Aug 08, 2022

A Tale of Two Rivers

In one part of Boston, there’s the Charles River. In another, the Mystic. Both were once heavily polluted. But where the Charles has become the poster child of environmental success, the Mystic tells a different tale – one that exposes a region divided along racial and economic lines. 

Charles River and Mystic River
Jul 14, 2022

Polluted Runoff Threatening Boston-Area Rivers

“Every time it rains, a toxic stew is running into three of the area’s most iconic rivers,” said Caitlin Peale Sloan, Vice President of CLF Massachusetts. “We’ve repeatedly asked the EPA to clean up this pollution, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. It’s time for the agency to hold these large properties accountable for the constant damage they’re doing to our cherished rivers.”

Mar 03, 2022

Dangerous Pollution Puts New England’s Iconic Rivers at Risk

New England’s industrial rivers are starting to turn a new page thanks to the Clean Water Act. But more work needs to be done. The Blackstone River still suffers from industrial pollution, including lead, iron, oil, grease, and foam. The Mystic River also endures harmful levels of oil, grease, foam, and petroleum pollution, while aluminum contaminates the Merrimack River.

A scrap metal facility with a large pile of rusted cars, trucks and other trash.
Feb 22, 2022

Schnitzer Steel Sued for Polluting Rivers

“Schnitzer needs to prioritize stormwater management and end this harmful and dangerous pollution,” said Heather Govern, Vice President of Clean Air and Water at CLF. “Every day that passes without proper controls, toxic runoff contaminates waters that people depend on for drinking and recreation. It’s time this billion-dollar company complies with the law.”

Environmental racism contributes to inequality
Dec 20, 2021

CLF to Sue Schnitzer Steel for Polluting Rivers

“Harmful pollution from Schnitzer’s properties is contaminating precious waters used for drinking and recreation,” said Heather Govern, Vice President of Clean Air and Water at CLF. “This billion-dollar company needs to comply with federal law and properly manage its stormwater runoff. Our waters deserve better.”

Environmental racism contributes to inequality
Dec 09, 2021

Stormwater Runoff Polluting Rivers in Northwest Connecticut

“Stormwater runoff does more damage to waters in Connecticut than any other source of pollution,” said CLF attorney Shannon Laun. “It’s time for state officials to step up and impose limits on major sources of harmful runoff. Wildlife deserve the opportunity to thrive, and communities should be able to enjoy safe and clean water.”

Sep 05, 2021

Opinion/Campbell: Preparing for the next Henri

Henri must be a wake-up call for our community and for companies like Shell. We must confront the impacts of the climate crisis. Flooding and sea level rise are only going to get worse. Now is the time to prepare for these impacts and mitigate the potential damage, not after a neighborhood and iconic waterway are inundated with toxic chemicals.