Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant keeps the Boston Harbor clean
BOSTON — As the summer quickly approaches, Bostonians will soon head to beaches to soak up some sun. But when they go in the water for a swim, how can they be ensured that the water is clean?
The Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in Winthrop, treats wastewater from 43 different towns in Eastern Massachusetts. The $3.8 billion program then cleans the water to around 85% purity, according to the MWRA.
“I was an avid fisherman here in the Boston harbor in the 80s,” Jim Costigan says, who has been working at the facility for over 30 years. “Most of the flounders - 96% of the flounders had tumors and lesions and liver cancer. Today you can fish here in Boston Harbor, collect and catch fish that are very very clean.”
After being removed from the water, the sludge sits in digesters, where around 70% of it is converted to methane, which is then used to power the facility. This keeps the plant self-sustainable.
The island also features a scenic trail frequented by residents of Winthrop and surrounding communities.
Deer Island is a great example of how decreasing our long-term environmental impact can also have an immediate positive impact on the community. The park is a great resource for the area.