MIT's EHS Office with EPA New England recently conducted a nationwide Stormwater Design Competition seeking innovative approaches to improve the water quality of the Charles River, MIT's border on the south side of campus and one of Boston's best-known features. The competition contributes to the goal of a "Fishable and Swimmable Charles River by 2005" articulated by the EPA.

As stated in the competition announcement, "The MIT/EPA Charles River Stormwater Design Competition brings together students, professionals and others to brainstorm, design, and implement innovative means of improving the water quality of the Charles River through improved stormwater management, treatment, and control. The competition represents an example of an innovative partnership between MIT and EPA working together to address a societal problem in the best traditions of both organizations."

The $5,000 Grand Prize was awarded to the team of Gweneth Newman and Katherine Anderson, both graduate students at Harvard Graduate School of Design, for their entry entitled A Rain Garden in Cambridge. The winning entry will be implemented on an actual site in Cambridge. The winner of First Prize - Professional was Comprehensive Environmental Inc., a consulting firm based in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The First Prize - Student was awarded to the team of Theodore Eisenman, William Sprengnether, and Jamie Vanucchi, graduate students at Cornell University.

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