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Clean Charles 2005 is an association of industries, academic and
research institutions, public interest groups, and other entities
that have joined in support of a fishable and swimmable Charles
River by Earth Day, 2005.
One of the original founders, MIT is joined by Harvard, Northeastern
University, Brandeis University, Boston University, Polaroid, Triumverate
Environmental Services, Genzyme, Stop & Shop, Mass General Hospital,
Ionics Inc., and the Charles River Watershed Association.
John DeVillars, New England Administrator for the Environmental
Protection Agency, said in April, 1999 when the group was formed,
"The EPA is thrilled to have so many world-class private sector
institutions working with us to make the Charles a healthier, cleaner
river."
At that time he gave the river a grade of "B-," up from "C" a year
earlier. DeVillars said the river was clean enough for boating 83
percent of the time, up from 70 percent, and met swimming standards
51 percent of the time, compared to 34 percent before. "We are delighted
to participate in the coalition and we wholeheartedly endorse the
goal that has been set by EPA," said Paul Parravano, co-director
of government and community relations at MIT. "It is critical that
the goal of a swimmable fishable Charles by the year 2005 be achieved."
Separately and together, CC 2005 members work to manage stormwater
runoff from their landholdings, and host seminars and workshops
on river-related issues. They support water-quality research and
mentor the smaller institutions along the river.
On its own, MIT provides the EPA with a graduate student to work
on Charles River issues, as well as a staffed boat to retrieve debris
from the river. Everyone involved at MIT is optimistic that the
spring of 2005 will see fishing and swimming reintroduced on this
spectacular waterway which fronts the Institute.
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