Report urges big cuts in phosphorous on upper, middle Charles River

A draft report from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Environmental Protection calls for cutting annual phosphorous levels by 49 percent along the 70-mile upper and middle stretches of the Charles River. The state agency is accepting written public comments on the plan through Nov. 30.

The report urges waste-water plants to cut back the amount of phosphorus contained in treated water before it is discharged, a move that could lead operators to pass on the procedure’s higher costs to residents. It also targets businesses, which could see their costs rise if cities and towns adopt regulations to better manage storm water. Agencies responsible for major roadways would also have to clean up their act if the report’s limits go into effect.

Read the rest of Lisa Kocian's Globe West story here.