To the editor:
The Friends of Lynn & Nahant Beach, along with other community groups and members, would like to work with our local, state, and federal partners to solve the longstanding water-quality issues impacting King’s Beach.
While we know that much work has been done over the past decades to improve the situation, the water quality at King’s Beach is still among the worst in the state. The impact from combined sewer overflows (CSOs) during storms (occurring now regularly) and fairly constant poor water quality in Stacey’s Brook presents both real public-health and public-notification issues.
The Friends would like to work with our partners to secure funding to identify the sources of pollution into Stacey’s Brook, which is the long-term solution. More immediately, we also need to see improved communication about the water-quality issues.
We know that money was set aside in a previous Environmental Bond bill to help identify the pollution sources at King’s and other urban beaches.
In addition, the state Legislature is currently discussing how to use the state’s portion of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. These are two options that need to be exercised.
Importantly, funding should be available to help both Lynn and Swampscott implement infrastructure improvements to resolve the contamination issues.
Better communication costs much less and doesn’t need legislative action. As we see it, improvements would include:
*Permanent signs at all entrances to the beach in Lynn and Swampscott that advise people to always stay out of the outfall water (designed to be understood in other languages).
*Improved permanent signs at two beach entrances closest to the outfall advising against contact with outfall water.
*Improved permanent signage on the beach side of the seawall near the outfall that warns against water contact.
*Email and website notification from the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission to the public within several hours of a CSO release onto King’s Beach.
King’s Beach is used by thousands of Lynn, Swampscott, and regional residents, and we all look forward to a time when we can safely enjoy it. Resources are limited and it is better to work together on what should be a shared goal of a swimmable beach.
To a better Kings Beach!
The Board of the Friends of Lynn & Nahant Beach
Robert Tucker, president
Michael Celona, vice president
Jane Cahill
Tiffany Bevis
TJ Cullinane
Becky Suciu
Joe Taurus
