The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) works to protect and restore the Mystic River, its tributaries and watershed lands. Learn more about our work here .
WATER CHESTNUT HAND-PULLING EVENT A SUCCESS
Volunteers cleaning the Mystic on Aug. 28thOn Saturday, August 28th over 30 volunteers joined Groundwork Somerville, the Mystic River Watershed Association and the Friends of the Mystic River, in an effort to remove invasive water chestnut from the Mystic River in Medford. Using canoes, kayaks, and small boats, volunteers pulled the plants out of the water by hand. After 4 hours of working, volunteers removed 372 baskets of water chestnuts - no small feat! That's at least 7,500 pounds of plant material that will be sent to a local compost facility.
Thanks to all who participated! A special thanks to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority crew.
SETTLEMENT WITH REVERE ANNOUNCED
The City of Revere will significantly reduce the amount of untreated sewage discharges (CSO's, SSO's) entering the Mystic River Watershed. This Consent Decree comes after years of reported illicit discharges, and is brought upon by federal and state enforcement agencies.
"Under this settlement, the City of Revere will undertake much needed upgrades to how they manage wastewater, resulting in significant improvements to the waters directly impacted, and to the Mystic River Watershed,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England region. “This will mean a cleaner and healthier environment for the City’s people and those living downstream of Revere.”
Read the EPA Press Release here.
NO SWIMMING IN SPY POND
High levels of microcystis algae were detected at Spy Pond during water sampling performed by MyRWA and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Water samples are being collected and monitored on a weekly basis. This Public Health Advisory will remain in effect until cell counts drop to safelevels for two consecutive weeks. This particular type of algae can be toxic if ingested in high doses and can cause skin irritation and a rash after wading or swimming. The Arlington Board of Health strongly advises residents not to swim or stand in the water and especially urges residents to keep pets away from the water.
Read more about the Advisory here.
MECHANICAL HARVESTER ON THE MYSTIC RIVER
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF MECHANICAL HARVESTERHave you seen bright orange machines navigating the Mystic? They are mechanical harvesters working to remove the invasive water chestnut from the Mystic River. This project is part of a three year effort by Groundwork Somerville, Friends of the Mystic River, & Riverside Yacht Club, Winter Hill Yacht Club, Mystic Wellington Yacht Club. Mechanical harvesting is just one component in the effort that includes extensive hand harvesting of the water chestnut by community members, Green Teams and Americorps. Local conservation group, Friends of the Mystic, has been working on the water chestnut problem for a number of years and is currently an active partner with MyRWA in supporting Groundwork Somerville efforts. The mechanical harvesting is now complete. The removed water chestnut is taken to a landscape materials center where they are put through a half inch grinder and then turned into mulch.
Read more about the invasives in the Mystic River here.
MYSTIC RECEIVES GRADE OF C-
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EPA's Curt Spalding announces gradeThe U.S. EPA announced the grade of "C-" for water quality of the Mystic River during 2009. This grade is based on the percent of time the Mystic River met swimming and boating standards.