The City of Lowell, Massachusetts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Justice Department, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have reached an agreement regarding the renovation of Lowell's sewer system. The project is expected to cost $195 million. Additionally, city officials in Lowell have agreed to pay a fine of $200,000 for excessive sewage discharge into the Merrimack River.
An EPA news release explains that the city’s sewage ends up in the river because parts of its wastewater collection system are made up of sewers that transport sanitary sewage and stormwater runoff in a single pipe. This overflow then contaminates not only the Merrimack River but also Beaver Brook and the Concord River, along with their tributaries. Given that many communities downstream rely on the Merrimack River for drinking water, it was necessary for the EPA to intervene and limit sewage discharge from reaching these waters.
David M. Uhlmann, Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, commented on this situation: "For far too long the city of Lowell, Massachusetts has failed to protect the communities that rely on the Merrimack River and other water sources for their drinking water." He further added: "Today’s settlement demonstrates EPA’s commitment to ensure cities and towns meet their obligations under the Clean Water Act to prevent the overflow of sewage, pollutants, and debris into our nation’s waterways."
According to this release, a system will be established by Lowell city officials to identify and remove illicit connections from their stormwater system that discharge wastewater. They will also create ordinances aimed at preventing stormwater runoff at construction sites.
Todd Kim, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division stated: "Today’s settlement will result in cleaner and healthier water for residents of Lowell and downstream communities, including some with environmental justice concerns, that rely on Merrimack River for drinking water." Kim emphasized: "The Justice Department is committed to upholding our nation’s water protection laws for the benefit of all."
