PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ria Convery
(617) 788-1105, ria.convery@mwra.state.ma.us
Charles River Awarded Theiss International Riverprize
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In 2011, the Charles River was awarded the International RiverFoundation Theiss International Riverprize. This prestigious environmental award recognizes and rewards organizations that have accomplished outstanding river management.
The award was officially presented at an event at the Cambridge Boat House last night and was accepted by the Charles River Watershed Association in Brisbane, Australia in September, 2011 on behalf of the many federal and state agencies, municipalities, environmental organizations, businesses and individuals who have worked together over the years to improve the health of the Charles River.
MWRA's Combined Sewer Control Program was recognized as part of this collaborative effort. Since 1988, MWRA has invested $91 million for CSO control projects along the Charles River.
Tremendous water quality improvements have been seen and measured in the Charles River Basin, where average annual combined sewer overflow discharges have been drastically cut from about 1.7 billion gallons in 1988 to 27 million gallons today, a greater than 98% reduction. Approximately 86% of this remaining overflow is treated at MWRA’s Cottage Farm CSO facility.
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Posted March 16, 2012