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WESTPORT
Action Westport is already taking and should continue in 2008 to protect and improve Bay health:
- Providing local funding for the Massachusetts Estuaries Project to assess and develop a plan to reduce nitrogen pollution to the Westport Rivers.
- Participation in regional Oil Spill prevention efforts and in local spill response planning.
- Active support of open space acquisitions.
- Restoration of the Adamsville river herring ladder.
What Westport Can Do:
1. Reduce Nitrogen Pollution
- It is critical that the town maintain its strong support for the Massachusetts Estuaries Project in the coming year. The MEP is expected to deliver its Restoration Plan for the rivers by mid-2008.
- Start planning for wastewater improvement projects. Residential Septic systems will likely be determined by the MEP to be the greatest source of nitrogen pollution to the Westport Rivers.
- Amend Westport Subdivision and Health rules to require new developments to install Nitrogen reducing wastewater technology.
2. Expand Protection for Wetlands
- Establish ‘No-Build Setbacks’ around freshwater and coastal wetlands for all new construction. The Westport Conservation Commission should join the Bay towns of Falmouth, Bourne, Carver and Rochester—all of who require construction setbacks from wetlands to protect these natural pollution filters.
- Prioritize wetlands and stream/riverfront lands when planning for new open space acquisitions.
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