![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Some portions of Quincy's sanitary sewer system are over 100 years old. The remedies under the proposed consent decree also include the investigation and repair of Quincy's sanitary sewer infrastructure, and the integration of that work with its stormwater investigations. Until pollutants are removed from its storm drain discharges, Quincy will be required to post notices to warn beachgoers of contaminated stormwater at such storm drain outfalls. In addition, Quincy is required to conduct frequent and enhanced monitoring (in both dry and wet weather) of its stormwater outfalls. The proposed consent decree also requires Quincy to remove all identified sources of sewage as expeditiously as possible. Quincy will prioritize the rest of the investigations according to the sensitivity of receiving waters and evidence of sewage. Quincy will first complete its investigations of drainage areas discharging to beach areas, including Wollaston Beach and the Adams Shore area. The proposed consent decree establishes a schedule for Quincy to investigate the sources of sewage being discharged from its storm drains. Water sampling indicated untreated sanitary sewage discharging from numerous Quincy stormwater outfalls, including outfalls discharging at beach areas. Raw sewage overflows from sanitary sewers and discharges of stormwater mixed with sewage from municipal storm sewer systems introduce a variety of harmful pollutants, including disease causing organisms, and can contribute to illnesses and beach and shellfish bed closings. The complaint also alleged that Quincy's sanitary sewer system has overflowed on numerous occasions, resulting in discharges of sewage. Attorney's Office filed a civil complaint alleging that the City of Quincy inadequately controlled sewage leaking from its sanitary sewer system, allowing sewage to mix with stormwater and be discharged from the municipal storm sewer system into nearby waterbodies, including at beach locations. "This is a matter of environmental protection and public health." "This settlement is a reminder that municipalities must comply with the law and environmental standards to prevent and address pollution caused by defects in their stormwater and sewage systems," said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. This will protect people's health, making it safer to enjoy beaches or other recreation in or on the bays and rivers in the area," said EPA New England Acting Regional Administrator Deb Szaro. The work required under the proposed settlement will achieve cleaner and healthier water in Quincy and nearby areas. "This settlement builds on work done over the past three decades to address pollution in Boston Harbor. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) directives to strengthen enforcement of violations of cornerstone environmental statutes in communities disproportionately impacted by pollution, with special focus on achieving remedies with tangible benefits for the community. The proposed settlement is also consistent with U.S. Under the proposed consent decree, Quincy will implement a comprehensive and integrated program to investigate, repair and rehabilitate its stormwater and sanitary sewer systems. The City will also pay a civil penalty of $115,000. The cost of the remedial measures is expected to be in excess of $100 million. The settlement requires Quincy to implement extensive remedial measures to minimize the discharge of sewage and other pollutants into Quincy Bay, Dorchester Bay, Neponset River, Hingham Bay, Boston Harbor and other water bodies in and around Quincy. to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act regarding the City's stormwater and sanitary sewer systems. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New England regional office has entered into a consent decree with the City of Quincy, Mass. ![]()
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