Mystic, Connecticut rivers to benefit from $120,000 in EPA funding

As part of 22 recently announced grants through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Urban Waters Small Grants Program, the agency will support local organizations’ efforts improve water quality in the Mystic and Connecticut rivers in Massachusetts.
 
"These EPA grants will help Holyoke, Chelsea and Somerville reduce pollution in their streams and rivers, and help reconnect people and businesses with the water they depend on," EPA New England Regional Administrator Curt Spalding said.
 
The Mystic River Watershed Association won a $60,000 grant, its second in the past two years, to develop a multimedia education program on stormwater pollution, aimed at surrounding communities. Additionally, the association will engage young people in Chelsea and Somerville with hands-on activities like water sampling, storm-drain stenciling and a social media campaign.
 
In Holyoke, Day Brook will benefit from a green infrastructure plan developed by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission through its $60,000 grant from the EPA. In addition to benefitting the brook, the green infrastructure plan will also help prevent combined sewer overflow discharges into the Connecticut River, which are occasionally triggered by excess stormwater flow into Day Brook.

Furthermore, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission will educate local students on stormwater, green infrastructure and Day Brook.