Public Health Advisory
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has informed the Board of Health of results of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) measured in fish sampled from the Concord River in 2022 by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) as summarized in the MassDEP December 2023 report
PFAS levels in fish collected from the Concord River were above the DPH Fish Action Level (FAL) of 0.22 parts per billion (ppb) indicating that regular consumption of these fish may pose a potential health concern.
Please do not eat any fish from the Concord as fish are contaminated with mercury and PFAS. Please review this Public Health Advisory – Fish Consumption from Concord River.
Please call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at (617) 624-5757 with any questions.
The Board is made up of five appointed board members who each serve for a 3-year term. The Billerica Board of Health, in conjunction with 7 surrounding towns, form the Upper Merrimack Valley Public Health Coalition to address Emergency Preparedness issues.
Enforcement
The Board of Health enforces the State Sanitary Code which addresses structural, sanitary, and food protection procedures. The board licenses all food service establishments operating within Billerica including restaurants, retail food stores, catering services, temporary food services, corporate cafeterias, school cafeterias, mobile food trucks, assisted living dining services, and nursing home kitchens.
The Health Department also conducts inspections, investigations of food related complaints, provides educational material, and coordinates and promotes food safety training programs.
Responsibilities
The Billerica Board of Health is responsible for:
- The protection of the public health, welfare, safety, and environment in the Town of Billerica. The Board of Health enforces Massachusetts General Law and State Sanitary Codes as it pertains to restaurants, retail food, tobacco, public and semi-public swimming pools, sun tanning establishments, health clubs, ice rinks, stables, hotels / motels, housing and nuisance complaints, and on-site sewage disposal systems
- The inspections of public and semi-public swimming pools, sun tanning establishments, health clubs, and ice rinks for compliance with safety, sanitary and structural regulations
- Enforcement and regulation of State Sanitary Codes that protect the health and ensure the safety of residents, workers, and visitors of Billerica. The Health Agents investigate nuisance complaints, arbitrates conflicts between neighbors or landlord and tenants which involve public health issues. The Health Agents also research complaints of illegal dumping, noise, litter, odor and unsafe living conditions
- The enforcement of Title 5 Septic System Regulations. The Health Department oversees installation of new septic systems, and reviews and approves upgrades and modifications of existing systems. The Health Department is also responsible for licensure of Septage Haulers, Disposal Works Installers, and Title 5 Inspectors