![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Wipes clogged these sewage pumps in Springfield, MA Springfield Water & Sewer Dept. |
Flushed wipes in a clog under Commonwealth Avenue in Boston Credit: Boston Water & Sewer Commission, Adrianna Cillo |
Bills filed for the 2021-2022 Legislative Session that we are supporting:
Issue: Massachusetts sewers face avoidable costs for clogs, fouled pumps and resulting sanitary sewer overflows. As the popularity of various wipes increases and users flush them, these costs will increase.
Background: Since the early 2000s, wipes have been aggressively marketed as a replacement for toilet paper, mops, cleaning brushes and rags. This multi-billion-dollar industry[1] has had disastrous impacts on local sewer systems as clogs and fouled pumps increase.
Key Points:
Action Requested:
These bills include strong, specific language[4].
[1] “One report from a product development company estimated the global market for these nonwoven wipes of all kinds to be $16.6 billion in 2018, with a growth rate of 5.7 percent a year, which would push the total to nearly $22 billion by 2023” (https://undark.org/2019/12/23/flushable-wipes/)
[2] The International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG) has specifications.
[3] See the 2nd Edition INDA/EDANA Code of Practice: Communicating Appropriate disposal pathways for nonwoven wipes. (INDA is the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry; EDANA is the European Disposables and Nonwoven Association)
[4]Model legislation is available through NACWA and the Wastewater Advisory Committee to the MWRA
SD.1057, An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes. Sponsor is Senator James B. Eldridge. Link to bill text > https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD1057
HD.1625, An Act protecting water systems through the labeling of flushable wipes. Sponsor is Representative Carolyn Dykema Link to bill text > https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/HD1625
These associations and organizations support these bills
ACEC/MA, American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts
MAWEA, Massachusetts Water Environment Association
MMMA, Massachusetts Municipal Association
WAC, Wastewater Advisory Committee to the MWRA
WSCAC, Water Supply Citizens Advisory Committee to the MWRA
NEWEA, New England Water Environment Association
Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association
Eldridge-Dykema bill seeks to flush away those clogged-up pipes: https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2021/03/19/eldridge-dykema-bill-seeks-get-non-flushable-wipes-out-sewer-systems/4755841001/
Cosponsors as of 3/3/2021
|
House Cosponsors as of 3/3/2021
|
Additional Resources:
Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association https://www.yankeeonsite.org/
ACEC/MA members only pay the ACEC/MA member rate for registration. Check the ACEC/MA Member Directory to see if your firm is an ACEC/MA member. If your firm is an ACEC/MA member, you are a member.
Important: You must use the account, including the username and password, of the individual you wish to register.
Forgot your password? | Need an account?
IMPORTANT: Altering your name or contact information during registration will overwrite your record in our membership database. Please do not share your login information with anyone else.
If you have additional questions regarding registration, contact us at 617/227-5551 or acecma@engineers.org.
Registration is processed through the ACEC/MA associated website, www.engineers.org. ACEC/MA is supported by the staff of The Engineering Center Education Trust.