Billerica Board of Health Denies Grease-Trap Waiver, Continues Walk and Roll Hearing

BILLERICA — July 6, 2026 — Billerica Board of Health tightens grease-trap enforcement, denying a Jersey Mike's franchise waiver and deferring a new sushi shop's request to August. The board voted 2-1 Monday to reject a waiver from the external grease-trap requirement under regulation 2.2.001 for a Boston Road Jersey Mike's, with members citing written opposition from the town's wastewater superintendent and a push for uniform enforcement of the town's fats, oils, and grease policy — an installation the applicant estimated at roughly $50,000. Attorney John McKenna, representing Walk and Roll owner Lon, voluntarily continued the business's waiver and sushi-service variance requests to the August 3 meeting, saying his client needs time to prepare and get the new takeout shop open. Health Director Crystal reported that a global fluoride supply disruption tied to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz has affected Billerica's drinking water supply, though Water Superintendent Tom Lanson secured a short-term supply; under state law, a public notification would be required if fluoridation stops. The board unanimously approved a floodplain variance at 32 Sheridan Street for a deck expansion and a setback waiver for a FedEx loading-dock project at 90 Salem Road, and food-service inspector Shayla warned a repeat-violation Boston Road restaurant that additional closures — or a prolonged suspension — remain on the table if pest-control improvements do not hold.