Pollution in the Harbor

    In 1876, with the significant growth of the city, Massachusetts State legislators implemented the construction of the Boston Main Drainage System to handle the accumulating sewage load being dumped into the Harbor.  This system diverted sewage from over 18 cities and towns surrounding the Harbor to Moon Island where it was then released with the outgoing tide.  

    In 1889, the first regional sewerage system in the nation was built in Boston as a result of the formation of the Metropolitan Sewerage District.  Although for years Boston was known for having the most advanced sewage system in the country, this system was not CLEANING the Harbor at all.  As a result of this, by the early 20th century, the Harbor had become incredibly polluted.  In 1940, after all shellfish that had been taken from the Harbor required purification, the state began construction of sewage treatment plants at each of the Harbor's three sewage release locations:  Moon, Nut, and Deer Island.

 

     Although these treatments plants were a step in the right direction for Boston, by the 50's and 60's, they were not enough to stop the increasing pollution levels.  The treatment facilities were often overloaded with sewage and also did not conduct secondary treatment for the Harbor.  As the water quality in the Harbor still did not improve, by 1972 the federal government passed the Clean Water Act, which required administration of both primary and secondary sewage treatment.  However, Boston was unsuccessful in updating its treatment systems and by 1980, Boston Harbor was known as the "filthiest Harbor in the nation". 

    It was not until 1985 when a Quincy city resident stepped on a piece of raw sewage while jogging the beach that things began to turn around.  The Quincy man sued the city of Boston for violation of the 1972 Clean Water Act and was successful.  The city was ordered to begin construction on a new secondary treatment facility right away.  The court case also resulted in a strict schedule for the ultimate "cleanup" of the Harbor.

    Water and sewage control was transferred to the newly formed Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) who built an invisible network of sewage and water pipes.  The new treatment plant at Deer Island was completed in 1998 and since then, things have been looking up.  The Harbor is becoming progressively cleaner and many native animal species have returned to what was once their polluted home. (www.savetheharbor.org)