Take Action: Prevent Sewage Contamination in our Waters!
/Urgent Action Needed: Prevent Sewage Contamination in our Waters!
Send an email to MassDEP, EPA, Town of Braintree, and MWRA Officials Today
With the recent rainfall the Town of Braintree and the MWRA have dumped raw sewage into the Fore River Basin. This gets bacteria like E-coli into our waterways impacting public health. Sanitary Sewer Overflows like this where poop is going into our rivers are illegal under the federal Clean Water Act of 1973.
There is a public health advisory to avoid contact with the water for 48 hours after these sewage spills. Poop in our waterways impacts recreation at the Fore River Kayak Launch, Smith Beach, Idlewell, and other beaches and access points downstream of Weymouth Landing into Weymouth, Quincy, and Hingham Bay. Other communities do not have the same level of sanitary sewage problems. It is a sign that the area's sewer pipes are aging and in need of fixes and upgrades. Our officials need to work to find ways to fund upgrades to our pipes to keep poop out of our waterways and into pipes to the Deer Island Treatment Facility
Timely notification of these public health issues also needs to be promptly alerted to the public per state laws and regulations. It does not matter if it is a weekend or not, the Town of Braintree needs to comply with the law and the state regulations. More people are likely going to be recreating in the river on weekends, so the public has a right to know about these overflows and 8-hour updates promptly.
Cut the CRAP! Take Action Today!
How to Take Action:
Send an email to MassDEP, EPA, Town of Braintree, and MWRA Officials. You are welcome to use the template provided below.
Copy and paste the following email addresses into the “BCC” line of your email:
r1web.mail@epa.gov, massdep.sewagenotification@mass.gov, ldutton@braintreema.gov, rhedlund@weymouth.ma.us, mayorsoffice@braintreema.gov, towncouncil@braintreema.gov, towncouncil@weymouth.ma.us, Troy.Wall@mwra.com, Patrick.O'Connor@masenate.gov, Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov, James.Murphy@mahouse.gov, John.Keenan@masenate.gov, Mark.Cusack@mahouse.gov, Joan.Meschino@mahouse.gov, Walter.Timilty@masenate.gov, tackey.chan@mahouse.gov, Bruce.Ayers@mahouse.gov
2. Subject Line: Please address sewage overflows in Braintree and Weymouth
3. Template email text:
Dear MassDEP, EPA, Town of Braintree, and MWRA Officials,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent sewage overflows into the Fore River Basin, which pose significant risks to public health and the environment. It is imperative that immediate action be taken to address this pressing issue and prevent further contamination of our waterways.
Sewage overflows introduce harmful bacteria like E. coli into our waterways, posing serious risks to public health. It is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of residents and visitors by swiftly addressing these overflows and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.
Sewage overflows are illegal under the federal Clean Water Act of 1973. It is essential for the Town of Braintree and the MWRA to ensure compliance with this legislation and take proactive steps to protect our water resources.
Timely notification of sewage overflows is essential to inform the public and enable individuals to take necessary precautions. Compliance with state laws and regulations regarding public notification, including weekend updates, is crucial for transparency and accountability. The Town of Braintree is non-compliance with the Sewage Notification Law and Regulations. They did not timely report the Sanitary Sewer Overflow on Sunday, March 24, 2024, and did not timely send the required 8-hour update on the continuation of the Sanitary Sewer Overflows on Saturday, March 30, 2024. They also recently removed the latest notifications from the website. The Town needs to properly notify residents, especially on weekends, and keep a log of these on the website.
Aging sewer infrastructure in the area is a significant contributing factor to sewage overflows. Investments in upgrading and maintaining sewer pipes, pump stations, and treatment facilities are essential to mitigate these issues and ensure the long-term health of our waterways.
Engaging with the community is vital to raise awareness about the impacts of sewage overflows and garner support for necessary actions. Residents must be informed about the risks and encouraged to advocate for solutions to protect our water resources.
I urge you to take immediate action to address sewage overflows in Braintree and Weymouth and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement effective solutions. Our community's health and environment depend on it.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Contact Information]
