In this issue....

• Save the Date: Annual Conference 2022

• I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvement Project Update

• Presentation and Q&A Regarding EPA Residual Designation Authority in the Charles River Watershed

• Climate Legislation Presentation with Rep. Roy

495/MetroWest Partnership Annual Conference 2022

Thursday, November 17th

On November 17th, 2022, you are invited to join state and regional leaders in business, government, higher education, development, and environmental protection from across the region as we gather to celebrate our progress in advancing 495/MetroWest as an advantageous location for businesses, people, and communities, and discuss challenges ahead.  

495/MetroWest Partnership Annual Conference

Thursday, November 17th, 2022

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM; Doors Open at 7:30

DoubleTree by Hilton, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough MA 01581

Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsors:

I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvement Project Update

MassDOT On Thursday, November 3rd at 8:30 AM, the Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will host representatives from MassDOT to provide an update on the I-495/I-90 interchange improvements project, which is slated to begin construction activties at the end of this season.

On an average day, about 75,000 vehicles use the interchange itself. In the immediate area, I-90 carries around 100,000 vehicles and I-495 carries around 110,000 daily. The interchange is a high-crash location, and needed improvements have been a goal of the 495/MetroWest Partnership for many years. The interchange is important both to commuters and to freight; nearly half of the trucks entering eastern Massachusetts use this interchange. The completed project is expected to substantially benefit the distribution of goods and services throughout the state.

MassDOT anticipates construction on the project to start in Late Fall/ Early Winter 2022. The presentation will provide an overview of the project, as well as the timeline for project work. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the project team. This is an in-person event being hosted in Westborough, Massachusetts; advance registration is required. Click here to register for this event. Location information will be provided upon registration.

Presentation and Q&A Regarding EPA Residual Designation Authority in the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset River Watersheds

EPA Region 1 has announced that they will exercise their residual designation authority under the Clean Water Act in the Charles, Mystic, and Neponset river watersheds. Certain commercial, industrial, and institutional properties with one or more acres of impervious area will be required to obtain coverage under an EPA Clean Water Act permit. Once permits are issued, property owners will be required to take steps to reduce pollutants in stormwater. EPA anticipates issuing one or more general permits specifying the activities that property owners must implement to reduce stormwater pollution from their properties. Before these requirements are finalized, EPA will conduct a public process, including publication of a draft permit and an opportunity to comment. Privately owned commercial, industrial, and institutional properties with 1-acre or greater impervious cover will need to seek coverage under one of these permits (or an individual permit if they prefer) and take the actions spelled out in the permits.

The 495/MetroWest Partnership's Water Resources Committee will host EPA Region 1 staff for an informational presentation on this matter on Tuesday, November 1st at 8:30 AM. This event will take place virtually via Zoom; advance registration is required. Click here to register.

495/MetroWest Partnership communities that are fully or partially located within the Charles River watershed are Ashland, Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Norfolk, Sherborn, Wayland, and Wrentham. Portions of Foxborough and Medfield are located in the Neponset River watershed.

Climate Legislation Presentation with Representative Jeffrey Roy

On Tuesday, October 18th at 8:30 AM, the Energy and Sustainable Development Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will host a special presentation from State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy of Franklin, who serves as House Chairperson of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. The presentation will focus on An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind, major climate legislation passed and signed into law in August. The bill contained significant provisions related to clean energy investment, offshore wind, electric vehicles, and more. This event will take place remotely via Zoom; click here to register. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the legislation; questions may be submitted in advance during registration.