The Baker-Polito Administration announced $220,000 in federal grants to six projects across the Commonwealth to assess watershed pollution and plan for work to address water quality impairments, including one in Everett.
“Preservation of the Commonwealth’s watersheds is crucial for natural resources, local economies and the quality of life of residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These grants will help local officials identify problem areas and implement comprehensive plans to ensure that watersheds and waterways are safe and healthy for all to enjoy.”
The Everett project includes:
•Mystic Infiltration Trench Siting and Design Project – $40,450
City of Everett – The city will advance design plans for the eventual installation of approximately 250 street infiltration trench Best Management Practices through eight municipalities within the Mystic River Watershed.
The grants are funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through Section 604(b) of the federal Clean Water Act. Since 1998, MassDEP has funded 109 projects under the 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning program, totaling more than $5 million to address nonpoint source pollution problems.
“Watersheds and waterways can be contaminated by bacteria and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, severely impacting the quality of life in our communities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “These grants will help communities assess the problem and come up with commonsense solutions.”
The term “nonpoint source pollution” refers to contaminants that are carried to a waterway due to precipitation and stormwater runoff from the land or infiltration into the soil. Common types of nonpoint source pollution include phosphorus and nitrogen from lawn and garden fertilizers, bacteria from pet waste and waterfowl, oil and grease from parking lots and roadways and sediment from construction activities and soil erosion.
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.