Allston Residents, Environmentalists Convene to Discuss Impacts of Harvard Development | News thecrimson.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thecrimson.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Boston Water and Sewer Commission chief engineer John P. Sullivan justified the BWSCâs plans to proceed with the controversial Harvard-funded North Allston Drainpipe Expansion Project in a virtual meeting with local politicians, Allston residents, and University representatives Monday.
Harvard has pledged to foot the estimated $50 million bill for the drainpipe expansion, which the BWSC said will enlarge the width of some existing pipes, add two water filtration machines, and direct stormwater through a new outfall into the Charles River.
This meeting comes after Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen A. Theoharides certified the BWSCâs environmental notification form in March, which drew scrutiny from local residents and environmentalists concerned about construction and water quality impacts.
The new pipe would have an outfall on state-owned parkland in front of Soldiers Field Rd. and the offices of Sanofi-Genzyme.
Harvard has been drawn into yet another expensive political dispute over a construction project in Allston â this time over a drainpipe that the University maintains is essential to prevent flooding in its new developments. Opponents contend the project has been advanced without transparency and engagement with stakeholders.
As the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and Harvard proceed with the North Allston Storm Drain Extension Project â an estimated $50 million endeavor the University has pledged to fully fund â local politicians, residents, and environmental groups have called for further investigation into its potential environmental impacts.