Environment Massachusetts Supports the Overhaul of the Clean Water Act

Last week, the Environmental  Protection Agency announced that it would begin an overhaul enforcement of the Clean Water Act. This promise of reform is long past due, as the law is so outdated and full of loopholes that enforcement consistently falls short. Environment Massachusetts is calling on the federal government to protect the public and the environment by strengthening the Clean Water Act.

In an in depth report about water pollution, the New York Times reported that an estimated 19.5 million Americans fall ill each year from drinking water contaminated with parasites, bacteria, or viruses. That's the population of the state of New York.

The Times also reported that chemical factories, manufacturing plants and other workplaces have violated water pollution laws more than half a million times in the last five years. As part of the report, they mapped out the locations of every violator of the 1972 Clean Water Act in the US. Take a look at the map of Massachusetts to find out if you live near a noncompliant facility. The three facilities in the state with the most violations are as follows:

1. East Fitchburg WWTF -- Location: Fitchburg -- Violations: 493 -- Fines paid: $0
2. Mantrose Haeuser Company Inc -- Location: Attleboro -- Violations: 247 -- Fines paid: $0
3. Battle Road Farm WWTF -- Location: Lincoln -- Violations: 230 -- Fines paid: $0
   

Do you live near one of these facilities, or do you see signs of water pollution in your community? Let us know in a comment!