Report leaves Saugus board disappointed

SAUGUS – The Saugus Board of Health is still dealing with “house keeping” issues with the Wheelabrator trash-burning facility, after it went over its quarterly environmental report Monday night.As part of a settlement with the Attorney General?s office for alleged environmental violations, Wheelabrator had to pay a $7 million fine and undergo quarterly inspections from an independent environmental firm.Board of Health member Pamela Harris said she was concerned because “house keeping” issues keep coming up in the reports.?I was very disappointed because it was my understanding that Jairaj (Gosine, regional vice president at Wheelabrator) said he felt very confident about the report,” said Harris. “This does not make me feel comfortable at all.”The board had a similar discussion about these issues in April, and on Monday Harris said she wants to contact the Attorney General?s office to see why they are still coming up.?If these things are lax, what else is?” said Harris. “These are basic controls and it?s every month we see them the same. As much as (Gosine) puts corrective action into place it doesn?t seem like he?s getting anything out of them.”Public Health Director Frank Giacalone updated the board on another aspect of the settlement, a new $100,000 center for hard to recycle materials, or CHARM, which is being funded by Wheelabrator.Giacalone said he and Trash and Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone are considering what items to include. According to Giacalone, some items under consideration include: bulky rigid plastics such as toys, scrap metal, paint and mercury.?It?s finally coming to play, which is good,” said Giacalone. “We?re looking to get at least the first part of this done in November.”Giacalone said there is a nine-month timeline to get the center up and running.Giacalone also updated the board on the town?s current West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis levels.?The good news is we haven?t had any positives the last couple of Fridays,” said Giacalone. “The threat is still there, but the activity is less. They say the first hard frost has to be 28 degrees to nullify the mosquitos out there. Until then, our level has not changed. We?re still high for West Nile.”Giacalone said Saugus is at a “moderate” level for EEE, which he noted is not as big an issue in the area.?The cold weather is helping us out,” said Giacalone. “Even though it?s cold outside, be cognizant that it?s out there.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].