Board of Health

• Do I need a permit for a bake sale?

  No. Baked goods are exempt from the food regulations and do not need to be licensed, however bake sales must be approved by the Board of Health.

• How do I request mosquito control?

  The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project conducts mosquito control operations. Spraying is conducted on a request only basis, please sign up on their website: www.norfolkcountymosquito.org or call (781) 762-3681.

• Do I have to inspect my septic system before selling my home?

  Yes. Title V requires that septic systems be inspected before the sale of the home. The inspection report must be  submitted to the Board of Health office for review and approval.

• Where can I find Emergency Preparedness information?

  Emergency preparedness information is available on the Board of Health website and at the Mass.gov website

• How do I dispose of mercury products?

  Mercury products such as thermometers and thermostats can be brought to the Health Dept. during business hours, call 781-320-1027 for more information. Button batteries no longer contain mercury and can be thrown away. Florescent light bulbs are only collected during hazardous waste day by the DPW dept. 

• What do I do with my cesspool/septic system when I connect to sewer?

  All cesspools/septic systems must be properly filled in (abandoned) in accordance with Title V. The contractor doing the work must complete an an online application and pay a $50.00 fee . Look for more information on our website or call the Board of Health at (781) 320-1026/1027.

• How do I join the Medical Reserve Corps?

  Interested individuals need to complete an application for membership and a criminal background check. Please contact the Health Department for more information, (781) 320-1027.

• Do I need a permit to sell/serve food to the public?

  Yes. Permits are required anytime that food is sold or served to the public. This includes candy and pre-packaged items and anything that can be consumed. This applies to all school and civic organizations. Applications are available online,please visit  the Board of Health website. Non-profit organizations are exempt from the $20 fee.

• How do I dispose of used needles, lancets and syringes?

   

  Westwood residents may bring their Sharps (needles, lancets and syringes) to the collection kiosk located outside the Municipal Building at 50 Carby Street. It has been moved from the Police Station.

  This program is not for businesses, only residents.

  Sharps must be placed in an approved container for proper disposal, no loose needles or large containers. Approved sharps containers are free  of charge and are available at the Board of Health Office, Town Hall, and the Senior Center. Contact the office at (781) 320-1026/1027, if you have questions. You may also collect sharps in a juice or detergent bottle and bring those to our office directly. 

• Do I need a permit to keep chickens on my property?

  Yes, there is an Animal Regulation in Westwood. Chickens, ducks, goats, horses, etc. are allowed with a permit and the fee is $10 per year. The regulation can be found on the website and there are requirements that must be met in order to obtain a permit. 

• How do I contact the Public Health Nurse?

  Public Health Nurse is Margaret Sullivan, R.N., M.S.N., her phone number is  (781) 251-2576

• Do I need a permit to drill a private well on my property?

  Yes. Permits are required for both private irrigation and domestic wells. Applications are completed with our Viewpoint software, no paper applications are accepted, please visit the Health Dept. website. Cost for the permit is $200.00.

• What do I do about problem wildlife, such as turkeys and geese on my property?

  If you are experiencing probems with turkeys, geese or other wildlife or have questions visit  mass.gov/masswildlife or call your nearest office.

  Southeast Wildlife District, Bourne (508) 759-3406.

  Northeast Wildlife District, Ayer (978) 772-2145.

• When do I have to test my private well?

  Both irrigation and domestic wells must be tested for water quality prior to the sale of the property where the well is located and the results sent to the Health office for approval. Please go to the Health Department website for more information in the Westwood Private Well Regulation and required tests.

• How do I dispose of old medications?

  Do not flush them down the toilet. They can be brought to the Westwood Police Department and disposed of in the Medication Disposal Box, 24 hours per day. Please dispose of needles/sharps in the separate kiosk located at 50 Carby Street