Ensuring Safe and Healthy Environments
Environmental health initiatives are crucial in maintaining safe living conditions for the residents of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. By addressing environmental hazards and promoting healthy practices, we strive to create a sustainable and health-conscious community. Our efforts include monitoring air and water quality, managing waste, and educating the public on environmental health issues.
The Boards of Health routinely inspect and monitor the health of our natural surroundings and we work closely with engineers, biologists, and other specialists to ensure an eco-system of health.
Our Environmental Health Initiatives
Safe Drinking Water
Water safety and sanitation are important parts of day-to-day public health activities on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. From the water you use at home, work, at school, or in recreation, public health plays a role in that water’s health and safety assessment and maintenance.
Soil Inspection & Septic Systems
Installation of new septic systems on residential and commercial properties requires an inspection of the soil to determine the suitability of the proposed septic system and to ensure no runoff will occur which could contaminate the surrounding soil and/or end up as runoff in our waterways.
Air Quality
Good air quality is essential for a vibrant community. By prioritizing air quality, we not only protect individual health but also enhance the collective well-being of our islands’ residents and visitors.
Tick-Borne Illness
The Inter-Island Public Health Collaborative has a Public Health Biologist on staff to study and monitor the Island’s tick population for disease and other significant changes in species or population growth.
Mosquito-Borne Illness
Mosquitoes and the potential for disease spread is another top concern of Public Health officials on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. The Inter-Island Public Health Collaborative’s Public Health Biologist monitors the local mosquito population.
Safe Drinking Water
Water safety and sanitation are important parts of day-to-day public health activities on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. From the water you use at home, work, at school, or in recreation, public health plays a role in that water’s health and safety assessment and maintenance.
Well Water Testing In Massachusetts, public and private water systems are regulated differently. MassDEP regulates public water systems under the Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations, 310 CMR 22.00. Local boards of health regulate private water systems (private wells).
A public water system provides water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances to at least 15 service connections or serves an average of at least 25 people for at least 60 days a year. A public water system may be publicly or privately owned.
A private water supply provides water for human consumption and consists of a system that has less than fifteen service connections and either (1) serves less than twenty-five individuals or (2) serves an average of twenty-five or more individuals daily for less than sixty days of the year. The term “private well” is typically used for a well that provides drinking water for a single family residence.
If you have a private well, The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends well owners test their water at least annually for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern. You can pick up a water quality testing kit at Wampanoag Environmental Laboratory or Local Board of Health.
Recreational Water Testing – The Island boasts several ponds, streams, swimming holes, and beaches where residents and visitors swim, fish, and participate in water sports. To ensure these activities can continue safely, local public health officials routinely test for levels of harmful water contaminants, including cyanobacteria. Notable outcomes of these tests including warnings or bans on swimming and fishing are posted online and onsite.
PFAS – PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a collection of manmade substance also known as “forever chemicals” often found in groundwater and drinking water and are linked to conditions such as hormone suppression, thyroid disease, decrease fertility, liver damage, and some cancers. PFAS ends up in our drinking water through spillage of chemicals on the ground which seep into the groundwater. In order to stay ahead of this national issue, the Island towns have partnered with the Massachusetts State Department of Environmental Protection to provide private well testing for residents. To request to have your water tested, please contact the State Department of Health to identify a testing agency.
Soil Inspection & Septic Systems
Installation of new septic systems on residential and commercial properties requires an inspection of the soil to determine the suitability of the proposed septic system and to ensure no runoff will occur which could contaminate the surrounding soil and/or end up as runoff in our waterways.
Air Quality
Outdoor Air Quality – We are very fortunate on the Vineyard to have excellent air quality. Our mostly rural surroundings, distance from the mainland, ocean breezes, and limited number of gas-powered cars on the roads keeps our air very clean and limits the amount of outdoor exposure to respiratory irritants.
Vapor Intrusion – Vapor intrusion is largely caused by seepage of chemicals and other toxins into the soil and groundwater which can disseminate into neighboring areas impacting the air and water quality. If you have concerns related to vapor intrusion, please contact your local Board of Health for more information.
Indoor Air Quality – A clean interior with good ventilation is important for long term respiratory health and for reducing the transmission of air-borne pathogens. All indoor spaces where people live, work, or congregate should be equipped with proper ventilation. For more information on the ventilation requirements for different structures please click here.
Asthma & Respiratory Conditions – Asthma is a narrowing and inflammation of a person’s airways. Being exposed to poor indoor or outdoor air can trigger asthma
Mold – Given Martha’s Vineyard’s geography and climate, mold is quite common in homes across the Island. A combination of high humidity and low lingering temperatures creates the perfect opportunity for mold to flourish. Keeping indoor spaces dry and well ventilated is a good way to prevent mold. If the mold is already present, proper cleaning is required. Follow the links for more information on mold-related health concerns or more information on how to remove mold on your property.
Carbon Monoxide – Smoke from cigarette smoke or emissions from incomplete combustion of a car, boat, or other gas-powered engine can produce carbon monoxide build up that can be fatal if inhaled. The buildup and inhalation can happen very quickly, within minutes, so it is very important that all interiors are equipped with functioning carbon monoxide detectors. To learn more about carbon monoxide safety, click here.
Lead – Prior to 1978 lead-based paint was common in the United States and exposure though inhalation of lead dust or ingestion of lead-based debris and children are especially at-risk. While most homes on the Vineyard have been de-leaded, given the historic nature of our community, there is still a degree of risk, especially in older homes. If you have concerns about traces of lead in your home or wish to schedule a lead assessment, please contact your local Board of Health. Any concerns about lead exposure should be discussed with your medical provider.
Environmental Health Assessments
Our team conducts thorough assessments to identify and mitigate environmental health risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.
Air Quality Monitoring
We regularly monitor air quality to detect pollutants and take necessary actions to reduce exposure.
Ongoing
Water Quality Testing
Our water quality testing programs help ensure that all residents have access to safe and clean drinking water.
Quarterly
Soil Contamination Checks
We perform soil contamination checks to prevent harmful substances from affecting our food supply and living environments.
Biannually
Insect-Borne Illnesses
To safeguard our communities from the threats posed by ticks and mosquitoes, we employ vigilant monitoring strategies that ensure public safety and promote a healthier environment.
Monthly
Join Our Environmental Health Efforts
Be a part of our mission to create healthier living conditions on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Learn about our environmental health initiatives and how you can contribute to a safer, cleaner environment for all residents.
