STENCILING PROJECT WARNS AGAINST DUMPING IN STORM DRAINS

Newton, MA - Stenciled warnings about dumping in local storm drains are beginning to appear on Newton streets.  Aimed at reducing the amount of pollution in the Charles River after rainstorms, the public awareness project is co-sponsored by the City of Newton’s Department of Public Works (DPW) and Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA).

Using stencils and paint supplied by the DPW, student interns from CRWA are spray-painting warnings that read "Don’t Dump - Drains to Charles River" on the pavement next to storm drains.  Stenciling began this week in Waban along Waban Ave. and will continue through the commercial area along Beacon St.

"Careless dumping of used oil, antifreeze, lawn mower gasoline and household or garden chemicals is a real threat to the health of the Charles River," explains Kathy Baskin, CRWA’s project manager.  "People don’t realize that the Charles is severely impacted by stormwater runoff from residential neighborhoods in the watershed, not just from industry.  Storm drains on our streets - no matter how far from the river - connect to underground pipes that discharge directly into the Charles or its tributaries."

Stormwater runoff is the primary source of pollution in the Charles, according to CRWA, an environmental non-profit organization that has monitored water quality in the river regularly for the past five years.  Last year’s data indicates that the Charles met the state swimming standard 74 % in dry weather, but only 47% after rain storms.

CRWA’s volunteers take monthly water quality samples at eight sites along the 14 miles of the Charles that form a boundary between Newton and other communities.  Sampling data in 2000 reveals that the river bordering Newton completely failed the swimming standard when sampling occurred after nearly an inch of rain.  The same river segment largely met the swimming standard other months when samples were taken during dry weather or when there had been insignificant rainfall.

 Newton’s DPW  "has expended significant resources evaluating the stormwater discharges to the Charles River and has eliminated polluting sources," explains Jay Fink, utilities director for the DPW.  "This program will compliment the efforts already taken."

"The City of Newton is pleased to promote this environmental awareness program with CRWA.  Newton residents have always cared about the environment and the stenciling project is one more way that we can help protect our waterways," said Mayor David B. Cohen.

CRWA was formed in 1965 in response to increasing concern about the declining condition of the Charles. Since its earliest days of advocacy, CRWA has spearheaded major cleanup and watershed protection projects, resulting in dramatic improvements in the river’s health.

Groups or organizations interested in participating in the Newton stenciling program should call CRWA at (617) 965-5975.