8/8/2019 MASS. DEP Announces $302K Watershed Protection Grant to Northampton MA

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For Release:

December 15, 2010

Contact:

Edmund.Coletta@state.ma.us

617-292-5737

Patrick-Murray Administration Awards Nearly $1 Million

to Protect Land Near Public Drinking Water Supplies

Funding Will Help Preserve 187 Acres of Open Space in Northampton, North Andover and

ChathamBOSTON - Continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration's efforts to promote environmental

stewardship, Governor Deval Patrick today announced three grants totaling $981,807 to help protect

187 acres of land vital to safeguarding the quality of public drinking water wells and reservoirs. "By investing in public drinking water with projects like these, we are protecting the public health of our

communities both now and for generations to come," Governor Patrick said.

The communities of Northampton, North Andover, and Chatham will receive Drinking Water SupplyProtection Grants aimed at helping municipalities and water suppliers acquire land that protects public

drinking water resources. Land acquired through the program is open to the general public for

recreational use and declared as protected open space for drinking water supply protection purposes

under Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution.

"One of our most precious resources is an abundant supply of clean water. By conserving these open

spaces, we are protecting our sources of drinking water," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary

Ian Bowles said. "This partnership between the Commonwealth and local communities will ensure that

residents have a safe and clean water supply today and into the future."

Grants are funded by the environmental bond bill passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor

Patrick in 2008. Since the grant program's inception in 2005, the Commonwealth has invested more

than $13 million through the program to help protect 3,115 acres of land. Drinking Water Supply

Protection Grants are awarded through a competitive process, and local partners provide the balance

of funding for the project.

"Massachusetts can boast of some of the cleanest drinking water in the nation," Department of

Environmental Protection Commissioner Laurie Burt said. "MassDEP works with communities and

water districts to ensure that the watersheds and wetlands that feed our drinking water supplies remainsafe from contamination. The best way to sustain this valuable resource is to maintain a protective

buffer that filters these water supplies naturally."

"Thanks to the MassDEP's Drinking Water Supply Protection grant, the town of North Andover will beable to further protect its public drinking water supply for future generations," Senator Steven A.

Baddour said.

"Protecting this land will help local officials ensure that future generations have an adequate, and safe,

drinking water supply," Senator Stanley Rosenberg said. "I know water protection is a priority for the

city and I'm pleased that the state is a partner in that effort."

The 2011 Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant recipients are:

mailto:Edmund.Coletta@state.ma.usmailto:Edmund.Coletta@state.ma.usmailto:Edmund.Coletta@state.ma.us

8/8/2019 MASS. DEP Announces $302K Watershed Protection Grant to Northampton MA

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City of Northampton - Haydenville Road Project: $302,195

This 137-acre project in the Town of Whately will enhance drinking water protection for the Mountain

Street Reservoir. Acquisition of this parcel is consistent with the city's Watershed Resource ProtectionPlan. This parcel supports a diverse wildlife. Acquisition will eliminate development threats, including

vegetation removal, soil erosion, storm water runoff, septic systems and fertilizer use.

Town of North Andover - Rolling Ridge Retreat Project: $179,612This 32-acre project is located on the banks of Lake Cochichewick in North Andover. The lake is the

town's only source of drinking water. The property is currently maintained for retreat purposes, and has

a rich historical background. Development potential of the property is significantly high due to its

location on one half-mile of shorefront. The property lies within a BioMap Supporting Natural

Landscape Development and supports a diverse wildlife. North Andover has identified this parcel to be

a high priority acquisition for protecting its only source of drinking water.

Town of Chatham - Fratus Parcels Project: $500,000

This 18-acre project is a cooperative effort between the Towns of Chatham and Harwich. The project is

located in Harwich and will protect eight drinking water wells. The property overlies Cape Cod's SoleSource Aquifer, which is determined to be highly vulnerable to contamination. The parcels are also

within a designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern. Once acquired, this property will link more

than 100 acres of permanently protected land.

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and

hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands

and coastal resources.

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