Boston-area groups want sewage releases into waterways to end

Environmental organizations in Massachusetts are urging water officials to keep sewage out of waterways in several Boston-area communities by committing to a more modern sewer system with separate pipes for waste and storm runoff.

But in February, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority approved a more conservative approach to updating the existing sewer system in several communities, citing higher costs.

The plan is expected to allow continued sewage discharges during storms.

Local advocates want full sewer separation and elimination of sewage releases through outfall pipes along the waterways.

Approximately 700 communities in the U.S. that use combined sewer systems face similar public health concerns as untreated wastewater flows into their water bodies.