Multiple sewage discharges around Boston are raising a stink and raising public health alarms. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission reported a nasty spillage in Charlestown, with Outfall BOS019 unleashing sewage into the waters yesterday, December 18, from 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Folks near the upper inner harbor, including Charlestown and East Boston, you're going to want to plug your noses and steer clear until Wednesday, December 20, at 7:15 p.m., according to the Commission's advisory.
With Outfall MWR203 at the Inner Harbor spewing its contents from yesterday at 6:58 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Then Outfall MWR201 in the Charles River decided to join the party from 1:23 p.m. to 4:33 p.m. These advisories are set to expire tomorrow, December 20, at 5:30 p.m and 4:43 p.m. For the brave souls rowing or jogging by the Charles River from the Boston University Bridge to the Mass Ave Bridge, think twice and maybe take a detour.
Roslindale residents got a late-night surprise when a Sanitary Sewer Overflow reared in the Stony Brook Conduit near Bradeen Street. This sewage saga started yesterday at 6:50 p.m. and continued until today, December 19, at 4:10 a.m. Hold your breath and keep away from the waters by the Esplanade and Science Museum until Thursday, December 21, at 4:10 a.m. when the advisory expires.
These watery woes are a result of the charming New England weather, which sends rainwater rushing into a sewerage system already doing a juggling act with our waste, causing a mix that's anything but a cocktail party favor. If you don't want to end up with an unwanted illness, avoid these water bodies like the proverbial plague during rains and for a good 48 hours afterward. For those who dig for details, preliminary data and updates are up for grabs on Boston.gov and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority website.
