EPA To Require Large Properties To Reduce Pollution In Charles River

NEWTON, MA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Wednesday that it will require certain large property owners to get permits to discharge stormwater from their properties.

The effort is expected to dramatically improve water quality throughout the Charles River watershed, as well as reduce localized flooding and increase recreational opportunities.

"On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, EPA is taking strong, decisive action to ensure that all our citizens have access to local waterways that support enjoyment and recreation. It is clear that the nature and scale of the problem requires urgent action on this pressing environmental justice concern," EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash said in a statement.

"With a warming climate there is no time to waste to reduce bacterial and nutrient pollution in stormwater and the resulting water quality degradation including harmful algae blooms experienced yearly in all three watersheds,” he continued.

Stormwater pollution continues to be the largest uncontrolled source of phosphorus, nitrogen and bacteria, EPA said. Nitrogen and phosphorus also lead to toxic algal blooms in hot weather events.

To address this problem, EPA is now utilizing a Clean Water Act provision called "residual designation authority" under which the Agency will require permit coverage for stormwater discharges from currently unregulated and uncontrolled sources of stormwater pollution.

Certain commercial, industrial, and institutional properties with one or more acres of impervious area like parking lots, roofs, and roadways will be required to obtain coverage under an EPA Clean Water Act permit. Once permits are issued, property owners will be required to take steps to reduce pollutants in stormwater.

EPA anticipates issuing one or more general permits specifying the activities that property owners must implement to reduce stormwater pollution from their properties.

Municipal governments in Charles watershed communities are already subject to EPA permits that require them to take steps to reduce pollution in stormwater. However, much of the pollution comes directly from stormwater originating from certain commercial, industrial, and institutional sources, including office parks, industrial parks, shopping centers, private colleges and universities, and hospitals, which are not currently required to be covered by an existing permit.

"Today's action prepares the way for greater accountability and places responsibility for cleaning up pollution squarely on those responsible – greatly reducing the burden faced by cities and towns throughout these watersheds,” EPA said.

For more information on EPA’s decision, click here.