Fuss & O’Neill performed a water quality assessment and improvement project focused on the catchment to Tenean Beach. Tenean Beach is one of two Boston Harbor bathing beaches where water quality is still a significant concern after recent Boston Water & Sewer Commission (BWSC) combined sewer overflow (CSO) upgrades.

The goal of the project was to eliminate illicit discharges and identify potential sources of bacteria. The illicit discharge investigation included manhole inspections, sandbagging dry manholes, dye testing structures, television inspections of storm drains, and elimination of sources as needed.

The project involved statistical evaluation of existing water quality data, and an extensive sampling program composed of multiple dry- and wet-weather 24-hour sampling events and dye studies to determine mixing and dilution rates associated with the Pine Neck Creek outfall.