Mysterious ash found at Wheelabrator site

SAUGUS – Representatives from Wheelabrator told the Saugus Board of Health Monday that workers found ash in the soil near the plant entrance while digging to fix a broken water line.Regional Manager Jairaj Gosine said soil samples will be taken in the area and they should know more about the issue in about two weeks.Board of Health Chairman Joe Vinard said the find is a concern but noted they won?t know exactly what the ash is from until it?s tested.?There was a water break and when they went in to put a valve in, they uncovered about two inches of ash,” said Vinard. “So taking the precautions necessary they removed it and sent it off for sampling, and have isolated it out in the landfill. It could be coal ash, it could be wood ash or it could be ash from the plant. We don?t know what it is.”The board also had an update from John Delorey, the new operations manager for Nick?s Place.Public Health Director Frank Giacalone said the latest inspection report looks good.?It?s good to see no critical violations,” he said.Giacalone also allowed Nick?s to drop the services of a consultant who was hired after health violations were found last year.Over the summer, inspectors observed workers preparing food under strips of fly tape and, in the fall, food was found being stored at improper temperatures.?It does certainly look like there has been improvement,” said Vinard.Delorey said he has an “open kitchen” and told board members they?re welcome to stop in any time.?We?ve had a positive response from the public and our customer base has increased on a daily basis,” he said. “They see what?s going on.”In other business, Giacalone said flu numbers are declining after spiking last month and told the board he would likely go through the supply of 400 flu shots.Giacalone also noted that the Norovirus is also an issue as well.?That?s one that?s not easily killed,” he said. “If the surface isn?t washed properly and you?re not washing your hands, once it?s in it?s hard to get rid of.Giacalone also said he?s working with Youth and Recreation Director Greg Nickolas to apply for a $100,000 grant to help deal with the ongoing opiate problem in the area.?It?s eye-opening to see that motor vehicle deaths are less than opiate deaths,” he said.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].