Environment

Town Looking for Ways to Reduce Amount of Water Going into Storm Drains

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The Town of Watertown has multiple incentives to reduce the amount of rain water flowing into storm drains and eventually into the Charles River, including preventing street flooding and reducing the amount of pollution going into the river – which will be part of the new and stricter Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. The EPA requirements come out in Jul and the town will receive a new permit which will include more stringent requirements to reduce pollution of the river. The Department of Public Works seeks to find ways to prevent rain water from running down streets and driveways into storm drains, and out into the Charles River, because stormwater is a major cause of pollution in the river. Sometimes small storms can be worse for pollution than bigger ones, Shuman said. “We call it the first flush,” Shuman said. “The first quarter inch of rain picks up all the pollutants from the roads and it runs into the storm drains.”

Environment

Group Cleaning Up Charles River Before Heading to Climate Rally in Boston

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A group will be cleaning trash out of the Charles River on Saturday, and seeks volunteers. They will also be attending a rally in Boston for Climate Mobilization

Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment sent out the following announcement:

Plastic Bags are littering the banks of the Charles River. Let’s clean them up before they reach the oceans. Charles River Cleanup Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. Join Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice and the Environment partnering with Stop & Shop to clean the banks.

Environment

Conservation Commission Looking at Stormwater, Path Projects at Arsenal Mall

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Representatives from the owners of the Arsenal Yards will appear for the second time before the Conservation Commission this week seeking approval for a path and a stormwater system which would change the landscape and require removing and replacing trees in the area. The Conservation Commission meets Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in the Lower Hearing Room in Town Hall. They will discuss the project that would be within the 200-foot buffer from the Charles River, which falls under the Conservation Commission’s authority. Approximately 58,000 of land would be temporarily impacted by stormwater and regrading work located in the northwest corner of the parking lot. The area does not have stormwater treatment, currently.

Environment

Watertown’s Tree Warden Receives Statewide Recognition

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Watertown’s Tree Warden received statewide recognition for his work. 

Chris Hayward, who serves as tree warden as well as the Conservation/Preservation Agent, received the 2017 Seth H. Swift Tree Warden of the Year from the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters Association. The Tree Warden of the Year Award recognizes a tree warden who exhibits leadership, dedication, and a commitment to the profession. The annual award is named in honor of longtime member and past president Seth “Swifty” Swift, who passed away January 1, 2004. Hayward, who has worked for the town for nearly 12 years, said he was honored to receive the award, which he noted is not given every year. “I was surprised,” Hayward said.

Environment

Former EPA Official Speaking at Charles River Watershed Assoc.’s Annual Meeting

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On Wednesday, March 22—World Water Day—Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) will hold its 51st Annual Meeting at the Boston Marriott Newton. Bob Perciasepe, president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), an internationally recognized think tank, will deliver the keynote address outlining paths forward for environmental policy and action. Perciasepe’s experiences as former U.S. EPA Deputy Administrator, Maryland state environment secretary, and a city planner, inform his approach to advancing smart energy and environmental policies. In a time of federal environmental policy retrenchment, Perciasepe’s insights are especially salient. At the Annual Meeting, CRWA will recognize public officials, environmental advocates and volunteers whose hard work helps protect the Charles River.

Environment

Removal of Trees in Watertown by Cambridge Has Been Halted

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The removal of trees in Watertown by the City of Cambridge has been stopped, and more assessment will be done before any others are removed. Cutting of trees along the Linear Path behind Town Hall and between Whites and Waverley avenues has drawn strong condemnation from many Watertown residents. The trees sit on top of land owned by the City of Cambridge, and which is above a pipe that supplies water to Cambridge. Town Council President Mark Sideris announced the halt of tree removals at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. “Believe me, the Town, Town Administration and Town Council are very disappointed with the (City of Cambridge’s) actions and the method of communication with the Town,” Sideris said.

Environment

Watertown Group Co-Sponsoring Environmental Action Conference

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Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment announced it is co-sponsoring a grassroots environmental action conference that will bring together over 400 activists working to protect their communities’ health and environment. Organized by Toxics Action Center, this year’s 30th annual Local Environmental Action 2017 connects citizens with the information, skills, and experts to effectively advocate for their communities. This year’s keynote speakers are Kandi Mossett and Lois Gibbs. Kandi has been a powerful indigenous leader as well as an environmental justice hero on the frontlines of the fight to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline, and bring visibility to the impact that injustices have on indigenous groups across North America. Lois Gibbs, founder and executive director of the Center for Health, Environment and Justice, has actively played a critical role in the grassroots environmental health movement.

Environment

State Sen. Brownsberger Hosting Discussion on Energy, Climate Legislation

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State Senator Will Brownsberger announced he will host a community discussion on energy and climate legislation filed in the 2017-2018 legislative session. The discussion will be from 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 in the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room at the Watertown Public Library, located at 123 Main Street. This event is free and open to the public.