Press Release  MassDEP Extends Public Comment Period on Cleanup Plan to Restore Pathogen-Impaired Waterbodies in Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will hold an additional public information session on June 13, 2024, from 1-3 p.m., to seek stakeholder input on a statewide draft plan to reduce pathogens in Massachusetts rivers, streams, and estuaries.

The additional information session will be held both in-person and virtually. The in-person option will take place at MassDEP’s Southeast Regional Office, located at 20 Riverside Drive, Lakeville, MA. To participate via Zoom, you must register in advance of the meeting. Click to register online. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

MassDEP has prepared a draft statewide restoration plan for controlling certain types of bacteria, such as E. coli, enterococci, and fecal coliform, which are indicators of contamination from sewage and/or feces of warm-blooded wildlife (mammals and birds). Pollutant sources may include failing septic systems, pet waste, wildlife waste, agriculture, recreational waters use management, combined sewer overflows, stormwater, illicit sewer connections, failing infrastructure, and wastewater treatment plants or publicly owned treatment works. 

The objective of this draft plan for total maximum daily load (TMDL) is to ensure that the level of indicator bacteria in each contaminated water source meets the established water quality criteria of the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards for pathogens.

The restoration plan is a statewide report consisting of a core document and watershed-specific appendices. It covers approximately 1,017 river-miles and 11 square miles of estuaries, within 28 watersheds identified in the Final Massachusetts Integrated List of Waters for the Clean Water Act 2018/2020 Reporting Cycle.

At the additional public information session, MassDEP staff will present the draft TMDL for limiting pathogens to the amounts that the waterbodies can absorb without violating established criteria in the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards and impairing designated uses such as fishing and recreational activities. 

A copy of this Draft TMDL (including 28 appendices) is available on MassDEP’s website.

The public comment period has been extended to 5 p.m., June 21, 2024. Written comments can be submitted to: Timothy Fox, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Watershed Planning Program, 8 New Bond Street, Worcester, MA 01606. Electronic format comments should be sent to: Timothy.M.Fox@mass.gov and include ‘Statewide Pathogen TMDL (CN 515.0) comments’ in the subject line.

MassDEP’s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s natural resources – air, water and land – to provide for the health, safety and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth; to provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and to ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

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