Jun 21, 2023
Ineffective septic tanks release high levels of nitrogen in wastewater which can cause toxic algae outbreaks in the Cape’s waters, which in turn place people at risk, harm fish and wildlife, and dampen tourism. CLF released the following statement in response to today’s news.
“Pollution from septic tanks has pushed Cape Cod’s waters to the brink of disaster,” said CLF attorney Maggie Nivison. “Toxic algae outbreaks destroy our waters, sicken people, and threaten the Cape’s critical tourism economy. The state has finally taken this crisis seriously, and these new rules are a tremendous first step in finally combatting this pervasive problem.”
Jun 07, 2023
Since 2019, CLF has been fighting alongside Bethlehem residents to stop an unnecessary landfill expansion. Now, our fight against Casella heads to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
May 25, 2023
“As millions of Americans prepare to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend, the Supreme Court has torpedoed protections for treasured waters safeguarded by the Clean Water Act,” said CLF President Bradley Campbell. “The Court has commandeered the power to curtail Congress’ authority whenever it impinges on the rights of polluters and property owners. The decision is devastating not only for the environment, but also for countless families and businesses whose health, safety, and prosperity depend on wetlands for safe drinking water, flood and storm protection, and a vibrant tourism economy.”
May 18, 2023
“Epping has utterly failed to operate its wastewater treatment facility safely for several years,” said CLF attorney Heidi Trimarco. “The plant is dumping practically untreated wastewater directly into the Lamprey River, threatening the drinking water for Durham and UNH as well as the health of the iconic Great Bay Estuary. The town’s frequent and repeated Clean Water Act violations cannot be allowed to continue, which is why we’re joining the EPA’s effort to finally bring the town in line with the law.”
Apr 12, 2023
Earth Day is almost here! It’s our moment to honor our planet by taking concrete action to preserve the environment and fight climate change. After all, as the saying goes, there’s no Planet B. So, this year, let’s celebrate Earth Day by pairing our small local efforts with BIG collective actions that can really… Continue reading 5 Things To Do On Earth Day
Feb 24, 2023
We spoke with Fred Tutman, Patuxent Riverkeeper, about his experiences as the nation’s only Black Waterkeeper –and the challenges and triumphs of diversifying the fight for clean water.
Feb 16, 2023
“The Hyannis wastewater plant is dumping sewage and pollutants directly into the ground, which invariably reaches nearby ponds, bays, and streams. Barnstable officials are running the Town’s sewage facility without a federal permit and have taken little action to stem this crisis and protect the Cape’s waters. We need to solve this problem once and for all, as the region’s bays and ponds are heading past the point of no return.”
Feb 15, 2023
“The rivers and streams flowing into Great Bay are being inundated with polluted stormwater every time it rains,” said Melissa Paly, Great Bay Piscataqua Waterkeeper at CLF. “The nitrogen in this stormwater runoff is harming the waterways that make New Hampshire’s Seacoast such a special place to live and visit, and it cannot be allowed to continue. Many of our communities have made great strides in reducing pollution from wastewater, now it’s time to step up and reduce pollution in stormwater.”
Feb 10, 2023
A new graphic novel for kids explores how and why blue green algae break out on Vermont’s Lake Champlain.
Jan 26, 2023
CLF’s Great Bay–Piscataqua Waterkeeper brings together partners and dozens of volunteers on annual cleanup to remove polluting debris from the estuary’s shoreline.
