EPA issues draft permit to reduce discharge of pollutants into the Mystic, Charles, and Neponset Rivers
BOSTON (OCT 31, 2024) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the issuance of a draft permit for stormwater discharges to the Mystic, Charles, and Neponset River watersheds. The draft permit, issued under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, addresses stormwater runoff from properties in the watersheds that are contributing to water quality impairment.
The Clean Water Act gives EPA the authority to issue permits for certain stormwater discharges that contribute to water quality problems. This important regulatory step is expected to dramatically improve water quality throughout the watersheds. Secondary benefits include reduced localized flooding through stormwater controls and increased recreational opportunities through healthier river systems in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The permit will help limit pollutants such as bacteria, nutrients, and sediments, which have been identified as major contributors to water quality issues in the Mystic, Charles, and Neponset Rivers.
"This draft permit is an important step forward in improving the health of these rivers and ensuring they remain valuable resources to the people and non-human residents of the watersheds," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "For too long, overburdened communities along the Mystic, Neponset, and Charles rivers have suffered from stormwater pollution. Now we can do something about it – and restore the rivers and provide cleaner water for the surrounding communities, especially as climate change is causing bigger and more damaging storms."
Municipal governments in Charles, Mystic and Neponset River watershed cities and towns are already subject to EPA permits that require them to take steps to reduce pollution in stormwater, and they have made significant investments to do so. However, much of this pollution comes directly from stormwater originating from certain commercial, industrial, and institutional sources – such as office parks, industrial parks, shopping centers, private colleges and universities, and hospitals – which are not currently required to be covered by an existing permit.
This draft permit creates greater accountability and places responsibility for cleaning up pollution squarely on those responsible – reducing the burden faced by cities and towns throughout these watersheds.
Large impervious areas such as parking lots and roofs are one of the last major unregulated sources of water pollution, and a chief culprit in dramatic algal blooms – including toxic cyanobacteria – as well as high bacteria levels that have plagued the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset in recent years. Extensive impervious cover also aggravates the severity of flooding because those areas diminish the amount of land that can naturally soak in and filter rainwater.
For decades, EPA's efforts to address water quality impairment in the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset Rivers has featured coordinated efforts among EPA, state and local governments, private organizations, and environmental advocates. Cities and towns in the watersheds have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in stormwater and sewer improvements. As a result, much progress has been achieved making the rivers safer for recreation, such as boating and, in some cases, swimming. By moving forward with this permit, EPA is now addressing one of the last remaining unregulated sources of pollution harming the rivers.
EPA encourages public input on the draft permit. A public comment period will be open for 90 days during which interested parties can review the draft and submit feedback in written form. In addition, public meetings will be held to discuss the permit and answer questions from the community.
Public Comment Period
The public comment period for draft permit will remain open from October 31, 2024 to January 29, 2025. Interested parties can submit comments on the Preliminary Designation and the Draft Permit at www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-R01-OW-2024-0492. All comments must be received by January 29, 2025. EPA will consider all significant comments and make appropriate changes before issuing this permit.
Public information meetings will be held virtually on:
January 7, 2025 – 7pm.
https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItc--qqzgiGOtxPn60rg6D0ZIHCXEc1So
January 9, 2025 – 7pm
https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItc-2ppz0jH1qw3pWgCLnincyOthfh77o
There will be two opportunities to comment during a virtual public hearing on
January 22, 2025 – 7pm
https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsfuCsqj8jHUHAEG9FUqtGaWjWZ0SJU-o
January 23, 2025 – 7pm
https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsceGopj8qGFxtlMFPCuBSa_Viuh8oZg0
To review the proposed draft residual designation permit, go to https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/notice-preliminary-designation-certain-stormwater-discharges-commonwealth.