Linsky announces stimulus funds for Charles River project

State Rep. David P. Linsky, D-Natick, has announced that the Department of Environmental Protection has finalized its Green Infrastructure Project list, which includes a project to control and reduce pollution in the Charles River. The grant for this project, which will cost approximately $895,000, will be funded by federal stimulus dollars directed through the State Revolving Fund.
Linsky, the House chairman of the Federal Stimulus Oversight Committee, said he was pleased that stimulus dollars are being used on energy efficiency projects with long-term cost savings and obvious environmental benefits. Linsky explained that the DEP’s final list represents the Green Infrastructure portion of the federal stimulus contribution to the SRF. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, DEP is required to use a portion of its drinking water/wastewater funding for energy efficiency projects at such water facilities. Wastewater and drinking water facilities have historically been major contributors to municipal energy bills. The final list of projects evolved from a draft list of projects that DEP had previously identified as candidates for greater energy efficiency. Linsky commended DEP for selecting projects in all regions of the state, including his district.
The Charles River Pollution Control District project will improve energy efficiency at the advanced nutrient removal treatment facility that serves the portion of the river that runs through six towns, including Millis and Sherborn. The two major improvements to the site include the addition of a new fine bubble aeration system, as well as the addition of solar panels. These improvements to the plant, which processes 4.6 million gallons of wastewater a day will save upwards of $100,000 a year in energy costs and prevent 558 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
“These green energy upgrades are a step in the right direction for our district,” Linsky said, referring to, among the improvements, the installation of a 40 kilowatt solar panel that will provide electricity for the plant. “The improvements will provide essential cost savings, and help keep the Charles safe and clean, which is the most important goal of this project.”