GENERAL / MISC
1) What does the North Andover Health Department do?
The Health Department is responsible for the enforcement of the State Sanitary and
Environmental Codes, the reporting and control of diseases dangerous to the public
health, and the enforcement of other applicable state and local laws and regulations
created to protect the health of all citizens.
2) Where can I find information about MA health care facilities?
3) When does the Board of Health meet?
The Board generally meets on the fourth Thursday of each month in the 2nd floor conference room
4) Do I have to leave my name to file a complaint?
No. Anonymous complaints are accepted and investigated.
5) How do I file a complaint about a restaurant, lodging facility, or campground?
Call the North Andover Health Department at (978)-688-9540.
6) How do I know if a local restaurant has been inspected and approved by the Health Department?
A restaurant inspected and approved by the Health Department must have the annual permit visible to the public.
7) How often are food service inspections conducted?
Food service inspections are done twice a year.
8) When do food preparers have to wear gloves?
When handling ready-to-eat foods, such as a sandwich, cooked pizza, donuts, no bare hand contact
is allowed.
No bare hand contact can be accomplished with the use of utensils, waxed paper or single
service gloves.
9) I think I may have gotten sick from a restaurant. What should I do?
First, contact your health care provider. Then, contact the local health department where the
restaurant is located and provide as much information as possible regarding the suspected
illness to better assist with investigating your complaint. If the restaurant is located in
North Andover call the Health Department at (978)-688-9540.
10) How can I access permit applications and their regulations?
11) Do I need a local permit to remove lead?
12) When and where can I get vaccinated for Influenza and who is at high risk for the flu?
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) provides information on H1N1 Flu
and the Seasonal Flu including basic facts, prevention, treatment, and vaccination.
Also, each Fall flu clinics are scheduled at the North Andover Health Department and the dates are
posted on the town website, cable station, and newspapers.
13) Which immunizations does my child need?
Information regarding school immunization requirements can be found at the:
14) Can I obtain my childhood immunization record from the Health Department?
No. The Health Department does not keep a record of childhood immunizations. We recommend
contacting the child’s pediatrician for that information.
15) What immunizations does the Health Department provide? Do you offer free immunizations?
Contact Debra Rillahan, the Nurse for the Health Department, at (978)-688-9540 for information.
16) Do you do cholesterol screening?
Contact Debra Rillahan, the Nurse for the Health Department, at (978)-688-9540 for information.
17) Do you do T.B. tests?
Contact Debra Rillahan, the Nurse for the Health Department, at (978)-688-9540 for information.
18) Where and when can I get my blood pressure and/or blood sugar checked?
Contact Debra Rillahan, the Nurse for the Health Department, at (978)-688-9540 for information.
19) How do I know if I am at risk for Lead poisoning and what is the MA Lead law?
Lead-based paints were banned for use in housing in 1979 but all houses built before 1978 are
likely to contain some lead-based paint. However, it is the deterioration of this paint that causes
a problem. The Massachusetts Lead Law "requires the removal or covering of lead paint hazards
in homes built before 1978 where any children under six live. Lead paint hazards include loose
lead paint and lead paint on windows and other surfaces accessible to children. Owners are
responsible with complying with the law. This includes owners of rental property as well as
owners living in their own single family home. Financial help is available through tax credits,
grants and loans." -MDPH
20) What is Title V and how do I get a Title V Inspection?
"Title 5 of the State Environmental Code, 310 CMR 15.000, is a regulation that protects you and your
community. Title 5 requires the proper siting, construction, and maintenance of all on-site
wastewater disposal systems. On-site systems that are not properly located and maintained
can contribute pathogens and nutrients to surface and ground waters, endangering drinking
water supplies, wildlife habitat, and surface water bodies." -MDPH. To get a Title V inspection
hire a state and local licensed system inspector.
21) Who do I speak to about a copy of a Title 5 certificate for my septic system?
Contact the North Andover Health Department at (978)-688-9540.
22) Where can I get answers to questions about my septic system? Where can I find plans for my septic system?
Plans can be found at the North Andover Health Department.
23) How often should I pump my septic system?
On average depending on the use, septic systems should be pumped every three to four years. However,
if your kitchen has a garbage disposal, your system should be pumped yearly.
24) My septic system has failed or need to be replaced, what do I do?
Contact a design engineer who will design a new septic system based on the total number of
bedrooms for residential properties. The design of the septic system is a multi-step process
that usually involves a survey of your property, a soil and percolation test, and a sketch of your
house floor plan all of which can take up to two to three months depending on your engineer’s
schedule, the backlog of scheduled soil tests, and the review of the final septic plan by the Health
Department. The Health Department is available to guide you through this process.
25) Who are the licensed septic pumpers/installers in town?
26) Is there a tax credit available for septic system repairs?
Yes. In 1997, the legislature passed legislation allowing an income tax credit for septic system
repairs for homeowners of residential properties. The total amount of tax credit allowed per tax
year is $1500, although any excess credit amount may be applied in the three tax years following
the first credit. More information may be obtained through your personal tax preparer or through the
27) Who do I contact concerning wild animals-i.e: foxes, skunks, raccoons, etc...that may be occupying my property?
All nuisance wildlife problems in the state of Massachusetts are handled by private wildlife control
companies. Wildlife control companies are similar to pest control companies except that they deal
with wild animals such as bats and squirrels instead of insects.
You can also contact the local Animal Control at (978)-683-3168.
28) What can I do to protect my family and myself from tick-borne and mosquito-borne illnesses,
such as Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
29) Where can I call to have my property sprayed for mosquitoes?
The town of North Andover mosquito program does not include private property spraying.
30) What do I do if I find a dead bird on my property?
As of 2009, Health Departments no longer pick up or account for dead birds since so few birds are
still susceptible to fatal West Nile Virus infections. If you have any questions about West Nile Virus
you can call the Massachusetts Department of Public Information toll free at 1-866-MASS-WNV (627-7968).
31) Should I contact the Board of Health about road-kill?
No, the Board of Health is not responsible for road-kill.
32) What are my options if a beaver dam is causing a serious health hazard on or near my property?
Discuss your options by calling the North Andover Health Department at (978)-688-9540.
33) Is it OK to feed the geese around the lake?
No
34) May I bring my dog to the beach or lakes?
No
35) Does North Andover have a mosquito management plan?
Yes, for more information or to obtain a copy call the North Andover Health Department at (978)-688-9540.
36) What do I do if I believe that I have been exposed to rabies? Or if an animal has been?
If you believe you or someone else has been exposed to rabies contact your health care provider
immediately. Also, the following links from the Department of Public Health are helpful,
Human Exposure to Suspect Rabid Animals-Chart
Dogs and Cats Exposed to Wildlife
Dogs and Cats which Bite Humans
Bats and Rabies for Health Care Providers
DPH Full Guide to Rabies Control
37) What are the requirements for the Mass Department of Public housing regulations?
38) What is the required heating temperature in a dwelling?
The State Housing Code requires that the heating system be capable of maintaining the
temperature daily at 68 degrees from 7a.m. to 11p.m., and 64 degrees from 11:01p.m. to
6:59a.m. during the heating season.
39) I would like to install a well on my property for irrigation. What are the requirements?
Hire a state licensed well driller who will apply for a permit at the local health department. Irrigation
wells are not allowed by health regulation in the Lake Cochichewick watershed.
40) Can I put a shed on my septic field?
No permanent structures are allowed on septic fields.
41) Who do I call with questions about my drinking water? Or about private wells?
Contact the North Andover Water Treatment Plant at (978)-688-9574.
42) Is Stevens Pond tested for the summer?
Yes, the pond is tested weekly while open for the summer. Results will be posted at the guard shack at the pond.
43) Who do I call if I have problems with my weekly trash pickup?
Contact the North Andover Department of Public Works at (978)-685-0950.
44) If I have recycling materials or hazardous waste what do I do?
The town recycling site is now located on Holt Rd. at TBI. Annual hazardous waste days are TBA.
45) What can I do with used needles, sharps, and old medications?
Needles, sharps, and old medication can be brought to the North Andover Health Department at
1600 Osgood St. or to the Main St. CVS. There is no charge for disposal but everything must be
in a sealed container such as a detergent bottle.
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