Chatham Board of Health Approves Three Septic Variances, Hears Vaccine Update

CHATHAM -- February 8, 2021, Chatham's Board of Health approved three septic variances and heard a dire COVID-19 vaccine shortage update at its February 8 remote meeting. Chairman John Beckley led the four-member panel through approvals for an innovative alternative septic system at 25 Harbor Hill for Eric and Trish Lindbergh, a preliminary six-lot subdivision off Depot Road for Chatham Productions LLC, passing 3-1 over the dissent of Ed Sheehan, and a failed-system upgrade at 65 Sears Road, each carrying deed restrictions and future sewer-connection covenants. A fourth request, a variance to keep a groundwater-encroaching failed septic in use through the summer at 144 Chatham Harbor Road, was withdrawn by Attorney William Riley after board members signaled they would deny it. Dr. Robert Duncanson, Director of Health and Natural Resources, reported 243 total Chatham COVID-19 cases, 106 in January alone, roughly 60 to 70 percent tied to Liberty Commons, and announced Barnstable County vaccination clinics at the Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis and in Eastham offering a combined 1,740 doses, with registration opening February 9 at 9 a.m. at www.massimmunizations.org.