The results of the Bread and Cheese Brook study were recently given to the Town and supporting local organizations by the Coastal Systems Program (CSP) at the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) at UMass-Dartmouth. This study was supported by Westport's Community Preservation Committee and in part by the Westport Fishermen's Association (WFA). WRWA provided help with sampling and outreach.

Bread and Cheese Brook in subwatershed 3.

In May of 2013, The Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP) report for the Westport River was submitted by the CSP to the Town of Westport, which revealed that the nitrogen levels in the River are 18% over the healthy limit for water quality, considered the restoration target. The report also identified the region in the northwest part of the watershed, referred to as Subwatershed #3 (see map), as the area which contributed the highest amount of nitrogen (58%) to the East Branch. This MEP data provided valuable information about general nitrogen sources and amounts in the watershed, and also furnished a starting point for looking closer at what and where the sources are. By pinpointing specific areas and sources, options for reducing the nitrogen loads can be more cost effective and have a larger impact on cleaning up the River. With this in mind, the Town and the WFA believed that supporting a study that took a more detailed look at loads in subwatershed #3 was a reasonable course of action.

Subwatershed #3 is the land area through which Bread and Cheese Brook runs. This brook feeds into the upper Westport River, which then feeds into the East Branch at the Head of Westport. The Bread and Cheese Brook study divided this subwatershed into smaller sections and collected water quality data specifically from those sections (see map). Water level gauges were put in the individual brook segments and samples were taken twice a month. The research was done over a 20 month period in order to take into account seasonal changes in water levels and increase the accuracy of the data.

Gauge/sample locations

The results of the Bread and Cheese Brook Study show that there are two specific areas in subwatershed #3 that are the most significant contributors of nitrogen into Bread and Cheese Brook: Between Old Bedford Road (WRWA 1) and Rt. 6 (WRWA 2), and between Rt. 6, Gifford Road (WRWA 4), and Rt. 177 (WRWA 3). These areas are also the most developed parts of the subwatershed on a per acre basis.

What We Learned

Recommendations presented by the CSP include managing nitrogen loads from septic systems and using the natural resources in the area, such as wetlands and ponds, to better absorb the nitrogen before it reaches the Westport River. These are two of potentially many options which the Town can consider before taking nitrogen load reduction actions. These actions will be necessary in order for the Town of Westport to meet the Westport River specific nutrient restoration targets established by the MEP. The Town will be able to measure the potential effectiveness of these options by working with the CSP to model scenarios using a tool developed by the MEP Technical Team.

By working together and tapping into the myriad of "human" resources that are available, the Town of Westport should be able to determine and develop the course or courses of action that will benefit the Westport River by reducing the nitrogen loads from Subwatershed #3 as well as throughout the watershed. After all, what benefits the River really does benefit the Town. Questions regarding this report can be directed to Betsy White at b.white@wrwa.com or 508-636-3016.

It is with great sadness that WRWA announces the death of Chip Gillespie, beloved husband of Gay and ardent WRWA supporter. He died peacefully in his home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer. He will be sorely missed at River Day, where he volunteered with children's activities. He leaves us with the legacy of his design work for the logo of the Alliance. Chip was a monumental community leader; his commitment to the Westport Fisherman's Association and WHALE in New Bedford helped to transform those two agencies.

A memorial service will be held on Feb 21 at 2 pm at the Westport Point Church, 1912 Main Road.

"It won't seem the same here without Chip's enthusiastic passion for everything Westport and family. We have all lost a wonderful friend and advocate, someone that reminded us everyday how lucky we are to be living in Westport. Without a doubt we will still find his spirit in the southwest wind, sailing the river forever." - Jim Whitin