Welcome!
Get ready to explore the vibrant Foothills Health District! Established in 1986, this innovative organization shares personnel resources to serve the communities of Goshen, Westhampton, Williamsburg, and Whately.
With a dedicated team - full-time Health Agent, a full-time Health Inspector, a part-time Public Health Nurse, and an Office Administrator - Foothills Health District is governed by twelve enthusiastic Board Members—three elected from each town. We, at Foothills Health District, are committed to promoting health and well-being across these communities. Together, we are building a healthier future for all!
Contact and Hours
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8am-4pm
Remote Hours: Fri: 8am-4pm
Office: 45b Main St, Williamsburg, MA
General Inquiries: 413-268-8604
Mailing Address
Foothills Health District
PO Box 447
Haydenville, MA 01039
News
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
FHD's part time public health nurse offers walk-in wellness clinics in our member towns, focusing on managing chronic health issues, managing medication/side effects consultations, managing long COVID, disposing of sharps, ​and other public health topics​. NURSING CLINIC SCHEDULE: Westhampton - Public Library 1st & 3rd Wed 10-11:30 Whately - Town Hall 2nd & 4th Tues 10-11:30 Williamsburg - Town Offices 2nd & 4th Thurs 10-11:30 Contact the public health nurse Mike Archbald: phn@burgy.org 413-522-7112
Foothills Health District Health Agents ensure food safety by issuing permits and conducting inspections of food establishments that provide food for human consumption. These establishments include retail food sales, and food service at restaurants, residential kitchens, food trucks and booths, institutional kitchens, and satellite or catered feeding locations. Food establishments must apply for and be issued an annual or temporary food permit prior to beginning operations.
The on-lot septic program includes permitting for septic systems for new construction and repairs of existing systems serving residential dwellings and commercial uses that are not connected to a municipal or private wastewater collection and treatment system. This program area includes Witnessing Title-5 Inspections done prior to property transfer, witnessing perc tests (soil evaluations) done prior to designing or repairing a system, licensing septic installers, licensing septic pumpers, and more.
The Foothills Health District implements and enforces the State Sanitary Code for Housing, also known as the Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation. This code is commonly called the Housing Code, and is different from the Building Code and other similar codes like the Plumbing Code and Electrical Code. Enforcement of the Housing Code is used to ensure that all dwellings meet the minimum standards to ensure that there is adequate heat, water, sewage disposal, in order to maintain safe and sanitary conditions in dwellings, inns, dormitories, boarding houses, hotels, bed & breakfast establishments, and similar dwellings. Enforcement of the Housing Code is often done in conjunction with the Building Inspector/ Commissioner, and often utilizes the services of the Housing Court to address violations and properties that do not meet the minimum standards.
The Foothills Health District permits all private and semi-private wells and water supplies that are used for drinking or irrigation. Private water supply wells typically provide potable water to residential dwellings. FHD provides permits for new private wells to protect the drinking water of local residents. FHD issues permits to state-licensed well drillers who must follow all regulations during the siting, installation/drilling, and completion of wells, or the modification/enhancement of existing wells. Prior to getting a building permit for new construction, the water supply must be established and proven to be potable, which means that it meets established standards for water quality parameters and yield.
The Foothills Health District works with home owners who are being impacted by flooding caused by beaver dams and beaver activity. This is done in conjunction with the local Conservation Commission who has jurisdiction over wetland resources. The Foothills Health District can issue Emergency Beaver Permits that allow for trapping, the use of flow control devices (beaver deceivers), and dam breaching or removal only when public health and safety are being threatened. Examples include flooding of septic systems, private wells, dwellings, access roads, or similar issues.
The Foothills Health District permits and inspects all summer recreational camps for children, other than those operated by municipalities or school districts. All summer camps must comply with the State Standards for safety, staffing, and operation. Summer camps must be licensed prior to operation, which includes reviewing camper immunization records, staff training and certifications, operational plans, background checks for any adults working around children, and other required documents. An on-site inspection is conducted to ensure that the facilities meet the minimum standards set by the State, which are enforced locally by the Foothills Health District.
The FHD permits and inspects all public and semi-public pools to ensure compliance with the state regulations for swimming/ wading pools and spas/hot tubs. Semi-public pools are typically found at schools, motels, clubs, and commercial facilities, including community associations and condominiums. All such pools are required to be overseen by a Certified Pool/Spa Operator. The FHD Pool Inspector tests the water quality (chemistry), reviews operational records, and examines the facility for adherence to the established safety standards.