“The Blackstone River Coalition is truly grateful for the funding to continue the systematic monitoring of seventy-five sites by more than 100 well-trained, dedicated citizen scientists,” said Coffin. The settlement will help monitor the environment in these locations, Blackstone River Coalition Coordinator Peter Coffin said in a statement. “These mitigation funds will power the scientific monitoring, analysis, and investment to reduce pollution to the river-getting us closer to our vision for this river and our residents.” Our organization works toward a vision of a waterfront and river that is clean and welcoming for all,” Herron said. “For many of our environmental justice communities in the Lower Mystic-the Mystic River is that important and treasured resource. Mystic River Watershed Association Executive Director Patrick Herron said in a statement, “Everyone deserves access to nature, greenspace, and a healthy environment.” “This type of runoff causes poor water quality, harming natural ecosystems and marine life.” “Every time it rains, toxic chemicals from the piles of broken and rusted metal on each of these sites flow directly to the Blackstone River, the Merrimack River, the Mystic River, and several bays and rivers in Puerto Rico,” the Conservation Law Foundation said in a statement.
