Eastham Board of Health Sends Draft Health Regulations to Public Hearing

EASTHAM -- March 26, 2026, Eastham's Board of Health voted unanimously to advance a broad draft revision of town health regulations to two public hearings, set for April 30 and May 28, 2026. The draft would require replacement of all cesspools in environmentally sensitive areas within two years and upland cesspools within three years, affecting an estimated 278 cesspools town-wide, according to a letter read into the record from the Eastham Part-Time Residents Taxpayers Association, which urged a longer compliance window and raised price-gouging concerns. The board also agreed to add provisions requiring municipal water hookups whenever a septic system variance is granted and at the time of septic upgrades on lots under 20 feet, language proposed by Jason Ellis. Tobacco regulations, including a potential cap on the number of sales permits and a ban on nicotine pouches above six milligrams, were tabled pending a visit from county tobacco control agent Bob Colette in April. Staff also briefed members on kratom, a synthetic opioid-mimicking product now sold at local gas stations, distributing a draft prohibition regulation for future consideration.