According to the Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) :  Last year, over 750 million gallons of CSO (raw sewage) water was released into the Merrimack — the largest amount since 2011.

The MRWC has informed us of several pieces of proposed legislation in Massachusetts to avoid future sewage releases into the Merrimack River.  Some of the proposed changes are simple and cheap, others are more expensive or time-consuming.

• Require public notification of sewage releases during big storms
• Require visible flags indicating water quality in public access points (like boat ramps)
• Require backup generators at sewage treatment facilities (to prevent sewage releases due to electric power disruption)
• Set up a commission to review the health of the Merrimack River and propose solutions

There are four sewage treatment plants in Massachusetts (Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell and Fitchburg) that would be covered by this legislation.   Two sewage treatment plants in New Hampshire (Nashua and Manchester) are also problematic.  Unfortunately, there are currently no bills in the New Hampshire legislature to address the problems in Nashua and Manchester.

We encourage all club members to contact their senators and representatives and ask their support of this legislation.

You can read details of the proposed legislation at the MRWC site.

Founded in 1976, Merrimack River Watershed Council (MRWC) is dedicated to promoting a clean and accessible Merrimack River and watershed. As “the voice of the Merrimack,” the Council’s mission is to protect, improve, and conserve the Merrimack River watershed for people and wildlife through education, recreation, advocacy, and science.