MBTA Update: Commuter Rail notice - Interstate travel COVID-19 changes

According to the new travel order, passengers traveling from NY, WA or DC coming to MA must also quarantine for 14 days or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Passengers must also fill out the online Massachusetts Travel Form or risk a fine.

For more information visit Mass.gov/MAtraveler or text MATraveler to 888-777.

Last Updated: Nov 13 2020 04:35 PM

 

The update to the existing travel order reflects:

Travelers from COVID-19 lower-risk States are not required to fill out the Massachusetts Travel Form and do not need to quarantine. The Department of Public Health metric for determining lower-risk states for the purposes of Massachusetts’ interstate travel policy considers data over two weeks before moving a state from lower risk to high risk. One week of data is the standard for moving states into the lower risk category.

Additionally, the threshold of daily cases per 100,000 residents is 10 (which ensures that Massachusetts’ standard is in line with other states). States are included on the “lower-risk” list based on meeting two criteria: average daily cases per 100K below 10 AND positive test rate below 5%, both measured as a 7-day rolling average.  

Data is from covidexitstrategy.org as of November 11, 2020.

The current list of COVID-19 lower-risk states includes: 

Hawaii Maine

New Hampshire

Vermont

More info on the MA Travel order can be found  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

Interstate travel COVID-19 changes

In the News: "A Millis drinking water source tested positive for PFAS"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin: 

"The D’Angelis Water Treatment plant is offline after the town found elevated levels of a group of state-regulated, man-made chemicals in its drinking water.

The chemicals - called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, regularly abbreviated to PFAS - are stain- and water-resistant, and used to coat everything from clothing and furniture to food packaging and non-stick cooking surfaces.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the chemical may cause a wide variety of health problems, from increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer to high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. Studies are preliminary.

Millis residents should have received a booklet in the mail Friday, explaining when the testing took place and what the town has done. The booklet emphasizes that the town is not in violation of the state’s drinking water regulations."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201012/millis-drinking-water-source-tested-positive-for-pfas-what-does-that-mean-and-whats-next?rssfeed=true 

MA sets PFAS limits for drinking water

Via the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) which reports

"The Baker-Polito administration on Sept. 24 announced final regulations establishing a maximum contaminant level for PFAS compounds detected in drinking water.

The enforceable standards for public drinking water systems impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – limited to 20 parts per trillion for the sum of six compounds – are largely aligned with the draft regulations the administration filed last December, on which the MMA commented.

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are a class of manmade chemical compounds considered hazardous to public and environmental health. PFAS have been used since the 1950s in the manufacture of stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-stick coatings and common consumer products such as food packaging, outdoor clothing, carpets, leather goods, ski and snowboard waxes, and more. The chemicals are also found in firefighting foam and other fire retardants, and have been detected in water and soil sources at or near several military bases and airports in Massachusetts.

The new regulations require public water suppliers to test for the six compounds, called PFAS6, and to take remedial actions when amounts exceed the limit. According to the administration, using the sum of six compounds provides for a higher degree of protection against the harmful effects of the chemicals."

Continue reading the article online  https://www.mma.org/state-establishes-pfas-limits-for-drinking-water-provides-grants/

Final regulations from MA  https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-22-the-massachusetts-drinking-water-regulations

MMA comments on proposed regulations https://www.mma.org/advocacy/mma-submits-comments-on-draft-pfas-regulations-warning-of-exorbitant-costs/

MA sets PFAS limits for drinking water

"the lab is now working with state health officials to correct problems"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:  

"A Boston consumer genetics company that has batted away former employees’ accusations of shoddy practices since at least 2019 is now under investigation by the state Department of Public Health for logging hundreds of false positive coronavirus test results.

The company, Orig3n, has halted COVID-19 testing in the state. A company spokesman said the false positives were due to “human error” in processing the tests.

In August, after learning about the Massachusetts investigation, North Carolina issued a stop order for its coronavirus testing contract with Orig3n.

The consumer genetics startup, which claims it can tell customers what kind of foods they should eat and whether they’re predisposed to intelligence based on their DNA, has secured some of the biggest coronavirus testing contracts in the country."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200904/sudden-spike-in-mass-covid-19-cases-was-jarring-now-company-that-did-tests-is-under-investigation?rssfeed=true

Commonwealth Magazine: "COVID-19 situation worsens over last 2 weeks" in MA

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin:

"THE STATE’S COVID-19 situation worsened over the last two weeks, with the number of high-risk communities holding steady and the number of moderate-risk communities growing from 30 to 48.

Using the state’s measuring stick of cases per 100,000 people, high risk, or red communities, are those having  more than 8 cases per 100,000; moderate risk, or yellow communities, are those with between 4 and 8 cases per 100,000, and low risk anything below 4.

Statewide, the number of cases per 100,000 people over the two-week period ending September 2 increased slightly from 4.0 to 4.2. For comparison purposes, Massachusetts restricted travel from Rhode Island when that state saw its cases per 100,000 people go above 5.

The number of red communities during the most recent two-week period dropped from 9 to 8, with Brockton and Sutton moving from the high-risk to moderate-risk category and the tiny town of Westhampton moving from low risk to high risk due to a surge in cases."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/covid-19-situation-worsens-over-last-2-weeks/

The MA COVID-19 reporting dashboard  https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-dashboard-september-2-2020/download

The local MA community reporting as of Wednesday, Sep 2   https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-september-2-2020/download

Commonwealth Magazine: "COVID-19 situation worsens over last 2 weeks" in MA

In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Germany held a pop concert Saturday to see how those attending could spread coronavirus if they had it. 

German researchers studying COVID-19 packed part of a Leipzig arena with volunteers, collecting data in a “real life” simulation of a pop concert but one with strict health and safety controls. 

About 1,500 people took part in the experiment run by the University Hospital in Halle, each taking a coronavirus test ahead of time, testing negative, and having to wear protective masks throughout the day’s testing. 

Researchers equipped each volunteer with contact tracers to record their routes in the arena and track the path of the aerosols — the small particles that could carry the virus — they emitted as they mingled and talked. Fluorescent disinfectants were used to highlight which surfaces at the mock concert were touched most frequently."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200822/how-does-coronavirus-spread-at-concert-germans-do-test/1?rssfeed=true

In the News: "The results of the study are expected in four to six weeks"

FHS boys soccer team COVID-19 update

 August 19, 2020

Dear Franklin Community,

We are writing with a follow up to the community regarding the August 14th communication regarding a reported positive COVID case at Franklin High School. At the request of the family, we have permission to share that the student had never been symptomatic and it was a false positive; the testing was done proactively as part of a planned family trip to Maine.

We regret that our communication caused distress and raised alarm in the community, particularly as some individuals seem to have inferred that there was irresponsible behavior among boys’ soccer players who were engaging in the sport through out-of-season workouts (of which our athletic department and coaches do not participate). Based on the information available, it is our understanding that these out-of-season workouts were conducted in accordance with appropriate safety measures and expectations and that the parties involved followed appropriate preventative protocols (e.g. contact tracing, isolation, testing) without further incident.

The intent of our original letter was to be informative within the community about appropriate steps to take in the event of exposure to COVID-19. Additionally, the letter was intended to provide families with recently issued guidance about sports so that you can assist your children in engaging in valuable physical exercise and the social benefits that athletics involves.

As part of the Reopening Plan, we will be publishing further information for families and staff about the protocols and procedures that will be in place for this school year related to symptomatic students and staff. These measures will include reporting, contact tracing, additional cleaning and disinfecting, and strict adherence to the Universal Health and Safety Practices.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has left us all emotional and on high alert. Please continue to extend kindness and grace to each other.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools
Please direct any questions to 508-553-4819

The original notification

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/a-fhs-boys-soccer-team-member-tested.html

"disproportionate number of false positive results being reported from that lab"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:  (so separate from the fact that some tests can result in false positive results, this story reminds us all that the handling process to get the results is also very important. The quality control of this particular  lab is in question and we'll need the fulls set of retests to confirm what the real problem is.)

"Late Friday afternoon, the Department of Public Health disclosed that a commercial lab, which state officials did not identify, is under investigation and has voluntarily suspended all testing after state officials detected 130 false positives test results were reported.

The errors mean Fall River is being re-categorized from the red to yellow, moderate-risk category and Taunton is shifting from yellow to green.

DPH officials say the reporting issue occurred from July 30 to Aug. 1 and “resulted in a disproportionate number of false positive results being reported from that lab during that time.”

“The lab ceased testing when the issue was identified and is under investigation,” DPH spokeswoman Katheleen Conti said in a statement. “Test results conducted by the lab during this time are being verified by an independent lab, and based on results received to date, the Department has accordingly released updated case numbers and risk levels for the August 12 weekly public health report for Fall River and Taunton.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200815/fall-river-taunton-risk-assessments-changed-after-false-positives?rssfeed=true

Senate President Spilka, State and Local Leaders Announce COVID-19 testing in South Framingham

On Monday, August 3, 2020, Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) joined state and local leaders to announce the creation of a free COVID-19 testing site in South Framingham, an area that has experienced rising coronavirus case rates in recent weeks. The site, part of the state-wide Stop the Spread network, is designed to expand testing coverage to communities of color and immigrant populations who are currently at high risk of infection.

"Framingham is a large, diverse city that is as vulnerable to a rise in cases of COVID-19 as any other area of the state, and I felt very strongly that its residents have access to testing," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I'd like to thank the Administration, Mayor Spicer and Fallon Ambulance Service for working together to make this testing site a reality."

"I am grateful to DPH, Dr. Wong, and all those who worked to make this testing site happen," said Representative Maria D. Robinson (D-Framingham). "With Framingham as the heart of Metrowest and home to many essential workers, it is absolutely necessary that our residents can get tested here in the city."

"I am grateful to everyone who worked together to make this possible," said Representative Jack P. Lewis (D-Framingham). "Special thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka and Dr. Sam Wong for their steadfast advocacy."

"Testing with quick reporting of results and contact tracing is essential to keep the coronavirus under control in our communities," said Representative Carmine L. Gentile (D-Sudbury).  "This free testing site will help us prevent another surge in Framingham and MetroWest and I am very thankful to see its opening!"

Greater support for the Framingham area was necessary to address a rise in cases and a lack of testing access for residents who work as frontline workers. Located at Joseph P. Keefe Technical High School, the site will be open from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Tuesday and Thursday, beginning August 5 and running until August 14. The site will be drive-through, with parking available, and no appointments necessary. To expand access to testing more broadly, including to low-income and essential workers who are on the frontlines of the pandemic, testing will be open to all and free of charge. The site will also feature interpretation services.

"The "Stop the Spread" initiative is a data-driven effort to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities that are above the state average in total cases and positive test rate and have experienced a decline in testing levels since April," said COVID-19 Command Center Director and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. "We monitor trends in each city and town and Framingham's 14-day average positive test rate has increased over the last two weeks. We appreciate the City of Framingham's collaboration to get this testing site launched quickly for the benefit of its residents."

"From the Governor's office to Senate President Spilka to Framingham's Legislative delegation, this has been a team effort. I appreciate the leadership and support in making free COVID-19 testing a possibility in Framingham," said City of Framingham Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer. "The City has begun to see a slight uptick in our cases, and the new free testing will remove barriers and encourage more residents to be tested."

"This free COVID-19 testing comes at a good time," said Dr. Samuel Wong, director of the Framingham Public Health Department. "As Mayor Spicer mentioned, Framingham's cases have begun to increase slightly, and by having free testing, open to all without an appointment, people can take action and further protect others."

"Fallon Ambulance is proud to partner with the Commonwealth of MA and the City of Framingham in the Stop the Spread campaign," said Patrick "Sean" Tyler, president and CEO of Fallon Ambulance Service. "Providing easy access to molecular, RT-PCR COVID19 tests is a key strategy to stopping the spread. We are proud to support the community and do our part in stopping the spread."

This action is the latest in a series of state-wide initiatives to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The site represents one more step taken by civic and medical leaders in the Commonwealth to serve the needs of all residents through the duration of this public health crisis.

For more information on the specifics of the testing site, please call 508-532-5470.

In the News: MA House has its own police reform legislation; Marlboro lab to use new testing process

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Massachusetts House released its own police reform bill that includes a police certification process, standardizes training across the state and makes officer discipline records more readily available to the public. 

The House bill unveiled late Sunday comes about a week after the state Senate passed its own police accountability bill that would place limits on the “qualified immunity” shielding officers from civil prosecution and limits the use of force by officers. 

The 129-page bill includes the establishment of a seven-person Massachusetts Police Standards and Training Commission that would serve as the “primary civil enforcement agency” in the state. 

“In keeping with our commitment to debate a bill to address structural inequalities that contribute to and are also a result of racial inequities, this bill creates a new Massachusetts Police Standards and Training Commission that is truly independent and empowered,” Democratic House Speaker Robert DeLeo said in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200720/mass-house-reveals-own-police-reform-bill?rssfeed=true

The Boston Globe posted a copy of the proposed House bill. 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/20/metro/read-text-houses-police-reform-bill/?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link

"By the end of the week, one of Massachusetts’ most prolific COVID-19 testing labs will deploy a newly-approved method designed to allow them to test more samples. 

The announcement from New Jersey-based Quest Diagnostics comes about a week after the company announced “soaring demand” for COVID-19 molecular testing was slowing turnaround time to a week or more for most patients. 

Quest Diagnostics announced Friday that the company’s lab in Marlborough will be one of two facilities to begin pooling specimens for testing in a procedure approved by under an emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In this procedure, samples are collected individually but combined into a small batch for testing. 

“A negative result for a batch means that all patients in that pool are considered negative (If a positive result occurs for the batch, each specimen is retested individually). The technique is an efficient way to evaluate patients in regions or populations with low rates of disease,” company officials explained in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200720/marlborough-lab-to-be-among-first-to-use-new-pooled-testing-method-for-coronavirus?rssfeed=true

Dr. Greg Chiklis and MRN Diagnostics in the News

From the Franklin Downtown Partnership:

"MRN Diagnostics, a Franklin-based company and a member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, has developed a rapid COVID-19 antibody test. Last week, Dr. Greg Chiklis and other researchers at MRN Diagnostics received emergency FDA approval for a tool that could be key in combating the coronavirus. The tests can determine whether you've been exposed to the virus and how much immunity you may have.

Thank you to Dr. Chiklis and his team for being part of the solution. We are excited to report this positive news story."

View the news story reported by NBC News Boston here
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/local-chemist-helps-develop-rapid-covid-19-antibody-test/2114162/

Dr. Greg Chiklis and MRN Diagnostics in the News

In the News: COVID-19 testing facility for first responders; how to apply for unemployment assistance

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

COVID-19 testing facility for first responders

"A COVID-19 testing facility for first responders opened Sunday in Foxborough after it was built in just four days, and Gov. Charlie Baker said conversations are underway about setting up similar sites in western Massachusetts and the Merrimack Valley. 

After visiting the new drive-through testing site, set up in a Gillette Stadium parking lot, Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito provided updates on the state’s continuing efforts to prepare for the coming surge in cases of the dangerous and contagious coronavirus. 

Baker said state officials received a shipment of 100 ventilators -- a fraction of the 1,400 requested -- from the national equipment stockpile, and those ventilators will likely be distributed “over the course of the next 24 hours.” Last Monday, Baker had predicted 1,000 ventilators would arrived by week’s end."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/mass-continues-preparations-for-surge-in-coronavirus-cases

social distancing properly (Gov Baker's Twitter image)

how to apply for unemployment assistance

"In the past two weeks, 10 million workers have filed for unemployment, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. 

If you’re one of those 10 million workers confused on how to apply for unemployment assistance, the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been hosting Virtual Town Halls for the past week and can help you out. 

We simplified how that process works, and answered some common questions – including some questions answered during Saturday’s virtual town hall meeting conducted in Spanish."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200405/confused-on-how-to-apply-for-unemployment-during-coronavirus-outbreak-heres-simplified-guide-on-how-to-do-it

“We are preparing for more confirmed cases”

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"State officials on Saturday relaxed rules on who can get tested for the coronavirus in an effort to identify more cases and slow the spread of the outbreak.

The state also announced a new command center to coordinate the response to the virus. State Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders will lead the center, which state officials said will focus on expanding testing, preventing health care equipment shortages and ensuring hospitals are ready for large numbers of patients.

“Far more people are going to get tested,” Gov. Charlie Baker said Saturday morning during a news conference called to announce the changes.

The state has tested 475 people for the virus as of Friday. Before the change announced Saturday, health professionals had to seek state approval before administering a test for the virus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200315/massachusetts-eases-virus-test-rules-creates-command-center

“We are preparing for more confirmed cases”

MBTA Franklin Line notices: Weekend Shuttle Service though March 2020; Overnight Test Trains

1 - Weekend Shuttle Service
Weekends, through March, Franklin Train service is replaced by free buses between Forge Park/495 and Readville for a Fairmount Line connection while PTC is installed. There will be no service at Back Bay, Ruggles, Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot.

Additional weekends may be added to the train service suspension between Forge Park/495 and Readville as work progresses on the Franklin line.

Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules. Visit MBTA.com/PTC for more information on how this project will improve commuter rail safety and travel. Passengers may experience delays of up to 30 minutes as a result of shuttle bus connections.

There will be no Franklin line service at Back Bay and Ruggles stations on weekends. Please travel to South Station to reach a Franklin Line station. If you are travelling inbound, please board a Worcester/Framingham line Train for direct connection to Back Bay or a Providence/Stoughton line Train for a direct connection to Back Bay or Ruggles.

We also recommend the subway: board the Red Line at South Station and transfer to the Orange Line at Downtown Crossing to reach Back Bay or Ruggles.

Due to proximity of adjacent stations, bus shuttles will not serve Endicott, Islington and Norwood Depot stations:
-Endicott station customers, please use Readville or Dedham Corp stations.
-Islington station customers, please use Dedham Corp station.
-Norwood Depot customers, please use Norwood Central or Dedham Corp station.

8:40pm and 10:40pm departures from Forge Park as well as 11:20pm departure from South Station will be accommodated by a bus for the entire trip between South Station and Forge Park (including the portion between South Station and Readville).

Thank you for your patience while we improve the signal system on your Commuter Rail line.

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork

Last Updated: Jan 04 2020 10:35 AM

MBTA Franklin Line notices: Weekend Shuttle Service though March 2020

2 - Overnight Test Trains on Franklin Line

Per the notice shared via the Franklin Police (but unable to be located on the MBTA page), there will be overnight testing of the Positive Train Control (PTC) system along the Franklin Line. Additional details in the photo below:

MBTA Franklin Line notices: Overnight Test Trains

Shared via Twitter  https://twitter.com/franklinpolice/status/1213170943612399618

In the News: health officials urge to stop vaping; supplemental spending bill to address PFAS

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"U.S. health officials on Friday again urged people to stop vaping until they figure out why some are coming down with serious breathing illnesses.

Officials have identified about 450 possible cases, including as many as five deaths, in 33 states. The count includes newly reported deaths in California, Indiana and Minnesota.

No single vaping device, liquid or ingredient has been tied to all the illnesses, officials said. Many of the sickened — but not all — were people who said they had been vaping THC, the chemical that gives marijuana its high. Many are teens.

Health officials have only been counting certain lung illnesses in which the person had vaped within three months. Doctors say the illnesses resemble an inhalation injury, with the body apparently reacting to a caustic substance that someone breathed in. Symptoms have included shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and vomiting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20190906/us-health-officials-report-new-vaping-deaths-repeat-warning

"A supplemental spending bill Gov. Charlie Baker plans to file on Friday will include millions of dollars in new money to help cities and towns test for and treat certain chemical contaminants in their drinking water.

The family of chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, have been detected at levels above Department of Environmental Protection guidelines in public water supplies in Ayer, Barnstable, Harvard, Hudson, Mashpee, Middleton, Shirley and Westfield, according to the DEP.

DEP officials said all those communities have taken action to target PFAS, and the department is undergoing a sampling program looking for contamination in areas where PFAS has been found or is known to have been used.

The budget Baker is filing to close the books on fiscal 2019 will propose $8.4 million to test drinking water for PFAS contamination, and another $20 million to support PFAS remediation projects, according to the DEP."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190906/baker-seeking-big-outlay-to-address-water-contaminant

Franklin Residents: Drinking Water Notice

DRINKING WATER NOTICE

To all users of the Franklin Water Department

located in Franklin, Massachusetts

This is an important notice - please translate it for anyone who does not understand English.

We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants to ensure the safety of the water supply. On August 28, 2019 our water system was notified that a water sample collected on August 27, 2019 from Grove St. Well #3 tested positive for E.coli, which is a fecal indicator. Fecal indicators are used to detect ground water sources that may be susceptible to fecal contamination which may contain harmful viruses or bacteria. THE WELL HAS NOT BEEN USED SINCE AUGUST 27th AND REMAINS OFFLINE.

The water delivered to your taps through the distribution system is disinfected with chlorine to kill viruses and bacteria, including E.coli. It is important to note that samples collected on August 27, 2019 in the distribution system did NOT detect any fecal contaminants.

This source is one of twelve active wells that supplies drinking water to our system. In accordance with the federal Ground Water Rule (GWR) requirements, we are notifying you of the situation and conducting additional sampling to evaluate the extent of potential fecal contamination and will take further actions as necessary.


WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

This is not an emergency, you do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions at this time.

• The USEPA requires us to provide you with this notice and the following information on fecal indicators: “Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.” These symptoms can also be caused by issues unrelated to drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, or, if you have specific health concerns, you may want to discuss such concerns with your doctor. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/safe-drinking-water-hotline

• Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and Businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

WHAT IS BEING DONE? 

The well will remain offline for further evaluation. Our system is undergoing repeat testing and evaluation to determine if the current level of treatment is adequate or if additional corrective actions are necessary to reduce the risk of potential fecal contamination in our drinking water supply.

We are in contact with MassDEP during this process who will evaluate the effectiveness of the steps taken and determine if any further action is required. If necessary, you will be notified again if you need to take any corrective actions. This notice does not affect persons using private drinking water wells.

For more information and further updates, please contact Laurie Ruszala, Water and Sewer Superintendent, at 508-520-4910 or visit http://www.franklinma.gov/.



PWSID#: 2101000 Date Distributed: August 28, 2019

Local officials touring an area of sewer main that had to be carved into rock

"The least you can do is give us an on-going personal finance education"

Hat tip to Ron Taylor for sharing this article via Twitter from Anastasia Basil. Well worth the read.

"For a long time you will say I am not listening, not paying attention. You will insist I do not care, that I am lazy. At best, a daydreamer.

A neurological explanation will be found. You will give me cures: Here is extra time to complete the test. And a calculator. And medicine for your daydreaming brain. You will feel good about yourselves: See how we have accommodated, how kind we are, how helpful and understanding?

And I will wonder how very awful I must be. They gave me extra time, gum to chew, notes to view and still, I can’t do better than before. Where there was only suspicion (Am I stupid?) now there is proof: my scarlet letters, Ds and Fs. You don’t make me wear these as an armband or sewn onto my shirt, but I can’t take them off, either. They’re mine for good.

"Try harder. Work harder. Pay attention. Sit still. Stop drawing. Stop humming. Begin again," you say."

Continue reading the article online
https://humanparts.medium.com/dear-school-eff-your-f-e61971ece228

Photo: Florian Gaertner/Getty Images

“Data shows that high stakes testing doesn’t measure outcomes that matter"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Educators and advocates on Monday urged lawmakers to press the pause button on the use of the state’s standardized test program as a graduation requirement and a component of school accountability measures. 

Bills filed by Rep. Marjorie Decker and Sen. Michael Rush would impose a three-year moratorium on what critics describe as the “high-stakes” nature of the MCAS exam, temporarily halting consideration of the results for graduation, accountability rankings, and teacher evaluations. 

Supporters of the bills told the Education Committee that the MCAS tests are not working as intended, and a break would give state education officials a chance to come up with new methods of measuring student and school performance. 

Jack Schneider, research director for the Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education Assessment, said standardized tests can act as a gauge of family income, race, and parents’ educational attainment, while not always capturing “many facets of a good school.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190617/moratorium-sought-for-mcas-exam

“Data shows that high stakes testing doesn’t measure outcomes that matter"

A good place to start with MCAS on the MA.gov site is
https://www.mass.gov/parents-guide-to-the-mcas

In the News: plastic bags eliminated by BIG Y; breathalyzer tests require validation

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Plastic bags being eliminated by BIG Y

"In a decision affecting all 70 Big Y supermarket locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut, Big Y Foods, Inc. this week announced it will eliminate plastic bags from checkout counters. 

That includes the store in Milford, off Rte. 109 and one in Franklin on Rte. 140.
The company uses 100 million plastic bags at checkout counters each year. 

“Single-use plastic bags create an inordinate amount of waste,” a press release from the company says. “Big Y recognizes its responsibility to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste that contributes to litter, harms the environment and can endanger wildlife.” 

The change won’t happen until 2020, allowing employees and customers to get used to the idea, and make the switch to reusable bags."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190111/milford-franklin-big-ys-to-eliminate-plastic-bags-in-2020

Recall that some FHS students in 2016 had created an online petition, brought forward a proposal, worked their way through the local legislative process before ultimately getting dismissed by the Economic Development Committee of the Town Council in one of their lesser highlight moments. The students can be happy now.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/nearly-60-massachusetts-municipalities.html

FHS students discussing the proposal with the EDC Nov 30, 2016

Balance of power plays out

"Prosecutors trying to get convictions for people suspected of driving drunk have seen their jobs get much more difficult after a Massachusetts judge ruled this week that Breathalyzer tests cannot be used as evidence in court. 

Judge Robert Brennan, who was hearing a consolidated test case that involved more than 400 Breathalyzer exams throughout the state, ruled the tests can’t be used until the Office of Alcohol Testing proves it results are accurate. 

Brennan’s ruling is being hailed by MetroWest defense attorneys as fair. 

“I think it’s the right decision,” said David Levinson, a Framingham lawyer. “There have been so many issues with the various testing devices. There has to be some kind of accountability.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190111/breathalyzer-court-ruling-roils-prosecutors-police

Interesting that many of the Google provided links to the MA Office of Alcohol Testing all end up at the District Attorneys page. There is also this reference but no page link. The office must truly being being rebuilt.  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/forensic-chemistry-sections

Franklin Residents: Drinking Water Notice from The Department of Public Works

"We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants to ensure the safety of the water supply. On September 26, 2018 our water system was notified that a water sample collected on September 25, 2018 from Well #2 tested positive for E.coli, which is a fecal indicator. Fecal indicators are used to detect ground water sources that may be susceptible to fecal contamination which may contain harmful viruses or bacteria. When we learned of the fecal positive sample, THE WELL WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN OFFLINE. 

The water delivered to your taps through the distribution system is treated with ultrafiltration and disinfected with chlorine to kill viruses and bacteria, including E.coli. It is important to note that samples collected on September 26, 2018 in the distribution system did NOT detect any fecal contaminants. 

This source is one of 12 active wells that supplies drinking water to our system. In accordance with the federal Ground Water Rule (GWR) requirements, we are notifying you of the situation and conducting additional sampling to evaluate the extent of potential fecal contamination and will take further actions as necessary."

This is a formal notification per regulatory requirements. 
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/drinking-water-notice-department-public-works

The full text of the Drinking Water Notice can be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CnUTeDjLeaHZ7q1fUQfQFykAuoHISIPI/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Residents: Drinking Water Notice from The Department of Public Works