The Town of Barnstable has been awarded aCoastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) grant in the amount of $126,915, from the state to improve stormwater treatment. The Town, in partnership with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, will construct stormwater green infrastructure to treat runoff at South County Road through a nature-based approach. The constructed Best Management Practices (BMPs) will treat nutrients and bacteria in stormwater runoff and improve water quality in the Marston Mills River, which flows into North Bay, Prince Cove, Warrens Cove, Cotuit Bay, and West Bay. These impaired waterbodies are part of the Three Bays system, which experiences shellfish closures, beach closures, algal blooms, and fish kills due to poor water quality. This project continues significant work conducted by the Town, APCC, and partners to improve water quality in the Three Bays.
The Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program seeks to improve water quality and protect coastal habitats by reducing or eliminating nonpoint sources of pollution, the leading cause of water quality impairment in the nation. This type of pollution primarily occurs when contaminants are picked up by rain, snow melt and other flowing water and carried over land, in groundwater or through drainage systems to the nearest body of water and ultimately out to sea. Nonpoint source pollution reduces water quality, negatively impacts habitat for coastal wildlife and reduces opportunities to harvest shellfish and swim due to mandated closures.
Learn more about the Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grant Program via Mass.gov, here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/coastal-pollutant-remediation-cpr-grant-program
