RIVER CURRENT
Your source for the latest news, updates, & events.
Stormwater Terminology Cheat Sheet
Stormwater runoff is a leading cause of water quality degradation in Boston’s rivers. On October 31, 2024, the EPA released a long-awaited draft permit to significantly reduce stormwater pollution. Here are key terms to understand as you review the draft permit.
2024 in Review
It’s remarkable how much you can accomplish in just one year! Thanks to your support, we’ve made some big waves in 2024.
Looking forward to big changes for Cheesecake Brook!
Last week, CRWA Senior Stormwater Program Manager Max Rome met with staff from the City of Newton, Weston & Sampson, and R.A.D. Sports for a pre-construction meeting on improvements to Albemarle field and along Cheesecake Brook. He has exciting news about what to expect in the coming year:
CRWA and the City of Boston Seek Resident Help to Address Stormwater Flooding in Boston
The City of Boston Office of Green Infrastructure has launched a resident survey to capture on-the-ground reports of flooding after rain storms.
Oil Spill In The Muddy River — Read more from WCVB Channel 5 Boston, WGBH, and more
CRWA Senior Restoration Program Manager Lisa Kumpf spoke with WCVB Channel 5 Boston and WGBH about the Muddy River oil spill and what it means for the water quality of the Charles River tributary.
Oil Spill In The Muddy River
This Sunday, an oil spill in the Muddy River prompted an emergency response from MassDEP, Brookline, and Boston officials, as the spill dumped heating oil into the Charles River tributary and left birds and animals in the area covered in a layer of oil.
Natick Completes MEPA Process: A Step Closer To Removing The Charles River Dam
Exciting news! The Town of Natick has completed the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) process and received its MEPA certificate for removing the Charles River Dam at South Natick.
Massachusetts' New Climate Law and the Crucial Role of Flood Maps in Protecting Our Future
This new climate bill requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to review existing flood risk maps and support additional mapping resources as necessary within six months of passage.
Thank you, Wellesley
CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton was the Fall Educational Speaker for the Wellesley Conservation Land Trust (WCLT) on November 13.
CRWA to Join Watertown’s Collaborative Public Art Initiative Promoting Environmental Stewardship
CRWA’s River Restoration Project Manager has paired with Boston-based artist Sophy Tuttle to create a temporary, educational public artwork centered on locally relevant environmental topics as a part of the Edible Watertown initiative.
Mass. House Approves Climate Bill; Bill Goes to Governor’s Desk Next (Press Release)
Massachusetts House Approves Climate Bill; Legislation Includes Key Language Requiring Flood Risk Mapping
Critical Drought in Charles River Watershed — CRWA In the News
This month the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) declared a Level 3-Critical Drought in Massachusetts' Central and Northeast regions, including the entirety of the Charles River watershed. Read more in Universal Hub and the Revere Journal.
Massachusetts Declares “Critical” Drought As Wildfires Flare And Low Streamflow Persist (Press Release)
Massachusetts Declares “Critical” Drought As Wildfires Flare And Low Streamflows Persist (Press Release)
How We Are Meeting the Moment
Over 100 Culverts Assessed: Advancing Aquatic Connectivity on the East Coast
This field season, CRWA assessed over 100 culverts! Our sites ranged from urban tributaries like the Muddy River, to suburban streams such as Godfrey Brook, and even rural stream crossings in the upper reaches of our watershed.
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
For over twelve thousand years, Indigenous people have stewarded our watershed, cultivating interdependent relationships with our river and advocating for its protection.
EPA Acts to Cut Stormwater Pollution — Coverage in WBUR, WGBH, and The Boston Globe
EPA Acts to Cut Stormwater Pollution — Coverage in WBUR, WGBH, and The Boston Globe.
EPA Takes Major Step To Reduce Water Pollution in Charles, Mystic, Neponset Rivers (Press Release)
EPA Takes Major Step To Reduce Water Pollution in Charles, Mystic, Neponset Rivers (Press Release)
ACTION ALERT: Protect Wildlife and End The Use Of Toxic Rodenticides (SGARs)
Restrict the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) to protect wildlife, our environment, and community!
Zillow added climate risk data to its for-sale listings. Not everyone in the real estate game is happy. – CRWA in The Boston Globe
Check out what CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton had to say about Zillow’s new climate risk assessment in this Boston Globe story.