Press Release

Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $629,000 to Protect Coastal Water Quality and Restore Habitat

For immediate release:
8/27/2024
  • Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
  • Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM)

Media Contact   for Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $629,000 to Protect Coastal Water Quality and Restore Habitat

Aisha Revolus, Communications Manager

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $628,702 in grant funding to assess and treat stormwater pollution to coastal waters and develop comprehensive coastal habitat restoration plans. The grants, provided by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), were awarded to the Ipswich River Watershed Association, Needham, Newton, Rehoboth, Saugus River Watershed Council, and Wildlands Trust. 

“The Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grant program is crucial for combating pollution and strengthening climate resilience. By funding stormwater solutions and habitat restoration, we are safeguarding our coast and ensuring its health and vitality for future generations,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This commitment underscores the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s drive to build a healthier, more resilient coast.” 

“This is CZM’s third year awarding these grants, and we’re excited about the transformative project our recipients are spearheading,” said CZM Director Alison Brizius. “This funding is critical for creating resilient coastlines, and we can’t wait to work with our partners to drive real, lasting change in coastal water quality and habitat protection.” 

The Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (CHWQ) Grants fund projects to assess, intercept, and treat stormwater runoff, which is a leading source of water pollution. Reducing stormwater pollution is essential for protecting coastal water quality and habitat, as well as keeping beaches open for swimming and shellfish beds open for harvest. A priority of the grant program is to support implementation of green stormwater infrastructure, which replicate natural processes to trap and filter stormwater prior to reaching local waterbodies. The CHWQ Grants also support the development of comprehensive habitat restoration plans. Habitat restoration helps to protect and maintain critical environmental resources across the greater coastal watershed. 

The following six projects have been funded through this year’s Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants: 

Ipswich River Watershed Association - $137,053 to develop a comprehensive habitat restoration plan to improve aquatic habitat and riverine conditions in the Ipswich River. The river, which is crucial habitat for diadromous fish species, has become degraded due to low dissolved oxygen levels, high bacteria levels, and barriers to flow. This project will assess current habitat conditions through mapping of specific habitat types and develop strategies and recommendations to improve diadromous fish habitat in the river. 

Needham - $125,425 to advance assessment and planning for stormwater management along Alder Brook, a tributary of the Charles River. The project will reduce phosphorous inputs to the brook by capturing and treating stormwater before reaching the waterbody. The Town will work in partnership with the Charles River Watershed Association to advance the project. 

Newton - $173,339 to advance permitting and engineering of green stormwater infrastructure along Cheesecake Brook. The proposed management techniques will aim to reduce phosphorous and bacteria impacts to the brook and the Charles River, which are currently impacted by these pollutants. The City will work in collaboration with the Charles River Watershed Association to complete this work. 

Rehoboth - $87,500 to quantify calculations of nutrient levels in runoff, identify locations for stormwater best management practices (BMPs), update stormwater and zoning bylaws to reduce stormwater impacts, host BMP maintenance trainings to build capacity in the municipality, and conduct outreach with residents and local farmers on stormwater BMPs. This project holistically targets water quality improvements in the Palmer River Watershed. 

Saugus River Watershed Council - $56,700 to assess stormwater runoff volume and pollutant levels from municipal properties in the Saugus River watershed. Through GIS analyses and on-site field assessments, the Council will assess existing conditions, model climate scenarios, and investigate levels of impact to the Saugus River watershed. The data collected will inform site selection and initial designs for green stormwater infrastructure to address stormwater impacts in the region. 

Wildlands Trust - $48,685 to complete a habitat restoration plan in the Plymouth, Duxbury, and Kingston (PDK) Bay Area. Focusing on the 30 miles of coastline and numerous tributaries to the bay, the project will assess existing data, management plans, and community knowledge to identify opportunities to protect coastal habitat. Formation of the PDK Bay Coalition as part of the project will bring together local leaders and experts to lead plan development, coordinate municipal efforts, and share resources. 

“I’m thrilled the Healey-Driscoll Administration is prioritizing climate resiliency efforts that not only benefits our coastlines but also address the negative toll taken on our rivers, streams and waterways from the increased instances of extreme weather and flooding our Commonwealth faces,” said Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton). “Advancing the permitting and installation of the green stormwater infrastructure along Cheesecake Brook will have lasting impacts on the health and quality of our of communities’ natural habitat.” 

"The Ipswich River is a vital resource in our district, as well as an essential natural habitat for a variety of species," said Representative Kristin H. Kassner (D-Hamilton).  "This important grant will help the Ipswich River Watershed Association develop a plan to improve the health of the river for people and for wildlife. It's a win for all of us." 

The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is the lead policy and planning agency on coastal and ocean issues within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Through planning, technical and grant assistance, and public information programs, CZM seeks to balance the impacts of human activity with the protection of coastal and marine resources. The agency’s work includes helping coastal communities address the challenges of storms, sea level rise, and other effects of climate change; working with state, regional, and federal partners to balance current and new uses of ocean waters while protecting ocean habitats and promoting sustainable economic development; and partnering with communities and other organizations to protect and restore coastal water quality and habitats. 

###

Media Contact   for Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $629,000 to Protect Coastal Water Quality and Restore Habitat

  • Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 

    EEA seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s environmental resources while ensuring a clean energy future for the state’s residents. Through the stewardship of open space, protection of environmental resources, and enhancement of clean energy, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
  • Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) 

    CZM is the lead policy, planning, and technical assistance agency on coastal and ocean issues within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and implements the state’s coastal program under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act.

    PLEASE NOTE: The CZM Boston office has moved to 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900. See "Contact CZM" below for details.
  • Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

    Please do not include personal or contact information.
    Feedback