State Representative Tom Calter will host an Open Forum Discussion and Q&A session on the significant water problems currently plaguing West Monponsett Pond, Silver Lake and Jones River, as a result of water management practices from the City of Brockton,.
The event takes place Saturday, September 24th from 10:00 – 11:30 am at the Halifax Town Hall, Great Hall. This is a change from the original pondside location to provide better parking and accessibility.
It is open to all, and community members concerned about these three bodies of water and health impacts to surrounding residents are encouraged to attend.
In addition to Rep. Calter, speakers will include Pine DuBois, Executive Director of the Jones River Watershed Association, Marianne Moore, Executive Secretary from the Monponsett Watershed Association, Cathy Drinan, Board of Health Agent for the Town of Halifax, Jack O’Leary from the Central Plymouth County Water District Commission, and State Rep. Josh Cutler, whose district includes Hanson.
Learn about the parameters of the 1964 law that allowed Brockton to draw water in the first place, and the City’s practices that have led to water quality degradation and cyanobacteria blooms far exceeding state health standards. Attendees will also hear about the work done by the Central Plymouth County Water District Commission, the Monponsett Watershed and Jones River Watershed Associations, Rep. Calter, Rep. Cutler and other activists over more than two years to push for change in Brockton’s approach; the role of the Dept. of Environmental Protection in negotiating a new Administrative Consent Order with Brockton to implement that change; next steps in the process and how residents can get involved.
The cyanobacteria levels from algae blooms have been at record high levels this summer causing significant health concerns and the summer’s marked drought has not seen relief. To further add to the problem, Brockton turned off Aquaria, their supplemental water source in late August, taking 11 million+ gallons per day from Silver Lake. Representative Calter says that the quantity and quality of water is in danger and immediate action is required.
Complimentary coffee and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact [email protected].