Environmental Task Force of WCES
- Help Bring Solar Power to Watertown!
- Deadline EXTENDED TO JUNE 30, 2008!
The Watertown Solar Challenge is a program offered by Mass Technology Collaborative (MTC) and MassEnergy Consumers Alliance. MTC is the state agency in charge of grants for renewable energy. MassEnergy Consumer Alliance is a private non-profit organization that sponsors the New England Wind Fund program and promotes renewable energy.
The Solar Challenge program rewards communities which support clean energy. Watertown will earn a 2 Kilowatt solar electric system for a school when 150 Watertown households, organizations or businesses join the New England Wind Fund by making contributions before April 30, 2008.
A one time $100 contribution or $5 monthly contributions (for 1 year) qualify for the challenge. To join by credit card or check or to learn more about the program visit New England Wind Fund
- Mari Ryan accepts her Historical Commission Award
for Watertown Walks! Check out this video:
the Historical Commission awards ceremony
The Environmental Task Force generally works on local projects that facilitate a clean and safe environment.
WCES's Environmental Task Force has shown continuous leadership on all aspects of the environmental restoration of the Watertown Arsenal since 1987 when the Army first began talking about closing the site. In 1995, the EPA awarded a Technical Assistance Grant to help WCES interpret and understand the technical issues related to the extensive cleanup activities. This work continues with the help of our consultant, Jim Okun of O'Reilly, Talbot & Okun, a Springfield, MA environmental consulting firm. WCES will ensure that cleanup activities at the Arsenal and surrounding industrial sites are thorough and appropriate.
Ongoing restorations include Charles River shoreline restoration work and assessment, and planning for what is known as the "GSA site" along Greenough Blvd. In November, 2006, Lenny Siegel of the Center for Public Environmental Oversight wrote an excellent summary of the current status of Arsenal cleanup activities.
As a way to encourage less use of gasoline, and more emphasis on personal health, the Environmental Task Force launched Watertown Walks! in July, 2005.
Other local activities include:
- Promoting open space
- Assessing how best to manage the community's competing needs for pedestrian safety and off-street parking
- Promoting traffic calming
- Advocating for winter snow removal practices that maximize the health of street trees and sidewalk planting strips
- Supporting increased recycling
- Encouraging better energy efficiency on town property and educating about personal practices that can reduce energy consumption
- Participating in Charles River cleanup activities
- Working with town officials to increase environmental awareness in all aspects of town planning and administration