EPA’s Startling Report: Climate Change Halts Boston Rivers’ Cleanup, Echoes Paris’ Seine Crisis

Climate Change and Boston’s Rivers: A Stalled Progress

Boston’s three major rivers are experiencing significant delays in their cleanup efforts, with climate change being a primary factor. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s annual report card highlights this issue, covering the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset Rivers.

Summer evaluations reveal that water quality improvements have largely stagnated. While some sections received A’s and B’s, indicating adherence to swimming and boating standards, others showed slight declines, particularly in the Charles and Mystic Rivers.

The plight of Boston’s rivers mirrors that of Paris’ Seine River, where pollution delayed the 2024 Olympics. Heavy rainfall causes untreated sewage to flow into these water bodies, exacerbating pollution levels.

Stormwater runoff compounds the problem, carrying oil, gasoline, and trash into rivers. It also introduces dangerous nutrients like phosphorus, leading to toxic cyanobacteria blooms harmful to both humans and pets.

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EPA’s Commitment to Address Stormwater Issues

Ken Moraff, EPA’s New England water division director, underscores that stormwater runoff remains the largest unresolved issue. The agency plans to mandate private property owners to manage stormwater effectively.

The challenges are intensified by climate change, which increases the frequency and intensity of storms, contributing to more runoff and pollution.

Hartman Deetz of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe emphasizes the community’s connection to these rivers and the need to repair and restore them, reflecting a broader environmental stewardship ethic.

Key factors contributing to the pollution include:

• Untreated sewage overflow
• Pollutants from roads and parking lots
• Nutrient runoff causing toxic blooms

Charles River: Stalled Progress and Persistent Pollution

Emily Norton, executive director of the Charles River Watershed Association, reports that clean-up efforts for the Charles River have stalled for the second consecutive year.

Heavy rainfall in 2023 led to over 72 million gallons of sewage being discharged into the river, highlighting the challenges posed by combined sewer overflows (CSOs).

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No section of the Charles received an improved grade, with some areas seeing downgrades. The lower middle watershed and the Lower Basin area near downtown Boston experienced notable declines.

The Muddy River, a tributary of the Charles, received the worst grade, indicating the need for significant improvements in water quality and pollution management.

Mystic River: A Mix of Highs and Lows

The Mystic River watershed presented a varied picture, with grades ranging from an A+ in the Upper Mystic Lake to an F in Arlington’s Mill Creek. Several tributaries also received low grades.

Persistent sewage pollution through illicit connections and sewage overflows continue to plague the Mystic River. Alewife Brook, for instance, experienced over 26 million gallons of untreated sewage discharge in 2023.

Across the Mystic River watershed, more than 200 million gallons of combined sewage were discharged last year, highlighting the need for robust sewage management strategies.

Efforts to improve the Mystic River’s water quality must address these persistent pollution sources and adopt comprehensive measures to mitigate their impact.

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