Menino says he wasn't in the loop on lawsuit

By Michael Norton

Boston Globe, December 24, 2010

Federal agencies officially joined a complaint Wednesday that had been filed earlier this year against the commission in connection with the discharge of raw sewage and other pollutants into the Mystic River, Charles River, Neponset River, and other waters that flow into Boston Harbor.

“I was never told by my appointees about this at all, and it infuriates me that they would not come forward on that" Menino told WCVB-TV’s “On the Record’’ program in a segment that will air Sunday.

Menino said he learned at 5 p.m. Wednesday that the Justice Department, on behalf of the US Environmental Protection Agency, had joined the suit brought in February by the Conservation Law Foundation.

He said he sent the city’s corporation counsel to the commission yesterday to seize records and inquire about the commission’s handling of the matter.

“Why weren’t they upfront about it?’’ Menino said. “ Why are they not dealing with the issue of overflow into the rivers and streams? It’s a serious charge, and I take it very seriously, especially when the US attorney is involved in it.’’

Apprised of Menino’s comments yesterday, Thomas Bagley, deputy director of communications at the commission, did not have an immediate comment.

Federal officials are seeking injunctive relief in the form of “significantly increased resources’’ for the commission to prevent continued violations of the Clean Water Act.

A complaint included with a motion filed by the US Justice Department alleges violations stemming from illegal sewer connections to the storm drain system and sewer overflows that discharge into the system or directly into surface waters.

Calling the environment “one of my issues,’’ Menino said, “This could cost the Water and Sewer Commission and the state millions of dollars.’’

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