Nitrogen and Phosphorus and nitrogen are common stormwater pollutants that can lead to algal blooms in local waterways. Algal blooms cause serious water quality problems for recreation and wildlife, and these pollutants are becoming even more prevalent each year.

Due to this trend, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has challenged communities to address the issue by identifying areas within their towns that are contributing high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus.

NepRWA will prepare reports for nine towns that will identify areas within their town that are likely contributors of nitrogen and phosphorus. We will also identify several parcels in each problem area where “green” infrastructure could be installed to help remove pollutants from stormwater before it is discharged to the stream.

We will address this work as part of the Neponset Stormwater Partnership (NSP), a regional group of 11 towns in the Neponset Watershed that are faced with the same stormwater issues and requirements.

As part of the project, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) will also perform the same work for several towns in the Connecticut River Watershed. The methodology developed by NepRWA and PVPC develop can be used by other towns to perform the same analysis and improve surface water quality state-wide.

For more information about the project, please contact NepRWA Water Resource Professional, Patrick Hogan, at hogan @neponset.org