Dirty Water Prevention Project
Title: Permit Me to Make a Difference Project
Description: Companies that discharge into the Merrimack River must apply for permits to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or appropriate state agencies. The EPA is required to set standards that ensure water safety in accordance with the Clean Water Act. The EPA reviews the application and the amount of discharge the company will emit. Depending on where on the river the company is located, they can release a limited amount of pollutants. Certain areas, such as swimming beaches and boating docks, must maintain specific water quality levels for the safety of people and animals.
If the company releases more waste than is stated in the permit, or if they release different chemicals that are not listed in their permit, a fine is assessed. Monitoring groups such as MRWC help keep these permitees accountable to remaining within the constraints of their permit. Once the EPA has drafted the permit, it is submitted for public review. MRWC reviews the permit and then comments on any concerns we may have with regard to it. If EPA deems concerns as critical for ecological health, a public hearing is set and each party defends their position. Once the critical concerns, if any, are addressed, then the permit is edited and finalized. Phase I of this project is the ongoing review of permits. Phase II will be to develop a database of permits and the chemicals being discharged into the Merrimack River, which will be made available to the public.
Objectives and goals: Help ensure that contaminants that are permitted to be discharged into the river do not exceed limits that may degrade water quality.
Justification: This project intends sustainable ecological integrity and balanced, managed use of the Merrimack River and its watershed through advocacy and collaboration with the public and EPA.
Cost: $25,000 (budgeted - first year); $10,000 (budgeted – add’l years for staff time).
Funding Source: Grants and memberships
Required Resources: Access to draft permits, and time to review and comment on them.
Start/completion date, duration: Phase I, 2004-ongoing; Phase II, 2009-2011
Milestones: 10 permits were commented on with all MRWC concerns addressed.
Deliverables: Phase I: Comments made on proposed permits and those up for renewal; Phase II: Database of permits and pollutants being discharged, made available to public.
Internal Approvals Needed:
Status: Phase I: Permits are reviewed as they come up for renewal. Phase II: We are beginning research on existing permits. |
