By Stephen Perkins, MyRWA Policy Committee Member
Work is now underway by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the cities of Cambridge and Somerville on updated planning for the remaining combined sewer outfalls on the Mystic River and Alewife Brook and Charles River.
In late June, MWRA, Cambridge and Somerville held a public information session via Zoom to present an overview of the scope of work for the planning effort. MyRWA and Save the Alewife Brook (StAB) provided comments and concerns, especially regarding the effects of climate change on future discharges and on the importance of public involvement throughout the planning process.
In late July, MWRA hosted a bus tour starting at the constructed wetland near the Alewife T station and following the sewer infrastructure along the Alewife Brook and Mystic River all the way to the Deer Island Treatment Plant. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about how the sewer system operates as well as the capacity constraints at key points like the Alewife Brook Pumping Station near Dilboy Field. In significant rain events, the capacity limit of the pumping station can contribute to combined sewer overflows in the Alewife Brook.
Photos from the tour (Credit: Patrick Herron):
After consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) approved the scope of work with specific conditions. MyRWA and StAB have provided MassDEP with comments on their approval. We continue to insist on robust public involvement on: how climate change will be incorporated; the development and analysis of alternatives; and the affordability analysis.
We will continue to provide updates as the CSO planning process moves forward, especially when there are opportunities for MyRWA members and the interested public to weigh in. Stay tuned.
