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Winter 2001 Currents

Public Forum a Success! Last Fall, over 75 people joined the Saugus River Watershed Council, Clean Water Action, and Salem Sound 2000 for a Public Forum: “It All Adds Up! Cumulative Impact on Public Health and the Environment of Major Polluters on the North Shore. The forum had a direct impact on the state’s decision to keep the moratorium on incinerators in place (see related article above). Mercury was highlighted as an example of a pollutant which causes far reaching public health and environmental damage and should be regulated on a cumulative basis. State Representative Mark Falzone provided a keynote address highlighting environmental and public health concerns associated with potential expansion of the RESCO facility in Saugus and the need to keep the moratorium on new or expanded incinerators in place. Cindy Dunn and Karen Young of Salem Sound 2000 presented information about pollution from PG&E in Salem and the impact of mercury on coastal resources. Jill Stein, M.D. of Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility talked about the short and long-term impact of mercury on childhood development and pregnant women. Guests were particularly interested in learning how to prevent mercury from damaging their children’s health. Cindy Luppi of Clean Water Action indicated that RESCO contributes approximately 1,000 lbs. of mercury into the environment each year. She also highlighted the need to work on a state and federal level to reduce mercury emissions from all sources. Assistant Commissioner Jim Colman of the Department of Environment Protection indicated that the state is beginning to integrate environmental permitting programs to consider the cumulative impact of pollutants such as mercury. According to Colman, this approach is complex, but consistent with the state’s watershed approach to environmental protection. Brent Baeslack of the Merrimack Valley Environmental Coalition discussed the cumulative impact of several incinerators in the Merrimack Valley where all drinking water reservoirs in the region have elevated levels of mercury. Brent suggested the following simple actions to help prevent mercury from ending up in the environment: Conduct a free energy audit of your home. Use digital thermometers. Convert to an electric thermostat. Use tungsten filament light bulbs. Contact local Boards of Health for dates and locations of hazardous waste collection days. Joan LeBlanc of the Saugus River Watershed Council moderated a lively panel discussion which included questions about the link between mercury and diseases, the need for expanded recycling efforts, and reducing sources of mercury before they enter the waste stream. The Council extends its sincere thanks to our expert panelists and all those who attended this event which helped raise awareness about the cumulative impact of major polluters on the North Shore. Special thanks to co-sponsors: Clean Water Action, Salem Sound 2000, Safe Waters in Massachusetts, Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment, and Salem Power Plant Health Link. Jim Colman of MA Dept. of Environmental Protection and Cindy Luppi of Clean Water Action, November 2000.

Annual Meeting 29 March 2001
Dredging Improves Access to Saugus River
Editorial — Role of Volunteers
Water Quality Update
Saugus River Watershed Council Adopts 2001 Work Plan
North Coastal Basin Team Adopts Work Plan
Lake Quannapowitt Sediment Study
Just for Fun!
Around the Watershed
State Halts RESCO Expansion by Upholding Moratorium on Incinerators
Public Forum a Success!
Make a Difference