Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Coverage of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in the Nexus archive.
- Despite being disproportionately impacted by air pollution, many Gateway Cities don’t have state-run air quality monitors
Many of Massachusetts' 26 Gateway Cities, which are disproportionately affected by air pollution, lack state-operated air quality monitors. Seventeen of these cities have no monitors, and 11 have neither state-run stations nor locally funded PurpleAir sensors, despite health risks like asthma linked to PM2.5 pollution. The state operates 26 monitoring stations, with 10 in Gateway Cities, and allocates grants for community-based sensors.
- It’s time to act on the state’s PFAS problem
Massachusetts faces widespread PFAS contamination in 176 public water systems across 99 cities and towns, with residents bearing cleanup costs. PFAS, toxic 'forever chemicals' linked to health risks, persist in water due to industrial discharge and product waste, despite state legal limits. A task force has been established to address the issue.
- Local wetlands and water resource rules are crucial for affordable housing – not barriers to its construction
The article argues that local wetlands, stormwater, and septic system rules in Massachusetts are essential for protecting water resources and reducing flood risks, countering claims that they hinder affordable housing. It highlights the cost-effectiveness of preserving wetlands for flood mitigation and criticizes outdated state stormwater standards.