Chamber Testifies at EPA Hearing – “Jobs at Stake”

Home » Chamber Testifies at EPA Hearing – “Jobs at Stake”

Chamber Chairman of Economic Development Pat Ciaramella of OCPC and Chamber President and CEO, Christopher Cooney testified before the United States Environmental Protection Agency in support of flow measures for the Brockton Area Water Reclamation Facility (BAWRF). City, County, and State Department of Environmental Affairs officials have all endorsed a flow rate of 20.5 million gallons per day.

“If adopted, this would allow greater use of this important regional asset, prevent pollution from untreated effluent and provide revenues that would support debt payments, maintenance costs and anticipated improvements going forward,” said Cooney.

Pat Ciaramella spoke of the benefits to the city and the surrounding communities. “There are a number of industrial parks and commercial districts in Avon, Easton, West Bridgewater and East Bridgewater that could be dramatically improved. These areas could produce greater revenues for Brockton, tax revenues to towns, and jobs to the region if this flow rate of 20.5 million gallons per day is adopted,” he said.

The Chamber recently commissioned a study written by The University of Massachusetts Donahue Economic Development Center to assess anticipated benefits from expanding ratepayers and users of the BAWRF. Economies of scale, best practices, cost/benefit analysis were all highlighted in the report and point in the direction of greater cooperation when maintaining regional water and sewer facilities.

The Brockton Downtown Business Association also endorsed the 20.5 million gallons per day recommendation at its most recent meeting. The EPA is accepting written comments through April 15. Local business, community, and municipal boards and committees are encouraged to write them in support of the 20.5 gallons per day flow rate. Contact Chamber President and CEO Christopher Cooney for more information.

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