Pollution and Roadway Runoff Grant Comes Salem's Way

Salem is one of six communities in the state that recently received a state grant to help assess pollution associated from roadway runoff and boat waste.

On Thursday, the Baker-Polito administration announced $400,000 in grants to support local efforts to assess and treat nonpoint source pollution from roadway runoff and boat waste. The grants, provided by the Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), were awarded to Fairhaven, Fall River, Kingston, Medford, and Milton in addition to Salem.

“Pollution in Massachusetts waters affects not only the natural resources, but the economy and quality-of-life in our coastal communities,”said Governor Charlie Baker. “These grants will help local officials assess nonpoint source pollution issues and fund on-the-ground projects to improve coastal water quality.”

Salem’s grant is for $124,400. Salem, in partnership with Salem Sound Coastwatch, will construct rain gardens and treatment systems along Commercial Street to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff that is discharging to the North River. The North River is an important habitat for rainbow smelt and American eel and is largest freshwater contributor to Salem Sound.

Coastal cities, like Salem, rely heavily on their natural resources to support their local economies,” said State Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “This grant funding will help the community’s ongoing effort to mitigate pollution to the North River and improve the quality of the city’s coastal environment. I would like to thank the city, Salem Sound Coastwatch, and the Baker-Polito Administration for collaborating on this important investment and for their commitment to preserving the health of Salem Sound.”

“Salem is fortunate to receive this funding and continue our efforts to ensure the North River remains a vibrant habitat for the species of smelt and eel along with other marine life,” said State Representative Paul Tucker (D-Salem). “Partnering with Salem Sound Coastwatch is particularly important since they have been good stewards in the revitalization of this entire area.”

The goal of CZM’s Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program is to improve coastal water quality by reducing or eliminating nonpoint sources of pollution—the leading cause of water quality impairment in the nation. This type of pollution primarily occurs when contaminants are picked up by rain, snow melt and other flowing water and carried over land, in groundwater or through drainage systems to the nearest body of water. Boat waste discharges are another important source of nonpoint pollution. Nonpoint pollution impacts water quality and coastal habitat and can lead to closed shellfish beds and swimming beaches, reducing opportunities to harvest shellfish and swim due to mandated closures.

“The Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant Program continues to be an important and successful partnership between the Commonwealth and its coastal communities to address priority nonpoint source water quality pollution problems,” said CZM Director Bruce Carlisle. “CZM is pleased to be able to provide the financial and technical support needed to help ensure that communities can make lasting coastal water quality improvements.”