MMA cites concerns with sustainable water management framework

The MMA has expressed serious concerns about a draft Sustainable Water Management Initiative framework that could have an impact on most, if not all, of the state’s cities and towns.

In a letter submitted to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs today, the MMA argued that the framework places too much emphasis on how water withdrawals could affect fish populations, while de-emphasizing the impact of impervious cover, dams, and nutrient pollutants on water quality.

The MMA contends that the costs of implementing the framework would constitute an unfunded mandate borne almost exclusively by ratepayers and taxpayers – at a time when cities and towns already lack the resources to adequately maintain aging infrastructure. The draft framework would reduce revenue by limiting water withdrawals, while imposing costs by requiring water suppliers to mitigate any additional water withdrawals.

The draft framework would make changes to Water Management Act permitting, such as a new definition of “safe yield,” new biological categorizations, and making water withdrawals based on new stream-flow criteria.

The MMA has expressed concerns that the agency’s proposed framework applies solely to permitting under the Water Management Act and does not address the full range of environmental challenges facing the state.

The Sustainable Water Management Initiative was established in December 2009 as a means of bringing together water suppliers and river advocates to develop a holistic water allocation plan. But after a year of meetings, the 65-member stakeholder group could not reach a consensus.

In January, the membership of the MMA approved a resolution opposing unfunded mandates on cities and towns. The MMA is also supporting three bills related to the health of lakes, rivers and streams: Senate 1985 would provide $17 million for the repair and removal of dams; House 3027 would limit the amount of phosphorus (a major pollutant) in fertilizers; and Senate 1055 would allow communities to charge developers a reasonable fee to establish a fund to maintain local water infrastructure. The bills were reported favorably by various committees this legislative session and are now being reviewed by the House Ways and Means Committee.

Once the Sustainable Water Management Initiative framework is finalized, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs will draft amendments to the Water Management Act, followed by a public comment period. At that time, the MMA will submit additional comments.

For more information, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs website (www.mass.gov/eea/air-water-climate-change/preserving-water-resources/sustainable-water-management).

• See MMA letter regarding draft Sustainable Water Management Initiative framework