EPA Takes Major Step To Reduce Water Pollution in Charles, Mystic, Neponset Rivers (Press Release)
Environmental groups applaud release of draft permit but urge EPA to increase urgency
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2024
Contact: Stefan Geller, Charles River Watershed Association
Phone: 781-572-9341
Email: sgeller@crwa.org
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a long-awaited draft permit that could dramatically limit stormwater pollution in the Charles, Mystic and Neponset Rivers coming from large properties with expansive paved surfaces.
Stormwater is the main source of pollution degrading water quality in these three key rivers of Greater Boston – it transports organic material, pathogens and other pollutants into the rivers. Excess nutrients from stormwater fuel harmful algal blooms, contribute to the growth of invasive plants, and degrade habitat conditions, making it less safe and less enjoyable for people to recreate on and along the Charles.
The draft permit – which includes a rollout period of at least 11 years – specifically targets large private properties with an acre or more of impervious surface (such as big box stores and private universities), a significant source of stormwater pollution. It requires them to implement measures to reduce stormwater runoff such as creating rain gardens or underground infiltration systems. These measures will get stormwater into the ground and reduce flows into over-burdened municipal storm sewers. Additional storage provided by these systems will reduce localized flooding associated with short but intense storms.
“For too long these properties have been generating pollution and dumping it into our streets, stormwater pipes and rivers, making it the problem of local cities and towns which means ultimately, the taxpayer,” said Emily Norton, executive director of Charles River Watershed Association. “This is a major step to shifting responsibility where it belongs. We urge EPA, however, to dramatically speed up their proposed timeline for compliance so that the public can more quickly experience the benefits of a clean, swimmable Charles River.”
“We are grateful for EPA efforts to develop this RDA permit and comprehensive resources to address the stormwater pollutants that are impairing the waters of the Mystic,” said Patrick Herron, executive director of Mystic River Watershed Association. “With our appreciation also comes a request that the EPA shorten the timelines in this permit to not further delay water quality improvements and the safe recreation opportunities that the Clean Water Act promises. Our communities shouldn’t have to wait another 11 years for clean water.”
“Our cities and towns have really stepped up to address their contributions to stormwater pollution in recent years, but many people don't realize that the majority of the pavement that contributes to the polluted runoff problem is privately owned parking lots, rooftops and driveways,” said Ian Cooke, executive director of Neponset River Watershed Association. “While we are glad to see EPA moving forward to address these important challenges, the issue calls for more urgency, and that it's feasible to take these common sense actions well before 2035.”
The Lower Charles River was under a public health advisory for two weeks in early October 2024 due to a toxic cyanobacteria bloom. These impacts, along with stormwater runoff, are expected to get significantly worse as climate change brings more intense rainstorms.
While cities and towns in the Charles River watershed are required to manage stormwater and reduce pollution under their Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, large properties with expansive paved surfaces currently have no requirements to address stormwater runoff. Across the watershed, these properties are the source of 50% of nutrient pollution, despite making up only 20% of the watershed’s land area.
Investments made as a result of this action will bring climate resilience to communities across the region by reducing flooding, reducing heat impacts, and supporting ecosystem health.
In 2019, CRWA and Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) formally asked the EPA to regulate certain large properties that are polluting the Charles River with stormwater runoff under the Clean Water Act.
In 2022, after CRWA and CLF notified the EPA that we would take the matter to court if the agency continued to fail to act, the EPA announced that for the first time, many large property owners in greater Boston (the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset River watersheds) would be required to reduce stormwater discharge from their properties. Further legal action from CLF and CRWA was necessary to prompt the draft permit issued today, the critical next step in addressing these sources of pollution.
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Charles River Watershed Association’s mission is to protect, restore and enhance the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and the law. CRWA develops science-based strategies to increase resilience, protect public health, and promote environmental equity as we confront a changing climate.
