The Opportunity for Neponset River Restoration is Now

Since the 1970s, an extraordinary improvement in the water quality of the Neponset River has occurred. Untreated industrial wastewater discharges and sewer overflows are gone, although their toxic contaminants remain on the river-bottom. Public lands along the waterfront are being opened up for recreational use and a growing number of people are enjoying the river once again. Where private property owners once turned their back on the Neponset, a spate of recent redevelopment projects is helping to reorient neighborhoods back toward the river.

The Neponset River Restoration Project presents a unique opportunity to continue the revitalization of neighborhoods along the river by the Neponset cleaner, more accessible, and closer to its natural condition. 

The Project would restore historic spawning runs of herring and shad for 17 miles up the Neponset by removing or modifying two obsolete state dams (the Baker Dam in Lower Mills Dorchester and Milton, and the Tileston & Hollingsworth ("T&H") Dam in Hyde Park and Milton).

The Project also would create unimpeded canoeing from Walpole, downstream to Boston Harbor. 

And, the Project would reduce toxic polychlorinated biphenyls ("PCBs") from river-bottom sediments. These PCBs are leftover from past industrial use and dumping and thus also in some of the fish.  

The Project also would reduce the risk of flooding.

And, the Project would restore the stream channel to a more natural shape and flow that will enhance recreation, wildlife and aesthetics. 

Furthermore, if the Baker and T&H Dams are removed, Massachusetts taxpayers will be spared the multi-million dollar cost of indefinitely repairing and maintaining two obsolete state-owned dams.

Read the Project's Summary of Major Benefits.

Questions? Contact NepRWA Advocacy Director Steve Pearlman at 781-575-0354 x304 or pearlman@neponset.org.