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Council backs study and commission on Alewife CSOs, asks staff for cost‑benefit analysis
Summary
The council adopted a Health & Environment Committee report asking the city manager to analyze a 2050 (25‑year storm) CSO control target, improve private‑development stormwater rules and consider creating a combined sewer overflow commission, with staff agreeing to convene advocates and report.
The Cambridge City Council adopted a Health & Environment Committee report directing the city manager to work with departments and community groups to analyze a 2050 (25‑year storm) level of control for Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), strengthen stormwater and green‑infrastructure regulation, and consider a standing CSO commission.
Speakers from watershed groups, residents and public‑health advocates urged urgency. "A healthy Alewife Brook that is boatable and fishable" should be the goal, said Eparixi, a coalition leader who urged broader public involvement and options such as stormwater fees. Anne McDonald, who described long experience with sewer separation, asked for participatory planning and a clear cost‑benefit analysis for stronger options. Andy Hrsina of the Mystic River Watershed Association called current releases a public‑health problem and urged the highest levels of control possible in light of development pressure.
City staff said the draft long‑term CSO control plan is due at the end of the year and welcomed a working group to inform outreach and alternatives. The council accepted the report and adopted the order; roll calls recorded eight affirmative votes and one absence.
Next steps: staff will prepare a matrix of action options, coordinate with the newly formed coalition and outline costs, benefits and reporting timelines to inform the draft long‑term control plan.
