo said she must obtain the Board’s permission
to participate in the interview process.
Mr. Baker made a motion to allow Ms. Calo to take part in the interview and hiring process for the
Office Coordinator position. Mr. Davis seconded. Roll call, Kevin Baker—yes, Libby Donegan—yes,
Matt Wayson—yes, Kevin Davis--yes. The vote passed 4-0.
ID Decision Support Tool: Board Discussion on Community Illness and Prevention
Dr. Wayson said there was no State data on vaccinations, but that vaccinations are available. He said
COVID-19 cases remain low. Dr. Wayson said a new dashboard on wastewater testing for COVID-19,
influenza, and RSV notes high risk for COVID-19. Dr. Wayson reported moderate risk for West Nile
Virus, with one local case, and low risk for influenza and RSV. Ms. Donegan recommended consulting
Ms. Susan Sama, Public Health Nurse, for further feedback and support. Dr. Wayson noted that vaccines
are safe long-term, and that everyone was recommended to get the influenza shot. Those of all ages can
receive a COVID-19 shot, and those over 65 should receive two doses annually.
Administrative Matters

Meeting Minute Approval—6/24/2026: Ms. Donegan made a motion to approve the 6/24/2026
Meeting Minutes as presented. Mr. Davis seconded. Roll call, Kevin Baker—abstain, Libby
Donegan—yes, Matt Wayson—yes. Kevin Davis--yes. The vote passed 3-0-1.
Meeting Minute Approval—9/23/2026: Mr. Davis made a motion to approve the 9/23/2026 Meeting
Minutes as presented. Ms. Donegan seconded. Roll call, Kevin Baker—yes, Libby Donegan—yes,
Matt Wayson—yes. Kevin Davis--yes. The vote passed 4-0.
Scheduling: Ms. Calo noted that some Board members had requested to begin either monthly meetings
or earlier meetings as opposed to the current model and requested input. Mr. Baker proposed a monthly
evening meeting for public hearings, and a monthly daytime meeting for administrative and Select
Board matters. Ms. Donegan clarified that meetings would remain transparent. The Board decided to
hold monthly evening meetings, and to consider implementing monthly daytime meetings in 2027. Ms.
Calo said she would be at a conference during the Board’s upcoming 10/28 meeting, and that there
might be a septic hearing on the agenda; Ms. Calo said she would provide guidance from herself and the
engineer. Mr. Baker confirmed that the Board will meet on 11/18 and 12/9 at 7:00 PM.
Dr. Wayson asked about Ms. Sama’s contract renewal. Ms. Calo said the contract was not renewed
during the 2026 fiscal year, and so it had to be reviewed as a formality; no action was necessary.
Mr. Baker made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Dr. Wayson seconded. Roll call, Kevin Baker—yes,
Libby Donegan—yes, Matt Wayson—yes, Kevin Davis--yes. The meeting adjourned at 8:21 PM.
List of Presented Documents
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BOH Agenda 10/14/2026

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BOH Minutes 9/23/2026

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BOH Minutes 6/24/2026

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Select Board Meeting Packet 9/23/2026

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Littleton Well Regulations Draft

Town of Littleton
Board of Health
Meeting Minutes - Draft
October 28th, 2026
Virtual Meeting
BOH Members Present: Kevin Baker, Chair; Dan Kane, Vice-Chair; Libby Donegan, Clerk; Matt
Wayson, Kevin Davis, Members
BOH Members Absent:
Health Department Staff Present: Kelli Calo, Health Director
Members of the Public Presenting:
X called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Mr. Baker made a motion to Y. Ms. Donegan seconded. Roll call, Kevin Baker—yes, Dan Kane—yes,
Libby Donegan—yes, Matt Wayson—no, Kevin Davis--no. The vote passed 3-2.
Public Hearing: 173 Goldsmith
Discussion: Liquefied Natural Gas
ID Decision Support Tool: Board Discussion on Community Illness and Prevention
Administrative Matters
Meeting Minute Approval—10/14/2026: X made a motion to approve the 10/14/2026 Meeting Minutes
as presented. Y seconded. Roll call, Kevin Baker—yes, Dan Kane—yes, Libby Donegan—yes, Matt
Wayson—abstain. Kevin Davis--abstain. The vote passed 3-0-2.
Correspondence
Board Member Updates, Comments for Discussion, and Public Input
X made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Y seconded. Roll call, Kevin Baker—yes, Dan Kane—yes,
Libby Donegan—yes, Matt Wayson—yes, Kevin Davis--yes. The meeting adjourned at 9:36 PM.
List of Presented Documents
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BOH Agenda 10/28/2026

•

BOH Minutes 10/14/2026

October 26, 2026
Kelli Calo, Health Director
Littleton Board of Health
37 Shattuck Street
Littleton, MA 01460
Ref:

Littleton Board of Health Review
173 Goldsmith Street, Littleton, MA
Sewage Disposal System Plan – September 30, 2026; revised October 23, 2026

Dear Kelli,
LandTech Consultants, Inc. (LandTech) has reviewed the Sewage Disposal System Plan prepared
by Harrington Associates, LLC dated September 30, 2026 and revised on October 23, 2026. The design is
for an upgrade to the sewage disposal system that services an existing four-bedroom single-family
dwelling located at 173 Goldsmith Street. The revised plan proposes a reduction of bedrooms from four
(existing) to three (proposed).
The following local upgrade approval requests are noted on the plan, with LandTech recommendations in
Italics:


310 CMR 15.405(1)(b) – Reduce minimum setback distance from soil absorption system to cellar
wall from 20 feet (required) to 10.0 feet (provided).
 310 CMR 15.405(1)(b) – Reduce minimum setback distance from soil absorption system to slab
foundation from 10 feet (required) to 2.5 feet (provided).
This variance Is being requested as a local upgrade approval which allows for a reduction of system
location setbacks to cellar wall/slab foundation when full compliance is not feasible. LandTech
recommends that the Board approve this request due to site constraints discussed above. Landtech
recommends that an impervious barrier be installed between SAS and cellar wall/slab where minimum
setbacks cannot be met.


310 CMR 15.405(1)(f) – Reduce minimum setback distance from soil absorption system to
foundation drain from 20 feet (required) to 10.0 feet (provided).
 310 CMR 15.405(1)(f) – Reduce minimum setback distance from soil absorption system to
foundation dry well from 25 feet (required) to 15.0 feet (provided).
This variance Is being requested as a local upgrade approval which allows for a reduction of soil absorption
system location setbacks to foundation drain/dry well when full compliance is not feasible. LandTech
recommends that the Board approve this request due to site constraints discussed above.


310CMR15.405(1)(h) Depth to Ground Water: Reduction of four-foot separation from bottom of
soil absorption system to high ground water elevation from four feet to three feet.
Landtech recommends that the Board approve this request. Allowing the requested one-foot reduction in
required separation to groundwater will help to minimize the extents of filling along property lines.
The following variances from the Littleton Board of Health Regulations are noted on the plan, with
LandTech recommendations in Italics:



Littleton Board of Health Regulations #23 & #27: No portion of a fill requirement for a subsurface
sewage disposal system shall be within 10 feet of a property line. This shall include the required
expansion area. Abutter notification shall be in accordance with Regulation #23.
Landtech recommends approving the variance to allow the placement of fill within 10 feet of a property
line due to site constraints referenced above.
LandTech offers the following comments:
1. Due to the undersized lot area and the location of existing dwelling and garage structures, a
system in full compliance with Title 5 and local regulations cannot be constructed. Landtech would
recommend the Board allow the requested reductions in offsets from the soil absorption system
to the cellar wall at dwelling, slab foundation at garage, foundation drain, and dry well. See
comments below regarding concerns and recommendations regarding the design & layout of the
proposed system.
2. We recommend that the design engineer consider utilizing an approved Title 5
innovative/alternative technology for the soil absorption system (e.g. Presby Enviro-Septic,
GeoMat, etc.) which would provide a reduction in required bed area. Using an I/A dispersal system
with allowed reductions in bed area could also help reduce the extents of the requested setback
reductions to property lines, cellar wall/slab foundation, and foundation drain/dry wells.
Additionally, utilizing the allowed reduction in bed size for I/A dispersal systems could allow the
facility to retain the four existing bedrooms, instead of reducing the number of bedrooms from
four to three.
3. The irregular shape of the proposed leaching bed does not appear to meet the requirements of
310 CMR 15.252, with lateral separation from distribution line to edge of bed seemingly exceeding
the 4-foot maximum. Additionally, due to the irregular angles of the bed it does not appear that
equal distribution across the field can be achieved. Maintaining regular shape and spacing of
laterals and requesting a reduction in offset to property line would be preferable to the proposed
layout.
4. It is unclear how the existing dwelling will be limited to three bedrooms, and how this limitation
would remain enforceable after construction of the proposed system. If reducing the number of
bedrooms, the applicant should provide floor plans which demonstrate how the reduction in
bedroom count is being achieved. Additionally, if reducing the number of bedrooms within the
existing dwelling, the Board should consider requiring a deed restriction essentially identical to
the model Grant of Title 5 Bedroom Count Deed Restriction developed by MassDEP, be prepared
and recorded which limits the dwelling to three bedrooms.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Best regards,
LANDTECH CONSULTANTS, INC.

Matthew Stangle, EIT
Project Engineer
Enc.

Sewage Disposal System Plan
Pressure distribution system calculations

October 26, 2026
Kelli Calo, Health Director
Littleton Board of Health
37 Shattuck Street
Littleton, MA 01460
Ref:

Littleton Board of Health Review
173 Goldsmith Street, Littleton, MA
Sewage Disposal System Plan – September 30, 2026; revised October 23, 2026

Dear Kelli,
LandTech Consultants, Inc. (LandTech) has reviewed the Sewage Disposal System Plan prepared
by Harrington Associates, LLC dated September 30, 2026 and revised on October 23, 2026. The design is
for an upgrade to the sewage disposal system that services an existing four-bedroom single-family
dwelling located at 173 Goldsmith Street. The revised plan proposes a reduction of bedrooms from four
(existing) to three (proposed).
The following local upgrade approval requests are noted on the plan, with LandTech recommendations in
Italics:


310 CMR 15.405(1)(b) – Reduce minimum setback distance from soil absorption system to cellar
wall from 20 feet (required) to 10.0 feet (provided).
 310 CMR 15.405(1)(b) – Reduce minimum setback distance from soil absorption system to slab
foundation from 10 feet (required) to 2.5 feet (provided).
This variance Is being requested as a local upgrade approval which allows for a reduction of system
location setbacks to cellar wall/slab foundation when full compliance is not feasible. LandTech
recommends that the Board approve this request due to site constraints discussed above. Landtech
recommends that an impervious barrier be installed between SAS and cellar wall/slab where minimum
setbacks cannot be met.


310 CMR 15.405(1)(f) – Reduce minimum setback distance from soil absorption system to
foundation drain from 20 feet (required) to 10.0 feet (provided).
 310 CMR 15.405(1)(f) – Reduce minimum setback distance from soil absorption system to
foundation dry well from 25 feet (required) to 15.0 feet (provided).
This variance Is being requested as a local upgrade approval which allows for a reduction of soil absorption
system location setbacks to foundation drain/dry well when full compliance is not feasible. LandTech
recommends that the Board approve this request due to site constraints discussed above.


310CMR15.405(1)(h) Depth to Ground Water: Reduction of four-foot separation from bottom of
soil absorption system to high ground water elevation from four feet to three feet.
Landtech recommends that the Board approve this request. Allowing the requested one-foot reduction in
required separation to groundwater will help to minimize the extents of filling along property lines.
The following variances from the Littleton Board of Health Regulations are noted on the plan, with
LandTech recommendations in Italics:



Littleton Board of Health Regulations #23 & #27: No portion of a fill requirement for a subsurface
sewage disposal system shall be within 10 feet of a property line. This shall include the required
expansion area. Abutter notification shall be in accordance with Regulation #23.
Landtech recommends approving the variance to allow the placement of fill within 10 feet of a property
line due to site constraints referenced above.
LandTech offers the following comments:
1. Due to the undersized lot area and the location of existing dwelling and garage structures, a
system in full compliance with Title 5 and local regulations cannot be constructed. Landtech would
recommend the Board allow the requested reductions in offsets from the soil absorption system
to the cellar wall at dwelling, slab foundation at garage, foundation drain, and dry well. See
comments below regarding concerns and recommendations regarding the design & layout of the
proposed system.
2. We recommend that the design engineer consider utilizing an approved Title 5
innovative/alternative technology for the soil absorption system (e.g. Presby Enviro-Septic,
GeoMat, etc.) which would provide a reduction in required bed area. Using an I/A dispersal system
with allowed reductions in bed area could also help reduce the extents of the requested setback
reductions to property lines, cellar wall/slab foundation, and foundation drain/dry wells.
Additionally, utilizing the allowed reduction in bed size for I/A dispersal systems could allow the
facility to retain the four existing bedrooms, instead of reducing the number of bedrooms from
four to three.
3. The irregular shape of the proposed leaching bed does not appear to meet the requirements of
310 CMR 15.252, with lateral separation from distribution line to edge of bed seemingly exceeding
the 4-foot maximum. Additionally, due to the irregular angles of the bed it does not appear that
equal distribution across the field can be achieved. Maintaining regular shape and spacing of
laterals and requesting a reduction in offset to property line would be preferable to the proposed
layout.
4. It is unclear how the existing dwelling will be limited to three bedrooms, and how this limitation
would remain enforceable after construction of the proposed system. If reducing the number of
bedrooms, the applicant should provide floor plans which demonstrate how the reduction in
bedroom count is being achieved. Additionally, if reducing the number of bedrooms within the
existing dwelling, the Board should consider requiring a deed restriction essentially identical to
the model Grant of Title 5 Bedroom Count Deed Restriction developed by MassDEP, be prepared
and recorded which limits the dwelling to three bedrooms.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Best regards,
LANDTECH CONSULTANTS, INC.

Matthew Stangle, EIT
Project Engineer
Enc.

Sewage Disposal System Plan
Pressure distribution system calculations