3.9 MILLION GALLONS OF SEWAGE AND RAINWATER ENTER THE MYSTIC

On December 27, 2012 the Mystic River Watershed received a dousing of 2.3inches of rainwater. The result was a degradation of water quality due to overwhelmed sewer and stormwater infrastructure. According to reporting from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), 3.9 million gallons of contaminated rainwater – untreated sewage mixed with rainwater – were released into the Mystic River during this storm. These Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) occurred in Medford and Somerville. SSOs represent a public health concern due to the possible presence of e.coli and other bacteria associated with fecal material that can cause illness, yet at present there is no mandatory public notification of these events by the operator.

Take Action! Can you advocate for public notification of SSO occurrences? Download, personalize, print and mail the MyRWA SSO letter here. 

Join MyRWA’s advocacy effort for clean water today! Email Beth to get involved.

Spring Internships with the Mystic River Watershed Association!

1) Environmental Assessment Intern

Deadline for application: January 11, 2013

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks an Environmental Assessment Intern to assist in a scientific study on contaminated sediments from February 1 through June 1.

The Environmental Assessment Intern will assist in analyzing historical sediment and water quality data.   The project will be focused on finding trends and sources of contamination to the Malden River from neighboring industries.   

Interns will learn about efforts that a watershed association undertakes to advocate for water quality improvements. The intern must be able to work independently and as a team. Some experience in GIS, Microsoft Excel and/or Microsoft Access and organizational skills would be considered an asset. This is a part-time position that requires a commitment of two to three days a week during the Monday through Friday work week.

An interest in science, the environment and advocacy is encouraged.
Exact dates can be flexible depending on the candidate. This is an unpaid position.

 Since 1972, MyRWA has played a unique role in the whole of the watershed by its science, advocacy, and outreach efforts. 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 HMInternship@MysticRiver.org. No phone calls please.

For more information about the Mystic River Watershed Association please see www.mysticriver.org.

 

2) Environmental GIS Intern

Deadline for application: January 11, 2013

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks a GIS Intern to assist in a number of scientific studies on contaminated sediments and water quality from February 1 through June 1.

The GIS Intern will develop and analyze spatial data related to water quality, drainage basins, green infrastructure, sediment contamination and demographics within the Mystic River Watershed.  Experience with ArcGIS software is required.     

Interns will learn about efforts that a watershed association undertakes to advocate for water quality improvements. The intern must be able to work independently and as a team. This is a part-time position that requires a commitment of two to three days a week during the Monday through Friday work week.

An interest in science, the environment and advocacy is encouraged.
Exact dates can be flexible depending on the candidate. This is an unpaid position.

 Since 1972, MyRWA has played a unique role in the whole of the watershed by its science, advocacy, and outreach efforts. 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. No phone calls please.

For more information about the Mystic River Watershed Association please see www.mysticriver.org.

 

3) Event Planning Internship

Deadline for application: Jan 31, 2013

Help organize and run the 17th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle for the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) from existing handbook/procedures. This outreach activity highlights a hidden jewel of the Boston metropolitan area. The event will be held on May 19, 2013 and is timed with the migration of the herring from the open ocean through Boston Harbor and the Amelia Earhart Dam on the Mystic River to the Mystic Lakes and Mystic tributaries. This race and festival is a celebration of the return of these blueback and alewife herring.

You will be responsible for assisting with all aspects of a 5K road race along the Mystic Shoreline, a concomitant paddle race on the Mystic, a mini-River Festival, securing in-kind donations, prizes, media coverage, recruiting volunteers, and promoting the event.

Estimated to take 130 hours of planning, 25 hours of activity and 10 hours of documentation.

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. This is an unpaid position.

Since 1972, MyRWA has played a unique role in the whole of the watershed by its science, advocacy, and outreach efforts. 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 Beth@MysticRiver.org.

For more information about the Mystic River Watershed Association please see www.mysticriver.org.

 

4) Herring Monitoring Internship

Deadline for application: January 11, 2013

The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) seeks a Herring Monitoring Intern to assist in a scientific study on habitat and river herring populations from February 1 through July 1.

The Herring Monitoring Intern will assist in the volunteer Herring Monitoring Program that will gather data on one of the most significant spawning runs for river herring in Massachusetts. The program is designed to collect data on the presence, absence and temporal data that yields needed information on population size and health. Primary duties include herring monitoring at the Mystic Lakes Dam in Medford, coordinating and interacting with volunteer monitors, public outreach and data entry. The intern may also develop education and outreach materials for the program and organize and recruit volunteers to monitor herring.

Interns will also learn about efforts that a watershed association undertakes to advocate for water quality improvements. The intern will work both in and out of the office, and must be able to work independently and as a team. Some experience in design, public speaking and organizational skills would be considered an asset. This is a part-time position that requires a commitment of three to four days a week during the Monday through Friday work week.

An interest in science, environmental education 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. This is an unpaid position.

 If interested, please send your resume to HMInternship@MysticRiver.org. No phone calls please.

For more information about the Mystic River Watershed Association please see www.mysticriver.org.

Looking for a Race and Festival Manager (Part-time Volunteer)

Organize and run the 17th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle for the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) from existing handbook/procedures. This outreach activity highlights a hidden jewel of the Boston metropolitan area. The event will be held on May 19, 2013 and is timed with the migration of the herring from the open ocean through Boston Harbor and the Amelia Earhart Dam on the Mystic River to the Mystic Lakes and Mystic tributaries. This race and festival is a celebration of the return of these blueback and alewife herring.

You will be responsible for assisting with all aspects of a 5K road race along the Mystic Shoreline, a concomitant paddle race on the Mystic, a mini-River Festival, securing in-kind donations, prizes, media coverage, recruiting volunteers, and promoting the event.

Estimated to take 130 hours of planning, 25 hours of activity and 10 hours of documentation.

Please email Beth@MysticRiver.org with your cover letter and resume.

Curious About Storm Surge?

In light of Superstorm Sandy, are you wondering what would happen if a hurricane hit the Boston area? Check out this hurricane storm surge map produced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to see where high tide would fall in the Mystic.

One of the major and lasting impacts of Superstorm Sandy are the raw sewage overflows and lack of capacity at wastewater treatment plants to address such large storms. Read an article in the New York Times about this, 11/30/2012.

MyRWA Launches Clean Water Campaign

The Mystic River Clean Water Campaign advocates for unimpaired water quality in the 22 community Mystic River Watershed and is supported by MyRWA’s new Water Quality Policy Statement. This policy statement outlines clear objectives that will, when implemented, move the Mystic River Watershed toward much improved water quality. The new Policy states that human sewage will no longer be discharged to the Mystic River and that all stormwater discharges to the river shall meet established State and Federal water quality standards.

MyRWA Partners with Viridian Energy

Doug Turner, a former MyRWA Board member, is now working hard to bring financial benefit to MyRWA through Viridian Energy.  MyRWA is proud to support sustainable energy sourcing and use through Viridian. This unique program provides you the opportunity to sign up for greener energy at affordable prices, while also helping MyRWA earn money to support our mission and programs.

Learn more about Viridian Energy and sign up today!

In case you missed it... Water Trouble forum now airing on TV!

The Sept. event, Belmont's Water Trouble Forum, at which MyRWA's Patrick Herron was a panelist, is currently airing on channels 9 (Comcast) and 29 (Verizon) during these following dates and times:

  • Saturdays at 12:00pm

  • Sundays at 8:30pm

  • Wednesdays at 10:30am

You can also watch it online at belmontmedia.org. Click on "watch" and then "public access tv." On the left column where it lists show playlists, click on "Public Access Variety."

Guest Presentation: Friends of the Fells

Wright's Tower. Photo Mike Ryan.Please join the Mystic River Watershed Association at the November 13th Committee Meeting to hear from representatives of Friends of the Fells. Their mission is to protect and preserve the natural and historic resources of the 2500 acres of the Fells through public outreach and support. We'll hear about current projects, water quality issues and management challenges. Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 7:00PM

Tufts University, Lincoln Filene Center Rabb Room, Medford

2012 Awards Presented at Annual Meeting, Oct. 25, 2012

Emily Cole and Matt Wilson receive the Five Year Monitoring Award. Photo Credit: David Mussina

Emily Cole and Matt Wilson receive the Five Year Monitoring Award. Photo Credit: David Mussina

MyRWA's Katrina Sukola presents the Volunteer of Year Award to Meghna Marjadi. Photo Credit: David Mussina

MyRWA's Katrina Sukola presents the Volunteer of Year Award to Meghna Marjadi. Photo Credit: David Mussina

Ripple Award recipient Ken Krause. Photo Credit: David Mussina.

Ripple Award recipient Ken Krause. Photo Credit: David Mussina.

Patrick Herron presents the Mystic Municipal Collaboration Award to Wayne Chouinard. Photo Credit: David Mussina.

Patrick Herron presents the Mystic Municipal Collaboration Award to Wayne Chouinard. Photo Credit: David Mussina.

Peter Braun shares his memories of MyRWA's earlier days. Photo Credit: David Mussina.

Peter Braun shares his memories of MyRWA's earlier days. Photo Credit: David Mussina.

Congratulations to all 2012 Awardees!

The Five Year Monitoring Award recognizes volunteer water quality monitors with MyRWA's Baseline Monitoring Program who have served for 5 years. Congratulations Emily Cole and Matt Wilson!

Meghna Marjadi, MyRWA's Herring Monitoring Intern, received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Meghna managed over 80 volunteers during the inaugural year of the Herring Monitoring Program, overcoming bumps along the road with grace and enthusiasm. Meghna has been volunteering with MyRWA since January 2012.

The Ripple Award recognizes the efforts of an individual that have had a broad impact on the community. Ken Krause of Medford received this year's Ripple Award of recognition and appreciation for his many years of dedication to community improvements.

Wayne Chouinard, Town Engineer for Arlington, received the Mystic Municipal Collaboration Award, for his dedication to stormwater awareness and improvements for the Town, and his strong collaboration with MyRWA.

Honoring Our Founders: As part of the 40th Anniversary, MyRWA President John Reinhardt honored those individuals involved with MyRWA at the outset. While not all of the founders were able to with us to celebrate, John highlighted the work of Peter Braun, Doug Turner and Ingeborg Hegemann.