Inhabited by people for thousands of years, and industrialized for 375 years, it’s not a surprise that Neponset River Watershed has its share of environmental issues, including:
This may happen when a building’s stream of wastewater is connected to the wrong piping system, and thus flows into the river as opposed to a water treatment facility).
This is the rain water or snow melt that picks up pollution from hard, impervious surfaces, such as roads, parking lots and driveways, and washes into our waterways, usually via storm drains.
Plant, animal, insect, and fungi species can be categorized as “native,” “exotic,” a hybrid of the two, “naturalized,” or “invasive.” As such, they have different effects on the surrounding environment.
Pollutants; low water levels; direct removal of habitat; disturbance of vegetation and soil at the water’s edge; exotic, invasive species; acid precipitation; obstructions (dams); and degradation of fish spawning habitat all impact the watershed.
Old dams on the river and its tributaries degrade water quality and aquatic environments, block fish movement, hinder human recreation, and can threaten public health.
For example, PCB-laced soil and groundwater from a former industrial property that leaches toxins into the river.
Low Water Levels
Drought affect our river, its tributaries, our groundwater, ponds, lakes and wetlands, especially during the summer.
Significantly Altered Ecosystems
Climate change affects Neponset land, water, people and wildlife, changing what we view as “normal.” Species adapt to these changes, migrate elsewhere, or deal with the consequences. We can reduce our contribution to climate change as well as help natural communities to adapt.
If you fish in freshwater and eat your catch, it’s important to keep up to date on the Freshwater Fish Consumption Advisory List, published by the MA Department of Health. Decide whether to eat your catch based on the pollutants in the fish.
- Strengthening policy to protect the natural resources of the watershed
- Commenting on development proposals to permit better water recharge for our river and underground water supplies
- Boosting towns’ water-efficiency through school programs
- Offering rebates for water-efficient appliances
- Managing a water-quality monitoring program (CWMN)
- Planning for the construction of stormwater treatment structures
- Guiding abutters’ yard maintenance around a pond
- Releasing biocontrol insects into wetlands to control exotic, invasive plants
For more information, contact NepRWA Executive Director, Ian Cooke at firstname.lastname@example.org or 781-575-0354 x305