News, Updates and Alerts



SOUTH COAST RENEWABLES 


The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has extended the review period to Nov. 1 for the site suitability application for South Coast Renewables, LLC (formerly known as Parallel Products of New England), which seeks to expand its operations at 100 Duchaine Boulevard in New Bedford.


South Coast Renewables is seeking to build and operate a solid waste management facility that would handle 1,500 tons per day of municipal solid waste and construction and demolition waste.


MassDEP fact sheets on the proposed facility and the application process are here:


SCR Fact Sheet - Portuguese


SCR Fact Sheet - English


SCR Fact Sheet - Cape Verdean Creole


SCR Fact Sheet - Spanish


MassDEP accepted public comments through August 24, 2023. Click here for information on the public comment period.


 


COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOWS (CSO)


What is a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO)?


In older cities, combined sewer overflows, or CSOs, were built as part of sewer collection systems that were designed to carry sewage and stormwater in the same pipe.  After heavy rainfall or snowmelt, stormwater and sewage can overload these systems, which can cause a combined sewer overflow into coastal waters and trigger required monitoring of water quality. 


What has the city done about CSOs and where can I learn more?


Between 1990 and 2022, the City of New Bedford reduced these outflows by 91%, which equates to more than 3 billion gallons in annual reduction in CSO volume into coastal waters, as part of ongoing improvements planned through 2036 in coordination with state and federal agencies, including the EPA. 


Learn more about CSO improvements and planning in New Bedford here: Report to Congress on Integrated Plans to Comply with the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2019 (epa.gov)


Why are the signs up?  Where can I find the information on CSO events?


The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recently implemented new regulations that require municipalities to post signs near beaches and public coastal areas, to inform the public on how to access the latest information on CSOs.   


This information can be found here:   https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/public-infrastructure/wastewater/new-bedford-cso-report/


Are our beaches safe to swim?  Where can I find information on our beaches?


New Bedford bathing beaches are tested on a weekly basis to ensure the safety of swimmers.  Information on testing of our bathing beaches is here: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/municipal-marine-lab/


Additional information, including how to sign up for CSO notifications, is available through the New Bedford Department of Public Infrastructure, Wastewater Division. 


COVID-19


Getting tested and vaccinated for COVID-19 is not only about protecting yourself - it's also about protecting your family, friends, and community.


For New Bedford specific updates and data:



 


For national information:



MPOX


Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare disease that can make you sick, with symptoms including a rash that may look like pimples or blisters, often preceded by a flu-like illness. Mpox can spread through close, skin-to-skin contact.


For more information:



 


WEST NILE VIRUS AND EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS (EEE)


Mosquitoes can spread diseases that make you sick. In Massachusetts, mosquitoes can give you West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.  Learn how to protect you and your family.


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