No one would consider swimming, sailing, or fishing in a sewer, but that, in effect, is the choice facing people seeking to use polluted bays around Cape Cod. The Cape’s septic systems cause 85 percent of the nitrogen pollution plaguing our waterways. Every time a toilet flushes into a septic tank, our clean bays, our… Continue reading Help for Cape Cod’s Pollution Problem
If there’s one thing that most Vermonters can agree on, it’s that Lake Champlain is in trouble. The iconic lake is central to Vermont’s identity and its tourism economy. It provides drinking water and feeds thirsty farms throughout its large watershed. It’s also dying a slow death due to unchecked pollution. How to stop that… Continue reading Saving Lake Champlain
“The Bethlehem landfill is dumping dangerous pollutants into the Ammonoosuc River, one of New Hampshire’s treasured and iconic waterways,” said Tom Irwin, Director of Conservation Law Foundation New Hampshire. “Expanding this landfill is not only illegal but a menace to the health and wellbeing of North Country residents living in its shadows. It is time to stop expanding toxic landfills and start protecting communities by reducing waste at its source through recycling and other efforts.”
Heather Govern is the Vice President for CLF’s Clean Air and Water Program. Heather also teaches Natural Resources Law as an adjunct professor at the Northeastern University School of Law. Previously, Heather worked as a staff attorney with the National Environmental Law Center, where she litigated against large corporations in violation of the Clean Air… Continue reading Heather Govern
Once again, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and the Trump administration are taking aim at one of our most vital and effective environmental laws. On February 20, 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a public notice asking for comments on the Clean Water Act’s coverage of pollution that enters our nation’s lakes, rivers, and oceans via groundwater.
A summer of horrific blue-green algae outbreaks, particularly in Lake Carmi and along the shores of Lake Champlain, has many Vermont state legislators turning to the question of enforcement of our environmental laws. The fact is, we have protective laws on the books, but without enforcement, our water will remain polluted, threatening the health of… Continue reading Vermont Legislators Debate Enforcement of Clean Water Laws
Pollution from the massive development at the former Fort Devens is endangering the iconic Nashua River. CLF is working to ensure that Devens follows through with its legal requirements to monitor and prevent pollution. And we are making sure that Devens lives up to its own advertising and does not miss out on the opportunity to be a true model for new development.
… A Tuesday letter from the Conservation Law Foundation notifying the commission and MassDevelopment of its intent to sue alleges that both violated the federal Clean Water Act by failing to apply for and obtain a permit to legally discharge the water. Stormwater is runoff from rain or snow melt that picks up chemicals, toxins,… Continue reading Devens hit with lawsuit over Clean Water Act violation
“Fort Devens should be setting the gold standard for building a thriving, ecologically sound community from the ground up,” said Christopher Kilian, Director of CLF’s Clean Energy and Healthy Forests program. “Instead, these developers are putting neighbors at risk by allowing unrestricted, unpermitted pollution into the already-distressed Nashua River. It’s time to make Fort Devens a key feature of this vital river’s road to recovery rather than a barrier in its way.”
“It is a refreshing change of pace to see a Trump Administration appointee who gives New England climate and public health advocates reason to cheer,” said CLF president Bradley Campbell. “Alexandra Dapolito Dunn is a superb choice to lead EPA’s programs in our region. Her leadership of the Environmental Commissioners of the States (ECOS) restored its role as a constructive, nonpartisan voice addressing the most significant environmental issues facing our states and our nation. We look forward to working in partnership with her office to chart a course of science-based policies that will protect New England’s economy, natural resources, and the health of our communities for decades to come.”
