NepRWA seeking donations for hotspot program

The nonprofit Neponset River Watershed Association is working to raise money to fund lab work, supplies and staffing in order to investigate and ultimately fix 38 “pollution hotspots” across 11 communities in the watershed. Sources of the pollution include sewer leaks, failed septic systems, and other problems that threaten public health, fish and wildlife.

Some of the hotspot problem areas in Canton are along Beaver Meadow Brook, Pecunit Brook, Pequit Brook, and Ponkapoag Brook.

Three local families have pledged $10,000 toward fixing the hotspots if NepRWA can raise an additional $20,000 by December 31. Generous donations by members and volunteers has helped, but with just a few days to go, the association still has to raise an additional $8,000.

According to NepRWA Environmental Engineer Sarah Bounty, “The Neponset River and watershed have made great progress and are being transformed into a tremendous recreational resource and habitat for wildlife and fish, but there is still work to be done. Fixing our remaining pollution hotspots will make a big difference in water quality in the area.”

Volunteers working with NepRWA collect water quality samples six times per year at 41 locations across the watershed. This volunteer-collected data has been the only source of regular water quality sampling in the Neponset Valley over the last two decades. The data is used to inform efforts by federal, state, local and private agencies to restore the river and its tributaries to fishable-swimmable water quality standards.

Individuals interested in learning more about water quality in their community, or about becoming a water testing volunteer during 2016, can find more information at www.neponset.org or by contacting Sarah Bounty at bounty@neponset.org or 781-575-0354.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=31951

Posted by Canton Citizen on Dec 26 2015. Filed under News. Both comments and pings are currently closed.