Commonwealth Returns to Normal Conditions After Above Average Rainfall Totals

 Commonwealth Returns to Normal Conditions After Above Average Rainfall Totals

 

 

BOSTON — With the Commonwealth continuing to experience above average rainfall totals during the month of September, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides has declared all regions in the state at Level 0-Normal Conditions, including the Cape Cod region, which was previously declared at a Level 1-Mild Drought. Due to the declaration, the Commonwealth’s Drought Management Task Force has been deactivated until the state experiences another drought.

 

“It is significant news that the state of Massachusetts is now under normal conditions, and we thank those who implemented water conservation practices to enable resources to fully rebound,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Importantly, due to the ongoing impacts of climate change causing more frequent extreme weather events, we must remain diligent in our efforts to protect our state’s vital water systems in order to prepare for future dry conditions.”

 

Prior to today’s declaration, the Cape Cod region was at a Level 1-Mild Drought; however, since August, the region’s Groundwater and Lakes/Impoundments have fully recovered on a region-wide scale. Additionally, while water systems within the elbow of the Cape Cod Region have not fully rebounded, it is showing an upward trend.

 

“While we are fortunate that drought conditions have ended for now, we should all continue to make indoor and outdoor water conservation part of our regular activities, not just during a drought. This will help us preserve this critical resource and mitigate the effects of future droughts,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Samantha Phillips.

 

To further protect water resources, residents and businesses are urged to ensure indoor toilets, faucets, showers, and other infrastructure are WaterSense efficient. Additional water conservation tips include:

• Continue to exercise outdoor water conservation;
• Plant non-lawn/non-grass landscapes;
• Increase plantings of drought tolerant species and to shift to non-lawn/non-grass landscapes; and,
• Install rain collection systems to help with watering of outdoor plants and vegetable gardens.

 

By taking proactive measures now, the state will decrease stress on water systems during extended periods of dry conditions. For more information on water conservation and what residents and communities can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought, water conservation, and indoor and outdoor water use pages. Furthermore, in an effort to support municipalities, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides technical assistance regarding managing systems, which includes assistance on the use of emergency connections and water supplies.

 

“It is nice to have conditions back to normal across the state as we head into the period of the year when outdoor watering stops and conditions would ordinarily improve,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “We urge residents to continue to follow water use directions from their local water supplier and continue to conserve water in order to preserve future supplies.”

 

While water supplies are currently operating within suitable conditions, everyone is encouraged to also follow any supplementary watering requirements outlined by their community’s Public Water Supplier. Moreover, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan.

 

During ongoing drought conditions, the Commonwealth’s Drought Management Task Force, which is composed of state and federal officials, and other entities, provides Secretary Theoharides with drought status recommendations for her review. The task force will meet again if/when a region in the state is experiencing ongoing drought conditions.

TECO處長孫儉元投書波士頓環球報 籲理念相同國家支持台灣

           (波士頓經文處訊))新英格蘭地區第一大報「波士頓環球報」10月14日於紙本及網路版(https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/14/opinion/like-minded-democracies-send-strong-message-by-uniting-behind-taiwan/?p1=BGSearch_Advanced_Results)同步刊登孫儉元處長投書，標題為「理念相近民主國家共同支持台灣可向中國發出強烈訊息」(Like-minded democracies send strong message by uniting behind Taiwan)。

                    孫處長的投書是呼應「波士頓環球報」於10月6日所發表支持台灣民主自由的社論 (A democracy under siege as China harasses Taiwan )（https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/06/opinion/chinese-harassment-taiwan-risks-tragic-miscalculation/?p1=BGSearch_Overlay_Results)。

                 孫處長於文中指出：（一）中國從未放棄武力犯台。其軍機每日入侵台灣防空識別區，已破壞台海及印太地區的和平與穩定。中國不負責任的行為充分證明其魯莽，且無視國際規範；（二）國際對台灣的支持不斷強化。四方安全對話，美日高峰會，美韓高峰會，歐盟日本高峰會，七大工業國集團外長會議，日澳二加二外交國防部長諮商，七大工業國領袖峰會，歐盟美國高峰會，法澳二加二部長諮商及美澳部長級諮商的會後聲明均明確表達對中國意圖破壞區域安全的憂慮，並強調維持台海和平穩定的重要性；（三）作為負責任的利害關係者，台灣對在對等、無預設前提的基礎上進行兩岸對話抱持開放態度。同時，亦決心捍衛得來不易的民主與自由。理念相近民主國家共同支持台灣，將可向中國發出強烈訊息，要求其停止在印太地區的侵擾及破壞行為，此舉亦將有助增進區域和平及穩定。

AG HEALEY JOINS BIPARTISAN, MULTISTATE EFFORT SUPPORTING LOCAL JOURNALISM

 AG HEALEY JOINS BIPARTISAN, MULTISTATE EFFORT SUPPORTING

LOCAL JOURNALISM

Legislation Offers Tax Credits to Subscribers, Businesses, and News Organizations

 

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey joined a bipartisan coalition of 15 attorneys general calling on Congress to pass legislation that supports local journalism by providing tax credits for newspapers, digital publications, television, and radio. Among other benefits, this bill will provide a payroll credit for compensation of local journalists and establish tax credits to incentivize advertising in local news outlets.

 

“Local journalism performs an integral role in our society by keeping our communities informed and holding every level of government accountable – but it’s no secret they are struggling,” said AG Healey. “I am proud to join my colleagues in support of this legislation that will help give local news organizations in Massachusetts the financial boost they need to survive and thrive.”

 

The letter calls on congressional leaders to pass the Local Journalism Sustainability Act of 2021 (H.R. 3940 and S. 2434). The act provides:

• Up to $250 in tax credits to local newspaper subscribers to offset subscription fees;
• Up to $5,000 in tax credits for some local businesses who buy ads in local newspapers, television, and radio; and
• Up to $25,000 for local news organizations to hire journalists.

 

“Local newspapers are responsible for half of our country’s original reporting, although they only account for one-quarter of media outlets. In many rural communities, local news organizations provide the only information and updates about issues impacting the community,” the letter states.

 

It also addresses the importance of journalism in multicultural communities. “Regional journalism is critical, as is journalism by and for Black, Indigenous, and people of color, including ethnic media organizations. These organizations are best positioned to identify, investigate, and report on issues of concern to their respective communities, and Congress should take action to support and strengthen them.”

 

Joining AG Healey in the letter are the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, the District of Columbia and Guam.

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF THE COMMUNITY CLEAN AIR GRANT

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF THE COMMUNITY CLEAN AIR GRANT

BOSTON - Saturday, October 16, 2021 - Today, Mayor Janey announced the selection of two recipients for the Community Clean Air Grants, a program offered by the Environment Department and the Air Pollution Control Commission. The program has awarded two grants totaling $96,134 to Mothers Out Front East Boston and the Home Energy Efficiency Team for their locally-driven projects that will produce meaningful air quality improvements. The City will have an additional funding round  this year for projects that contribute to the City of Boston’s 2019 Climate Action Plan Update and  achieve Boston’s clean air and carbon neutrality goals. “Boston residents know the critical urgency of protecting our environment and mitigating the extent of air pollution in our communities,” said Mayor Janey. “I am proud to award these community-based organizations with the Community Clean Air Grant to continue supporting their crucial work to protect health and quality of life in Boston.” Each round of the Community Clean Air Grant application is open to any individual, non-profit or business seeking to eliminate or address specific sources of air pollution within Boston. Projects may also seek to: Reduce the negative health impacts of air pollution emissions within Boston; Enhance the ability of local communities in Boston to improve local air quality; Have a measurable impact on air quality or carbon emissions within Boston. “Air pollution affects the health of our people and our planet -  from higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory disease to increasing climate change resulting in higher temperatures and rising seas,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “We’re excited that the Community Clean Air Grant can empower community members to take meaningful actions that contribute to our long-term goals and directly benefit their neighbors and communities.” The Mayor has awarded $51,764 to the East Boston Home Daycare Air Purification project, led by Mothers Out Front East Boston, a nonprofit focused on fighting for a livable climate for generations to come. The project focuses on an air quality campaign providing HEPA purifiers to at-home childcare facilities, many of which are run by women of color and vulnerable populations. Mothers Out Front East Boston and the East Boston Social Center, in collaboration with Air Partners/Olin College, will install HEPA purifiers in 27 East Boston home daycares. The objectives are to reduce children’s exposure to ultra fine particulate pollution and to create engagement strategies that both build awareness of pollution and related health implications, and also ensure compliance and success.  "Studies show that 70% of East Boston pollution makes it indoors. 21% of residents in East Boston are children who are especially vulnerable to the many health effects of air pollution,” said Sonja Tengblad and Liliana Arteaga, Mothers Out Front East Boston. “Specific models of HEPA purifiers can reduce their exposure to ultrafine particulate pollution by up to 94%. By supporting the childcare providers who care for our youngest populations, we are helping to protect one of our most vulnerable populations in East Boston. We are grateful to the City of Boston for their generous support."  The Mayor has awarded $39,420 to the project Breathe Easy with Induction Cooking, led by the Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET). This small, local, women-owned nonprofit seeks practical solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while helping people live healthier and less expensive lives. HEET’s project, Breathe Easy with Induction Cooking, works to improve indoor air quality for residents who both have asthma and use a gas stove. The project will provide 100 to 200 electric portable induction cooktops, to offer an alternative, non-emitting method of cooking, to reduce indoor emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy costs. "Studies have shown that homes with inadequately vented natural gas stoves can have nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels that exceed outdoor air pollution standards, and can increase asthma rates in children,” said Molly Fairchild, from HEET.  “This grant will help reduce indoor air emissions for Boston families affected by asthma, by offering clean, safe, fast cooking with induction. We are so grateful to Mayor Janey and the City’s Environment Department for supporting this project.”  The third funding round closes on Friday, January 28th, 2022. To apply for the grant, schedule office hours, or learn more, visit boston.gov/clean-air-grant.

MAYOR JANEY AND BOSTON PARKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE ASH TREE CARE PL

 

MAYOR JANEY AND BOSTON PARKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE ASH TREE CARE PLAN Emerald Ash Borer a threat to Boston’s Ash Trees

BOSTON - Friday, October 15, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced measures being taken to slow the spread and protect Boston’s public street trees from the Emerald Ash Borer. This invasive beetle lays eggs on the bark of ash trees and upon hatching, the larvae burrow deeper in the tree, killing it. The pest only feeds on ash trees.

Adult Emerald Ash Borer beetle Photo: Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service

The City of Boston will manage the infestation by treating healthy trees on public property to prevent infection and removing trees that are dead, dying, or significantly damaged. Several hundred street trees will be removed this winter while the trees are dormant, and preventative injections will begin next spring when healthy trees are becoming more active. Sites where trees have been removed will be prioritized for new tree plantings in the next planting season. Managing the Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Boston will take place over several years. “Dead, dying, and damaged trees pose a significant public health and safety threat to Boston’s communities,” said Mayor Janey. “The City Arborist is currently working to determine which public street trees have been infested with the Emerald Ash Borer. It’s crucial that we save as many trees as possible with smart management decisions to protect our City’s green spaces for generations to come.”

Ash tree receiving preventative treatment for Emerald Ash Borer Photo: David Cappaert, Bugwood.org

The Emerald Ash Borer has been spreading since it was first found in the Arnold Arboretum in 2014. The invasive beetle has been identified in the neighborhoods of Allston-Brighton, Dorchester, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Roxbury, Mattapan, and West Roxbury, as well as the Arnold Arboretum, Franklin Park and the Muddy River area. Ash trees around the City are beginning to show outward signs of infestation, which include D-shaped exit holes in the bark of ash trees, ”blonding” from woodpecker feeding, dieback in the upper third of the tree canopy, and sprouting at the base of the trunk.

Emerald ash borer adults chew D-shaped emergence holes to exit from ash trees Photo: Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service

“Blonding” from bark removed by woodpeckers searching for emerald ash borer larvae and pupae Photo: Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org

Basal sprouting on an ash tree in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston Photo: Max Ford-Diamond

“Understanding canopy loss is the first step in addressing issues affecting Boston’s trees—like climate change, development, pests, and disease—and how those factors intersect,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space. “That’s why the Parks Department is developing a road map to powerful, equity-centered policy changes that will preserve and expand our tree canopy—the City’s first Urban Forest Plan.”  The City’s Urban Forest Plan’s initial phase, a comprehensive tree inventory, was completed in September and revealed that Boston is home to approximately 1,817 public street ash trees, which represent about 4.3% of the city’s total street tree population. The Plan’s recommendations will also include increased funding and staffing for tree care and to more effectively respond to invasive insects like Emerald Ash Borer. “While tree removals are always challenging to witness, they are necessary to protect healthy trees and to stop the spread of Emerald Ash Borer,” said Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods. “Dead trees, with their brittle wood, quickly become a safety hazard.” “Since its introduction into the U.S. Midwest in the 1990’s, the emerald ash borer has killed millions of natural and cultivated ash trees. Spreading to Massachusetts in 2012, it was first detected in Boston here at the Arnold Arboretum through a rigorous monitoring program in partnership with the DCR and the City. The City’s Urban Forest Plan aims to diversify, expand the tree canopy, and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow—a key step toward a more resilient and sustainable urban forest,” said Andrew Gapinski, Head of Horticulture at the Arnold Arboretum and member of the Community Advisory Board for the Urban Forest Plan. “The emerald ash borer is here to stay, and best management practices of surveying the City’s ash trees for signs of the beetle, removal and replacement of trees in decline, and treatment of trees in good health is essential to saving as many ash trees as possible. EAB is just one of many introduced pests that have devastating effects on our forests, landscapes, and communities – and it certainly will not be the last.” The Boston Parks and Recreation Department cares for public street trees and park trees. If you believe you have seen an infested ash tree on a public street or park, contact 311. Private property owners should learn to recognize ash trees, check for signs of infestation, and contact a certified arborist for preventative treatments. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation coordinates the Emerald Ash Borer response at the state level and provides resources on their website. The Parks Department will hold two webinars scheduled for 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on October 28. Additional information on Emerald Ash Borer, and the webinar registration form, can be found at boston.gov/trees.