Special Event: Climate Change in the Mystic River Watershed: Vulnerabilities & Adaptation Strategies

Join the Mystic River Watershed Association for a special presentation by Paul Kirshen, PhD, Research Professor at the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space at the University of New Hampshire on February 11th.

Dr. Kirshen will address the impacts of Climate Change that one can expect to see in the Mystic River Watershed and how local water quality will be effected.

When: Monday, February 11th, 7:00PM

Where:Tufts University, Anderson Hall, Nelson Auditorium, Medford, MA

This free event is part of the Mystic River Clean Water Campaign. Learn more about the campaign and get involved here.

Please join us Feb. 11th!

Announcing the 2013 Mystic River Water Quality Science Forum

Please plan on attending this public forum.

2013 SCIENCE SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING

Location: EPA Regional Office – 5 Post Office Square Boston, MA

Conference Room: Court Room 6 – 15th floor

DRAFT AGENDA

• 9:00 - 9:10 Welcome and Introductions (Patrick Herron and Tom Faber)

• 9:10 - 9:25 Enforcement and MS4 Permit update Todd Borci (EPA) Nihar Mohanty MA DEP?

• 9:25 - 9:50 State of the Mystic - Water Quality and Environmental Conditions (Patrick Herron)

• 9:50 - 10:05 Island End Tributary Sewer Main Removal Success Story (Andrew DeSantis)

• 10:05 – 10:30 MWR205 CSO Status and Update (Rick Trubiano, Rob King)

• 10:30 - 10:45 Break (Coffee and Snacks for purchase on 3rd floor)

• 10:45 - 11:05 Herring Restoration Efforts and New Opportunities (Katrina Sukola)

• 11:05 – 11:20 Lexington’s Volunteer Stormwater Monitoring (David Pavlik, Emily Schadler)

• 11:20 – 11:35 Historic Chloride levels in the Mystic (Roger Frymire)

• 11:35 – 11:50 Real–Time Monitoring of Water Quality and Cyanobacteria (Tom Faber)

• 11:50 - 12:20 General Discussion, Recommendations, and Next Steps (All)

Directions: http://www.epa.gov/region1/directions/index.html

Please plan on extra time to proceed through security and enter the building through the public entrance located on Congress Street.  Be prepared to present ID and go through security upon entering the building.  You will be required to power up any electronic devices that you bring; to save time, leave extra electronics at home.  

Coffee and snacks will not be provided, but are available for purchase in the cafeteria on the 3rd floor.

Suffolk Downs Funds Mystic River Water Quality Monitoring and Improvement Program

Beginning in February 2013, the Mystic River Watershed Association will receive $495,000 over three years from Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC (Suffolk Downs), to support water quality monitoring and improvement efforts throughout the twenty-two community Mystic River Watershed. Both a monthly Baseline Monitoring Program and a Hot-Spot Monitoring Program will be funded under an agreement recently endorsed by both parties. Suffolk’s provision of funding toward this project was undertaken in connection with the settlement of an enforcement action, United States v. Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, LLC, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act.

“Improved water quality is an essential component of environmental restoration in the Mystic River Watershed and a critical first step toward a healthier local ecology. To accomplish this objective, the Mystic River Watershed Association serves as a consistent advocate for clean water,” stated EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, Executive Director of the Mystic River Watershed Association. “This new funding  provides assurance that critically important water quality monitoring will continue in the Mystic.”

Chip Tuttle, Chief Operating Officer of Suffolk Downs added, “Suffolk Downs is committed to programs and policies that will help the local environment now and as we look toward future development here. We are proud to partner with the Mystic River Watershed Association in this effort.” 

For forty years, MyRWA, a 501(c)3 organization, has relied upon generous support from concerned residents, businesses and foundations to accomplish its work. More recently, the water quality program has been supported by generous grants from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, the Caswell Family Foundation and from local businesses including Exxon/Mobil Pipeline Corporation, Distrigas of Massachusetts, Schnitzer Northeast, Exelon Generation and Attorney Robert Bonsignore.

The Mystic River Baseline Monitoring Program engages more than 50 trained volunteers to take monthly samples at 15 locations throughout the watershed. Active since 2000, the Baseline Program provides critically important data with regard to the sources, type and volume of existing impairments to the river’s natural environment and water quality. Separately, the Hot-Spot Monitoring Program conducts intensive sub-watershed studies – water quality samples that may be collected along the entire length of a tributary, or from suspicious stormwater outfall pipes that discharge to the watershed's rivers and streams.  Samples taken are analyzed for bacteria, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, and surfactants. 

The Baseline Monitoring Program and Hot-Spot Monitoring Program document water quality to inform municipal officials and regional planners and help effectively prioritize clean-up activities and infrastructure planning.  All data is available to the public here.

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.

Donate to our 40th Anniversary End of Year Appeal!

This Holiday Season, support a healthy Mystic River Watershed! Your support helps propel MyRWA into the next 40 years of advocacy, outreach and environmental restoration efforts. All donations are tax-deductible, and you can donate securely online. Help us cap-off the 40th Annivesary with a special gift today!

Donate here...and thank you!

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!