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ACUSHNET
Action Acushnet is already taking and should continue in 2008 to protect and improve Bay health:
- Identifying and implementing sewer expansion projects for densely developed neighborhoods.
- Active support of open space acquisitions, particularly in the Acushnet River Valley.
What Acushnet Can Do:
1. Expand Protection for Wetlands and Stream Buffers
- Establish ‘No-Build Setbacks’ around freshwater and coastal wetlands for all new construction. Falmouth, Bourne, Carver and Rochester all require construction setbacks from wetlands to protect these natural pollution filters.
- Prioritize wetlands, stream and Acushnet Riverfront lands when planning for new open space acquisitions.
- Participate in riverfront, wetland and herring restoration efforts and the development of environmental education and public access at the Acushnet Sawmill property.
2. Reduce Nitrogen Pollution
- Work with New Bedford and Fairhaven to reduce Nitrogen Pollution to New Bedford Harbor. In the next few months, the Massachusetts Estuaries Project will release its restoration plan for the Harbor.
- Amend Acushnet Subdivision and Health rules to require new developments to install nitrogen reducing wastewater technology.
3. Protect River Herring
- Participate in regional investigations into external causes of river herring decline such as the offshore Atlantic Herring fishery.
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