The Charles River has been hit by toxic algae blooms almost every summer in recent years. The blooms — which can be dangerous for people, pets and the river’s ecosystem — are fed by hot sunny days and storm runoff containing nutrients, especially phosphorus.
Now the Environmental Protection Agency Region 1, which oversees New England, is reaching out to private institutions in the Charles River watershed to discuss ways to reduce stormwater pollution in the river. This process may lead to new permitting requirements for large private properties in the watershed, according to an Aug. 13 letter the EPA sent to stakeholders.
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