Legal Updates Across the Watershed
In the last month, CRWA provided substantive comments on three legal updates across the watershed…
The Town of Natick Water Management Act Permit, which, if granted, would increase permitted withdrawals from the Charles River at Elm Bank despite the fact that the river is already stressed due to low water flows. CRWA provided scientific evidence and legal arguments to oppose the proposed permit levels.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation's proposed "passive park" adjacent to the Charles River in Watertown. CRWA supported the design, which incorporates smart stormwater mitigation measures and green infrastructure, and provided input on managing additional stormwater runoff from adjacent properties.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Financial Capability Assessment Guidance, which helps to determine which CSO mitigation projects are affordable, including the long-term control plan for the Charles and Mystic Rivers that is currently open for public comment. CRWA joined the Natural Resources Defense Council and other national environmental organizations to provide the EPA with detailed guidance on structuring major clean water infrastructure projects in ways that are both effective and affordable.
