Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC)

Boston’s waterways are more than a backdrop to the city. They are vital to the health, economic vitality, and quality of life enjoyed by Bostonians. But these waterways are threatened by the raw sewage and runoff pollution that often carries unhealthy amounts of bacteria, metals, oil, and phoshporus unchecked into Boston’s rivers and its Harbor. CLF is committed to restoring and protecting clean water in and around Boston.

Building on CLF’s prior precedent-setting clean water advocacy in Boston Harbor, CLF filed a citizen suit in February 2010 against the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) for violations of its Clean Water Act permit obligations. CLF’s case aimed at ensuring BWSC complied with its obligation to find and quickly remove all sources of untreated sewage discharging from BWSC pipes to sensitive areas like popular swimming beaches. CLF also sought to ensure that BWSC more effectively controlled runoff pollution from its storm drain system, pollution that contributed to the water woes facing the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset Rivers, Chelsea Creek, and Boston Harbor

CLF’s position was further strengthened when the United States Environmental Protection Agency joined the suit in December 2010 After a long negotiation, in August 2012, BWSC settled the case. BWSC has pledged to overhaul its pollution controls by using green infrastructure elements like specialized tree plantings and rain gardens designed to absorb and filter pollution out of urban runoff before it is discharged to waterways. The settlement also requires expedited removal of illicit connections from the sewage system and adequate monitoring to detect sewage leaks quickly before they threaten public health.

Though Boston has now begun to take substantial steps toward cleaner water, the fight is far from over. CLF continues to advocate strongly for the overhaul of city stormwater management systems throughout New England and is committed to ensuring that cities everywhere comply with regulations like the Clean Water Act to keep their residents safe.