Advocacy
Building on a Long Legacy

CRWA advocates for a healthy, vibrant, and climate-resilient Charles River watershed for all.

When major decisions are made affecting the Charles River, CRWA is there advocating for the river and those who value it. Working in close partnership with watershed communities and allied organizations, we are committed to protecting the ecological integrity of the Charles and building the entire watershed’s resilience to climate change. Whether we are weighing in on permits and development proposals; testifying before conservation commissions, planning boards, environmental agencies, and legislative committees; or filing legal challenges, our advocacy work is grounded in science and innovative solutions to watershed protection. 

Over the past five decades, CRWA has pushed for the cleanup of contaminated sites along the Charles, fought to reduce pollution, protect critically important resources like wetlands, and develop sustainable solutions to our biggest environmental challenges. As we confront the increasing threat of climate change, we will build upon our legacy of smart, effective advocacy to protect our watershed for generations to come.

Recent Comment letters

• May 20, 2022 Comments on Brae Burn Country Club’s Application for a Water Management Act Permit
• April 26, 2022 Comments on the Draft NPDES General Permit for Medium Wastewater Treatment Facilities
• March 22, 2022 Joint Comment Letter on Wetland Regulations Phase III
• March 15, 2022 Support for House Bill H.4144, An Act Relative to Further Testing After a CSO Event
• March 10, 2022 Support for warrant articles that will reduce the use of toxic rodenticides
• January 27, 2022 Environmental Notification Form for Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
• January 27, 2022 Comments on Environmental Notification Form for 155 North Beacon Street
• January 18, 2022 Comments on Environmental Notification Form or Riverside Labs in Weston
• January 11, 2022 Environmental Notification Form for 206 Mechanic Street, Bellingham
• January 10, 2022 Comments on Harvard Enterprise Research Campus Project
• October 25, 2021 Comments on Harvard Enterprise Research Campus BPDA DPIR
• October 20, 2021 Comments on DCR Herter Park Master Plan
• October 8, 2021 Comments on Harvard Enterprise Research Campus MEPA DEIR
• July 19, 2021 Testimony in Support of ARPA Funding for Climate Resilience
• June 23, 2021 Comments on DCR Herter Park Master Plan
• June 21, 2021 Comments on Draft Massachusetts 2018/2020 Integrated List of Waters
• June 21, 2021 DCR Friends & Nonprofit Partner Comment Letter 6/21
• June 4, 2021 Feedback on Energy and Environmental Affairs Environmental Justice Strategy
• May 18, 2021 Comments on Proposed Updates to MassDEP Stormwater Handbook
• May 19, 2021 Comments on City of Boston Local Wetlands Ordinance Implementation, Phase II Regulations (Isolated Vegetated Wetlands, Vernal Pools, Lands Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage)
• March 31, 2021 Comments on Interim Protocol on Climate Change Adaptation and Resiliency & Interim Protocol for Environmental Justice Outreach
• March 31, 2021 Comments on MEPA Regulatory Updates
• March 2, 2021 Comments on North Allston Storm Drain Extension Project
• March 2, 2021 Comments on Harvard Enterprise Research Campus Project
• December 22, 2020 Comments to Improve the Flood Carrying Capacity of Godfrey Brook
• December 2, 2020 ENF for the Mildred C. Hailey Phase One Development
• November 24, 2020 Comments in support of H. 4921, An Act promoting awareness of sewage pollution
• November 12, 2020 Comments on the Notice of Project Chance for the Central Square project in Franklin
• October 28, 2020 Comments on I-90 Project Alternatives
• ​Archived comment letters

Protect

Promote Resilience

Voice of the River