Bill Passed Establishing Mystic River Water Quality Commission

Representative Denise Provost (D-Somerville) and Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) are pleased to announce that in the final weeks of the 2013-2014 legislative session, Governor Patrick signed their legislation establishing a Mystic River Water Quality Commission.

The commission will study the feasibility of bringing the water quality of the Mystic River to a level consistently safe enough for fishing, boating and swimming. The commission will examine data to learn more about the quality of the water and how people could be affected by exposure to it, investigate methods to improve the quality of the water, and recommend areas along the river that could be used for recreational opportunities.

“People are finally starting to pay attention to the Mystic,” said Representative Provost. They use the new paths, or go to Assembly Square, and realize what a tremendous resource we have. The time has come to make the river cleaner, safer, and more accessible to all.”

The Mystic River has recently received significant attention from the local community, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Mystic River Watershed Association and other nonprofits, developers and private citizens seeking to increase the appeal of river and decrease its pollution. Some of Massachusetts’ most densely populated cities and towns are bordered by the Mystic River and are seeking ways to use this beautiful natural resource safely for their children and for future generations.

“With so many citizens, advocates, government officials, and private developers interested in improving the Mystic River Watershed, now is the perfect time to convene the commission so that we can coordinate and focus people’s efforts,” said Senator Jehlen.

“This Commission will bring important new attention and resources to support restoration of the Mystic River Watershed, a vital natural resource for more than 500,000 residents of 22 Mystic River communities,” said EkOngKar Singh Khalsa, Executive Director of the Mystic River Watershed Association. “The timing on this initiative is perfect as it will help galvanize support for river clean up as private development significantly increases in the Mystic.”

The tributaries as well as the Mystic River itself make up a watershed that covers 76 square miles and includes all or parts of Arlington, Belmont, Burlington, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelsea, East Boston, Everett, Lexington, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Reading, Revere, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, Watertown, Wilmington, Winchester, Winthrop, and Woburn. More than half a million people call the Mystic River Watershed home.

– Submitted by State Senator Patricia Jehlen’s office