Robbins Report

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Makes Surprise Visit

Wellfleet - The Bookstore Restaurant is now on notice

Owner buys adjacent 7 acres, possibly for a new well

by Peter Robbins

"These type of visits are somewhat unusual, and are generally initiated by some type of complaint."Two weeks ago, the Massachusetts DEP made a surprise visit to the Bookstore Restaurant in Wellfleet. Although no official report of findings or violations was available at the time of this writing, the visit was confirmed by Public Information Officer Theresa Barao of the DEP. In checking with some local officials, I was told, "these type of visits are somewhat unusual, and are generally initiated by some type of complaint." Ms. Barao agreed to forward any information as it becomes available. Other information led me to believe it had something to do with seating capacities as they related to design of septic systems and some changes that may have to be made to the restaurant.

And speaking of septic systems

Speaking of septic systems, the Wellfleet Board of Health held a "Special Meeting" on Tuesday April 22nd to review a new set of plans submitted by the Bookstore to alleviate the problems on their failing system. This writer is happy to report that four different plans were reviewed and the BOH approved a set that required a full 5' vertical separation from the water table, requiring a tremendous amount of site build up.

Health Agent has authority for cease and desist actions should any unexplained delays occurPart of conditions set forth by the BOH, gave the Health Agent and Department the authority for cease and desist actions should any unexplained delays occur, which would result in the restaurant's closure. There was interest expressed by the Bookstore to pursue public water supply, which the BOH encouraged, but also warned it would not be part of any consideration relating to the time table of the installation of the new system.

7 acres for a new well?

Tying in to town water is not an option, from what I have been told. Also being considered is relocating the well at the restaurant. A great idea, which may have something to do with the abutting property purchase of 7.215 acres of meadow land by restaurant owner Michael Parlante and Joseph Giovangel on April 15, 2008. (Barnstable County Registry of Deeds Bk 22832 pgs. 255 - 261) That purchase, from where I sit, was a very wise investment. Great place for future water supplies!

The new system, designed for the licensed 95 seat capacity, now has to be approved by the Department of Environmental Protection, within a 60 day period. The DEP can approve, reject or modify the plans. Once the plans are approved, the Bookstore will have to use the present tank as a "Tight System." This will require the tank to be pumped as needed as there would be no leaching system in place during the construction. The time frame for the Bookstore may be somewhat close, appearing doubtful it would be completed before the summer season. More likely it would be finished during the season.

Mrs. Parlante was grateful to the Wellfleet Board of Health for convening a special meeting to address the issue in a timely fashion and praised the board for its actions. Others around town seem to be getting a great deal of pleasure out of bashing the Board of Health for doing their job by using some unrealistic comparisons to the former Captain Higgins Restaurant. Hats off to the Wellfleet Board of Health for taking a stand on a issue that has been fermenting for years.