MassDEP’s Natural Resource Damages Program at Work

In anticipation of the LSPA’s November 21, 2019 member meeting on MassDEP’s Natural Resource Damages (NRD) Program, the LSPA highlights one such project:  the completion of the Mystic Riverfront Restoration project on the shores of the Mystic River in Arlington, MA at a location directly impacted by a 2013 spill of nearly 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

To compensate for the harm to the Mystic River from the spill, MassDEP settled a claim for Natural Resource Damages. These funds support work that began in 2017 and involved MassDEP, DCR, the Town of Arlington's Conservation Commission and DPW.

Work included restoring a section of riverbank, repairing a drainage pipe, and stabilizing the river bank.  The restoration also creates more flood storage capacity and improves water quality.  A new footpath, granite bench, and native plantings complete the restoration. 

At the LSPA meeting, MassDEP will provide an overview of the NRD program including Assessment, Settlement, Restoration Planning, Implementation & Monitoring, and NRD restoration highlights.

Click here for more detailed information on the Arlington project courtesy of Susan Chapnick, former LSPA Board member. 

Photo: Deb Berger, DCR; Susan Chapnick, Arlington Con. Comm.; Cathy Kiley,
MassDEP; Emily Sullivan, Arlington Con. Comm.; Bill Copithorne, Arlington DPW

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