Merrimack pollutants focus of event

Combined sewage overflow, toxic chemicals and next-generation pollutants that threaten the Merrimack River are on tap for discussion at the fourth annual State of the Waters Conference at Northern Essex Community College.

Over 100 attendees — from state representatives to local officials — are expected at the Jan. 31 conference hosted by the Merrimack River Watershed Council.

“This is really the only conference that occurs that is specific to the Merrimack,” MRWC Interim Director John Macone said.

The event will feature two panels consisting of area professors, Lowell Staff Engineer Greg Coyle, Sen. Diana Dizoglio and others.

“It’ll be an opportunity for people to intermix and do a little networking and hopefully hear some of the problems and help

come up with some of the solutions,” Macone said.

Last year, about 80 people attended the conference in Newburyport. This year, the MRWC changed venues in anticipation of a larger crowd.

“People are becoming much more aware of what’s going on with the Merrimack River in terms of pollution,” Macone said.

In 2018, an aggregate of over 800 million gallons of raw sewage was dumped into the Merrimack River by six treatment plants, the MRWC estimates.

Combined sewage overflow is released when the flow of storm water exceeds the capacity of certain treatment facilities.

In August, paddlers kayaked the entire 117mile Merrimack River to call attention to CSO and other contaminants in the river.

“The Merrimack River faces numerous continuing issues including significant contamination from trash, some water runoff that contains oils, fertilizers and other chemicals, as well as combined sewer overflows,” Sen. Edward Kennedy said in August after docking in Lowell.

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, of Westford, and Rep. Seth Moulton have introduced bills calling for federal funding of wastewater infrastructure improvements and alert systems to warn of CSO release.

Dizoglio, who is scheduled to speak at the State of the Waters Conference, has also filed a bill to establish a Merrimack River District Commission to address the environmental health of the river.

Macone said the State of the Waters Conference is a chance for local experts and community members to join forces on topics concerning the river’s health.

“It’s amazing, some of the solutions and some of the connections that come about because of that,” he said.

Tickets cost $35 and include lunch. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit merrimack.org.