November 26, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer and Hilary JenisonĀ
In a Thursday, Nov. 21 letter, the Health Department ordered Pilgrim Arena CEO Jack O’Donoghue to close the building to the public until the paint that was causing strong odors had dried, among other stipulations.
The letter to O’Donoghue, signed by Executive Health Officer Susan Sarni, stated that the Health Department had received “several calls regarding strong paint odors” at the arena and that she and Health Agent Betty Nee did a site visit at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 21.
“We witnessed strong paint odors in all areas of the building,” the letter states, citing “violations under . . . Massachusetts General Law, General Nuisances.”
The letter orders “the owner or occupant” of the area “to remove the nuisance of compromised indoor air quality and odor fumes” and also states that “once the paint has dried, you may reopen but increase ventilation until [the] odor of paint has been removed.”
As a result Hingham Youth Hockey, Hingham Girls Hockey and many adult recreation leagues suspended all practices and games at Pilgrim Arena until the issue is resolved for the safety of all players, coaches and families. Ā Private organizations that utilize Pilgrim Arena have continued their activities at the rink.
An email from the Hingham Youth Hockey Board on November 26 read āPilgrim Arenaās management confirmed that painting was finished last night and will not resume until the spring. They have agreed to have a third-party vendor test the air quality to ensure it is safe for our players. We are working to complete that testing this week and get the kids safely back on the ice. Our goal is to return to our normal schedule post-Thanksgiving. Coaches will be in contact with teams regarding any changes to the practice schedule for the remainder of this week.ā
Hingham Girls Hockey is also not resuming play at Pilgrim until it is confirmed safe for all players.
Attempts by the Hingham Anchor to reach O’Donoghue and the Board of Health for comment were unsuccessful.