Frequently Asked Questions

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.

View the Health Department's responsibilities.

Healthcare Facilities

• Directory of Massachusetts Health Care Providers
• Lawrence General Hospital
• List of all Massachusetts hospitals

The Board generally meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Superintendent's Meeting Room at 566 Main Street.

No. Anonymous complaints are accepted and investigated.

Call the North Andover Health Department at 978-688-9540.

A restaurant inspected and approved by the Health Department must have the annual permit visible to the public.

Food service inspections are done twice a year.

When handling ready-to-eat foods, such as a sandwich, cooked pizza, or 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.

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.

View a listing of North Andover Health Department Regulations, Permits & Application forms.

Visit the EPA website for information on lead removal and renovations.

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.

Information regarding school immunization requirements can be found at the: Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

No. The Health Department does not keep a record of childhood immunizations. We recommend contacting the child's pediatrician for that information.

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

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

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

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

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

"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:

• List of licensed inspectors
• More information on Title V rules and regulations

Contact the North Andover Health Department at 978-688-9540.

Plans can be found at the North Andover Health Department.

For further information visit the DEP website.

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.

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.

View a list of licensed septic installers.

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.

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.

View information on preventing tick and mosquito-borne illnesses from the Massachusetts Health and Human Services Department.

The town of North Andover mosquito program does not include private property spraying.

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".

No, the Board of Health is not responsible for road-kill.

Discuss your options by calling the North Andover Health Department at 978-688-9540.

No.

No.

Yes, for more information or to obtain a copy call the North Andover Health Department at 978-688-9540.

If you believe you or someone else has been exposed to rabies contact your health care provider immediately. Also, find links from the Department of Public Health that may be helpful.

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

The State Housing Code requires that the heating system be capable of maintaining the temperature daily at 68 degrees from 7 am to 11 pm, and 64 degrees from 11:01 pm to 6:59 am during the heating season.

Hire a state-licensed well driller who will apply for a permit at the local health department. Irrigation wells are not allowed by health regulations in the Lake Cochichewick watershed.

No permanent structures are allowed on septic fields.

Contact the North Andover Water Treatment Plant at 978-688-9574.

Yes, the pond is tested weekly while open for the summer. Results will be posted at the guard shack at the pond.

You can use the Report It! tool or contact the North Andover Department of Public Works at 978-685-0950.

The town recycling site is now located at 210 Holt Road at TBI 978-686-2020. Annual hazardous waste days are TBA.

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 at 1475 Osgood Street.

Complaints

• Complaints regarding food establishments, dumpsters, and rental housing can be made to the North Andover Health Department at 978-688-9540.
• Submit complaints regarding Professional Licensures (PDF)
• Submit complaints regarding nursing homes or other healthcare facilities (PDF)