Protect Massachusetts's Rivers from Polluted Runoff

Boaters on the Charles River. Longfellow Bridge and part of the Boston skyline is visible

Photo: Jarvis Chen

Protect Massachusetts's Rivers from Polluted Runoff

We’ve been polluting our waterways with harmful runoff for too long. The EPA is finally addressing the problem, but their draft permit doesn’t do enough to protect our rivers from polluted stormwater.

When we walk our pets or let our children play on the banks of rivers, we shouldn’t fear that they’ll be poisoned by toxic algae blooms. If we speak up now, we can push the EPA to create a future where our rivers are healthy and thriving.

The Charles, Mystic, and Neponset rivers deserve protection. We’ve had to push for five years to get the EPA to this point. Now that we’re at the finish line, you can raise your voice to make sure that toxic stormwater runoff is shut down for good.

Please submit a comment to stand up for our waterways. The deadline is March 17. You can make your comment more impactful by adding why Massachusetts’ waters are special to you!

You can also attend virtual public meetings on January 22 and 23 at 7pm. For more information about ways to get involved, click here.

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RDA

EPA

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1. EPA should allow permitees 30 days to apply for permit coverage – not up to two years. Polluters shouldn’t be allowed to continue to pollute without consequences for years.  

2. EPA should increase the phosphorus reductions to reflect the increase in development and impervious cover in Greater Boston. Watersheds are more paved over than ever, releasing increasing amounts of phosphorous. The permit should set stricter limits on phosphorous pollution in our rivers. 

3. EPA should shorten the timeframe for achieving long-awaited and necessary pollution reduction. EPA gives polluters 11 years to reduce phosphorous pollution, but they should limit them to just two years. 

4. EPA should eliminate offsite pollution reduction credits. Allowing polluters to buy their way out of reducing pollution by buying “credits” is riddled with potential flaws and loopholes, and shouldn’t be allowed. 

5. EPA should require more frequent reporting. Polluters should have to report on their progress every six months, not every year, and we shouldn’t have to wait 14 months for their first report.  

6. EPA should shorten the timeframe for achieving implementation of lawn and winter maintenance. Polluters shouldn’t get to release this type of pollution with impunity for three years. Six months is enough time to make reductions. 

Sincerely,  

{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}

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