Speaking Up

Wastewater treatment plant permits. Large water withdrawals. Construction in environmentally sensitive areas. Toxic waste sites. These are just a few of the issues we've spoken out on recently. OAR's advocacy work, under the direction of OAR's Policy Director, seeks to improve the river's water quality and protect its flow.
OAR uses science-based advocacy to work towards our vision of a clean, healthy Assabet River. Using OAR’s water quality and biomass monitoring data, and working with other technical organizations, scientists and watershed advocates, OAR staff review projects, policies, regulations, and implementation of environmental laws, at the local, state and federal level.

How OAR Advocates for the River
The Assabet River conveys wastewater from 7 municipalities. This the main source of nutrient pollution. Learn more about Wastewater and how its impacts are being reduced.
Stormwater is a source of pollution that, if managed well, can help restore the Assabet. See what OAR is doing to address Stormwater.
The search for clean sources of energy has turned a spotlight on small-scale hydropower. Does Hydropower have a role on the Assabet in the future as it once did in the past?

State Policy and regulation provides the essential framework for managing our water resources. See how OAR adds its voice to the ongoing reviews of state policy and law.

Municipal Outreach: In addition to working with cities and towns, OAR promotes efforts to restore the water balance in the watershed through the Intel Assabet Groundwater Recharge Fund.

The Assabet is a federally-designated Wild & Scenic River from 1000 feet below Damonmill Dam in West Concord to where it meets the Sudbury River. OAR serves on the Sudbury Assabet and Concord Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council, a partnership of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

One way that OAR’s voice is heard is through commenting on, and appealing if necessary, environmental decisions. Copies of Comment Letters and Appeals are posted here.

We are not alone! There are many other organizations and individuals working on these topics. Here are links to Other Relevant Websites.