Braintree Awarded State Grant To Protect Coastal Water Quality

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree received a $55,000 state grant to help protect coastal waters from polluted stormwater runoff.

The grant was part of an $180,627 package the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs awarded to three Massachusetts cities and towns.

"Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants serve as an important source for communities to effectively protect Massachusetts’ coastal water quality and habitat,"Gov. Charlie Baker said in as statement Tuesday. "Through remediation, municipal efforts result in cleaner and healthier waters for swimming, fishing and habitat protection, directly benefiting local communities."

The Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program seeks to improve water quality and protect coastal habitats by reducing or eliminating non point sources of pollution, a leading cause of water quality impairment. This type of pollution primarily occurs when contaminants are picked up by rain, snowmelt or other flowing water and carried overland, in groundwater, or through drainage systems to the nearest body of water and ultimately out to sea. Non point source pollution reduces water quality, negatively impacts habitat for coastal wildlife and results in mandated closures.

In Braintree, the $55,000 will be used to finalize designs for stormwater treatment at Watson Park. State officials said the project will use green infrastructure principles that mimic natural processes for capturing and treating stormwater runoff before it reaches the Fore River in Weymouth.

When constructed, the project will reduce bacterial contamination, leading to improved habitat and water quality, state officials said.