A Civil Action Event A Success

Photo Credit: David Mussina

Thank you for attending the A Civil Action event on Thursday, March 10th. The successful event drew over 200 people, and brought attention to important water quality issues and a powerful local story. We started the evening by hearing from MyRWA’s Executive Director, EK Khalsa, who provided an introduction to the event and guest speaker lawyer Jan Schlichtmann.  Jan provided an engaging and informative overview of his experience working on A Civil Action – an experience that changed his life and the lives of many others.  We were thrilled to be joined by several of the Woburn families represented in the case.  Jan called on the audience to get involved with MyRWA to make safer, healthier communities.

Special thanks to the Regent Theatre, Sustainable Arlington, Woburn Residents’ Environmental Network, Aberjona Study Coalition, Inc.,  Friends of the Mystic River, and  of course, Jan Schlichtmann!

Sanitary Sewer Overflows Reported

Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) can occur during heavy or prolonged rain events and discharge stormwater mixed with untreated sewage.

Three known SSO discharges were active on March 7, 2011:

1. Wedgemere Station in Winchester on the Aberjona River

2. Overflow at Horn Pond in Woburn

3. Mystic Valley Parkway in Arlington to Lower Mystic Lake

Discharges from SSOs contain levels of bacteria, viruses, raw sewage and other pollutants that may pose health risks to people who come in direct or indirect contact (e.g. contact with pets swimming in contaminated water). Contact with SSO-contaminated water should be avoided. Additional information on SSOs in the Mystic River Watershed can be found at http://mysticriver.org/sso/. 

Based upon ten years of water quality data collected on the Mystic and its tributaries, MyRWA recommends that whenever it rains people should revise their water-based recreation plans such as boating, fishing, or swimming on the Mystic.  In general “wet weather” conditions are a high level predictor for poor water quality in the Mystic watershed from various pollutant sources.  These poor water quality conditions can occur whenever it rains regardless of an SSO or CSO event due to stormwater runoff and local plumbing problems (illicit connections).  Bacterial contaminants typically last for 48 hours.  Community boating programs should post flags or other visual indicators to inform citizens that water quality does not support active recreation at that time.

Fish Consumption Advisory

It should also be noted that the MA Department of Public Health has issued a fish consumption advisory for several rivers and ponds in theMystic River watershed against consuming fish caught in these waters For more information, contact MDPH Bureau of Environmental Health at 617-624-5757. Please advise people you see fishing in the Mystic or its tributaries that fish caught should not be eaten.



De-Paving Guide Available

Are you interested in de-paving part of your property? Removing concrete, asphalt, and other impervious surfaces lowers stormwater runoff and heat absorption while creating new habitat. Somerville Climate Action did just this in October 2010.

Thanks to Somerville Climate Action for sharing their de-paving guide, which was designed by Kathy Gregory.

Citizen Scientist Training Workshop Announced

Please join MyRWA on Saturday, April 9th for a Citizen Scientist Training Workshop. This Workshop allows interested volunteers to learn about water quality monitoring methods and concepts. By completing this workshop, you’ll be prepared to join MyRWA’s Baseline Monitoring Program. The Baseline Monitoring Program requires a monthly commitment between 6am and 8am. No experience is necessary - all are welcome!

When: Saturday, April 9, 9:00am-12:00pm

Where: Thompson Memorial Library, 33 Elm St., Woburn, MA

Space is limited! Please register today by emailing Beth@Mysticriver.org.

Education Resource List Now Available

Chelsea High School students enjoy an educational tour of the Mystic.MyRWA has compiled a list of educational resources surrounding water quality, the Mystic River Watershed and environmental topics. Many of these resources are great for teachers. If you have something to add to this list, please contact MyRWA.

A Civil Action Film and Discussion March 10

The Mystic River Watershed Association is pleased to present

A Civil Action screening and discussion with Jan Schlichtmann, the trial lawyer depicted

in the film by John Travolta.

Thursday March 10that7:00PM

The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington, MA

The 1998 film A Civil Action is based upon a true story that took place in the Mystic River Watershed. This legal thriller details the case surrounding the contamination of the Woburn City water supply.  We will be joined by Jan Schlichtmann, the lawyer who stood up to corporate interests in order to protect a community's water supply. Hear about his experience and thoughts on environmental law and why individuals must remain vigilant.  This event is sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association, Sustainable Arlington, Friends of the Mystic River, Woburn Residents’ Environmental Network, and Aberjona Study Coalition, Inc.

The event is free but a tax-deductible donation of $10 or more to support the Mystic River Watershed Association would be appreciated. Payments may be made in cash or by check at the door or by mailing to: 20 Academy St., Suite 306, Arlington, MA 02476.

Sustainability: Through the Lens of Water

MyRWA's Patrick Herron will be presenting at the The 2nd Annual Sustainability Symposium and Public Conversation; Sustainability: Through the Lens of Water. An exploration of global and local issues that connect business, society, and the environment.

Friday, February 11, 2011
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Boston College - Yawkey Athletic Center, Murray Room

This public conversation will embrace the unique perspectives of business leaders, community members, policy-makers and attendees to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable management.

Guests include:

• Elisa Speranza, CH2MHill

• Sally Yozell, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration

• David Brooks, Friends of the Earth, Canada

• Patrick Herron, Mystic River Watershed Association

• Andrew DeSantis, City of Chelsea, MA

• Ted Tye, National Development

• Dan Driscoll, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

• Leadership for Change Facilitators Kenneth Mirvis and Peter Crawley

A $50 seminar fee includes lunch.
Leadership for Change Alumni, Boston College Alumni, Grad Students, and Faculty, and SBN Members fee is $35.
RSVP to lc@bc.edu by February 6th.

Leadership for Change is a program affiliated with the Winston Center for Leadership and Ethics at Boston College.

2010 Year in Review Now Available

10 Year Water Quality Monitors 2010 was an incredibly exciting and productive year! MyRWA is pleased to present our 2010 Year In Review, which highlights our accomplishments. We could not have accomplished so much last year without our dedicated volunteer team, generous donors and members, collaborative partners, and talented MyRWA team. Our sincere thanks for your support over the last year!

NEW STUDENT PRODUCED MYSTIC FILM

Over the fall semester four students from Emerson College undertook a project to make a documentary film about the Mystic River Watershed as part of a Documentary for Social Action course. These students worked with MyRWA staff and volunteers to develop a beautiful and professional 10 minute film about Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) in the Mystic. MyRWA would like to thank Sarah Ginsburg, Julie Hook, Chris Bianrosa and Kelly Wessel for their hard work throughout this project. Enjoy the film!

Water Quality Monitoring Internship Available (summer 2011)

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks two Water Quality Interns to assist in a water quality monitoring program from June through early September.  Since 1972, MyRWA has played a unique role in the whole of the watershed by its science, advocacy, and outreach efforts. Among these efforts MyRWA characterizes water quality problems in the Mystic River Watershed, informing stakeholder efforts to reduce pollutant inputs and thereby improve water quality.

Water Quality Interns will gather data on Cyanobacteria populations and key water quality parameters from approximately ten water bodies to safeguard the public health of residents who live in the watershed. The data is shared with all interested stakeholders including the public, municipalities, Department of Public Health and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Interns will work both in and out of the office, and must be able to work independently and as a team. This is a part-time position that requires a commitment of two days a week during the Monday through Friday work week that are agreed upon between the two interns. Primary duties include monitoring local water bodies, collecting water samples (training provided), analysis of samples and data entry.  Interns will learn about the scientific tools applied to monitor water quality and the efforts that a watershed association undertakes to advocate for water quality improvements based on this information.

An interest in science, the environment and advocacy is encouraged.
Having reliable transportation is preferred and mileage will be reimbursed.

Candidates must be 16 years of age or older.

Exact dates can be flexible depending on the candidate. These are unpaid positions.

The Mystic River Watershed Association is based in Arlington, MA and is accessible via several bus routes. The Mystic River Watershed Association is an equal opportunity employer.

If interested, please send your resume to WQInternship@MysticRiver.org.