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EPA gives Mystic River a C-
The
US Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Mystic River a grade
of C- for water quality based on data collected by the Mystic River
Watershed Association in 2009.The grade is based on the levels of bacterial contamination in the river throughout the year. A C- grade indicates that national swimming standards were met 57 percent of the time while boating standards were met 93 percent of the time, the Mystic River Watershed Association stated in a press release.
This is the second year in a row that the Mystic River has garnered a C- grade. It received the mark last year after earning a D in 2006 and 2007.
At the report card event, held during the Mystic River Watershed Association's 14th Annual Herring Run and Paddle in Somerville on May 16, the EPA emphasized the collaborative efforts of many groups in improving water quality in recent years.
“We are proud to have a successful and strong partnership now forged between local citizens all the way up through federal government, with the shared goal of improving water quality in the Mystic River," said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA's New England office.
While many diligent efforts are underway, there is still work to be
done to realize a healthy, vibrant Mystic, said EkOngKar Singh Khalsa,
executive director of the Mystic River Watershed Association.
“Through the hard work of many collaborating groups in the Mystic River Watershed, improvements to water quality, access to the river, and awareness of this valuable resource are coming to fruition," he said.
Some of these efforts, including those that helped collect data for the EPA grade, are overseen by the Mystic River Watershed Association. The Friends of the Mystic River has also partnered with the organization in various cleanup efforts, including this Saturday's water chestnut pull.
Volunteers are always needed to help collect monthly water samples throughout the watershed, a 76-square mile area encompassing 22 communities north of Boston. To become a MyRWA water quality monitor, contact the Association at 781-316-3438.
For those who want to help in other ways, the Mystic River Watershed Association offers the following suggestions:
For more pollution control measures and to find out what is going on in your watershed, click here or call the Mystic River Watershed Association at 781-316-3438.
“Through the hard work of many collaborating groups in the Mystic River Watershed, improvements to water quality, access to the river, and awareness of this valuable resource are coming to fruition," he said.
Some of these efforts, including those that helped collect data for the EPA grade, are overseen by the Mystic River Watershed Association. The Friends of the Mystic River has also partnered with the organization in various cleanup efforts, including this Saturday's water chestnut pull.
Volunteers are always needed to help collect monthly water samples throughout the watershed, a 76-square mile area encompassing 22 communities north of Boston. To become a MyRWA water quality monitor, contact the Association at 781-316-3438.
For those who want to help in other ways, the Mystic River Watershed Association offers the following suggestions:
- Conserve water and limit your run-off during rain events by installing rain
barrels or creating a rain garden - Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn or garden.
- Never dump down storm drains - they drain directly into your local
waterbody. - Pick up after your dog.
- Don't litter.
- Get involved with local river clean-up efforts.
For more pollution control measures and to find out what is going on in your watershed, click here or call the Mystic River Watershed Association at 781-316-3438.
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