Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $629,000 to Protect
Coastal Water Quality and Restore Habitat
BOSTON - The Healey-Driscoll Administration today
announced $628,702 in grant funding to assess and treat stormwater pollution to
coastal waters and develop comprehensive coastal habitat restoration plans. The
grants, provided by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’
(EEA) Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), were awarded to the Ipswich
River Watershed Association, Needham, Newton, Rehoboth, Saugus River Watershed
Council, and Wildlands Trust.
“The Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grant program is
crucial for combating pollution and strengthening climate resilience. By
funding stormwater solutions and habitat restoration, we are safeguarding our
coast and ensuring its health and vitality for future generations,” said EEA
Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This commitment underscores the Healey-Driscoll
Administration’s drive to build a healthier, more resilient coast.”
“This is CZM’s third year awarding these grants, and we’re
excited about the transformative project our recipients are spearheading,” said
CZM Director Alison Brizius. “This funding is critical for
creating resilient coastlines, and we can’t wait to work with our partners to
drive real, lasting change in coastal water quality and habitat protection.”
The Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (CHWQ) Grants fund
projects to assess, intercept, and treat stormwater runoff, which is a leading
source of water pollution. Reducing stormwater pollution is essential for
protecting coastal water quality and habitat, as well as keeping beaches open
for swimming and shellfish beds open for harvest. A priority of the grant
program is to support implementation of green stormwater infrastructure, which
replicate natural processes to trap and filter stormwater prior to reaching
local waterbodies. The CHWQ Grants also support the development of
comprehensive habitat restoration plans. Habitat restoration helps to protect
and maintain critical environmental resources across the greater coastal
watershed.
The following six projects have been funded through this
year’s Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants:
Ipswich River Watershed Association - $137,053 to
develop a comprehensive habitat restoration plan to improve aquatic habitat and
riverine conditions in the Ipswich River. The river, which is crucial habitat
for diadromous fish species, has become degraded due to low dissolved oxygen
levels, high bacteria levels, and barriers to flow. This project will assess
current habitat conditions through mapping of specific habitat types and
develop strategies and recommendations to improve diadromous fish habitat in
the river.
Needham - $125,425 to advance assessment and planning
for stormwater management along Alder Brook, a tributary of the Charles River.
The project will reduce phosphorous inputs to the brook by capturing and
treating stormwater before reaching the waterbody. The Town will work in
partnership with the Charles River Watershed Association to advance the
project.
Newton - $173,339 to advance permitting and
engineering of green stormwater infrastructure along Cheesecake Brook. The
proposed management techniques will aim to reduce phosphorous and bacteria
impacts to the brook and the Charles River, which are currently impacted by
these pollutants. The City will work in collaboration with the Charles River
Watershed Association to complete this work.
Rehoboth - $87,500 to quantify calculations of
nutrient levels in runoff, identify locations for stormwater best management
practices (BMPs), update stormwater and zoning bylaws to reduce stormwater
impacts, host BMP maintenance trainings to build capacity in the municipality,
and conduct outreach with residents and local farmers on stormwater BMPs. This
project holistically targets water quality improvements in the Palmer River
Watershed.
Saugus River Watershed Council - $56,700 to assess
stormwater runoff volume and pollutant levels from municipal properties in the
Saugus River watershed. Through GIS analyses and on-site field assessments, the
Council will assess existing conditions, model climate scenarios, and investigate
levels of impact to the Saugus River watershed. The data collected will inform
site selection and initial designs for green stormwater infrastructure to
address stormwater impacts in the region.
Wildlands Trust - $48,685 to complete a habitat
restoration plan in the Plymouth, Duxbury, and Kingston (PDK) Bay Area.
Focusing on the 30 miles of coastline and numerous tributaries to the bay, the
project will assess existing data, management plans, and community knowledge to
identify opportunities to protect coastal habitat. Formation of the PDK Bay
Coalition as part of the project will bring together local leaders and experts
to lead plan development, coordinate municipal efforts, and share
resources.
“I’m thrilled the Healey-Driscoll Administration is
prioritizing climate resiliency efforts that not only benefits our coastlines
but also address the negative toll taken on our rivers, streams and waterways
from the increased instances of extreme weather and flooding our Commonwealth
faces,” said Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton).
“Advancing the permitting and installation of the green stormwater
infrastructure along Cheesecake Brook will have lasting impacts on the health
and quality of our of communities’ natural habitat.”
"The Ipswich River is a vital resource in our district,
as well as an essential natural habitat for a variety of species," said
Representative Kristin H. Kassner (D-Hamilton). "This important
grant will help the Ipswich River Watershed Association develop a plan to
improve the health of the river for people and for wildlife. It's a win for all
of us."
The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is
the lead policy and planning agency on coastal and ocean issues within the
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Through planning,
technical and grant assistance, and public information programs, CZM seeks to
balance the impacts of human activity with the protection of coastal and marine
resources. The agency’s work includes helping coastal communities address the
challenges of storms, sea level rise, and other effects of climate change;
working with state, regional, and federal partners to balance current and new
uses of ocean waters while protecting ocean habitats and promoting sustainable
economic development; and partnering with communities and other organizations
to protect and restore coastal water quality and habitats
