FAQ's

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 second Tuesday of each month in the Superintendent's Meeting Room at 566 Main Street.

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?

Click here for a listing of North Andover Health Department Regulations, Permits & Application forms.

11) Do I need a local permit to remove lead?

Click here for information on lead removal and renovations

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.

Ask your primary care physician regarding Flu Clinics.

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: Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

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 The Public Health Nurse at (978)-688-9540 for information.

16) Do you do cholesterol screening?

Contact the Public Health Nurse at (978)-688-9540 for information.

17) Do you do T.B. tests?

Contact the Public Health Nurse at (978)-688-9540 for information.

18) Where and when can I get my blood pressure and/or blood sugar checked?

Contact the Public Health Nurse 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.

For further information visit the DEP website.

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 installers in town?

Click here for a list of licensed septic installers.

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 Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

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?

Click here for information on preventing tick and mosquito borne illnesses from the Massachusetts Health and Human Services Department.

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).

You can also view the "Frequently Asked Questions about Dead Birds and West Nile Virus"

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, CLICK HERE for links from the Department of Public Health that may behelpful.

37) What are the requirements for the Mass Department of Public housing regulations?

View the State Housing Regulation Requirements and the State Sanitary Codes for more information.

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?

You can use the Report It! tool or 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 210 Holt Rd. at TBI 978-686-2020. Annual hazardous waste days are TBA.

45) What can I do with used needles, sharps, and old medications?

Needles, and sharps can be brought to the North Andover Fire Department at 795 Chickering Road. There is no charge for disposal but everything must be in a sealed container such as a detergent bottle. Old medications can be brought to the North Andover Police Department on 1475 Osgood Street.

46) COMPLAINTS

  • Complaints regarding food establishments, dumpsters, and rental housing can be made to the North Andover Health Department at 978-688-9540.
  • Click here for complaints regarding Professional Licensures
  • Click here for complaints regarding nursing homes or other health care facilities.