We know that here in Chelsea we have a serious problem with lead in our homes and in our soil. The lead comes from flaking paint off the Tobin Bridge, from old paint in our homes, and from the lead dispersed in the air from the tailpipe exhaust of vehicles that burnt leaded gas for generations.
In response to this urgent concern, GreenRoots proactively works with community members, local and state agencies, and other local community-based organizations to reduce the harmful environmental and health impacts of lead.
Read our full statement “Leading on Lead: GreenRoots responds to high lead levels found on future park site”
GreenRoots Leads on Lead through…
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Collaboration
In collaboration with the City of Chelsea, GreenRoots is transforming the 212 Congress Ave site into a safe and vibrant public park. Soil at the site was recently tested as part of the process of building the new park at this site. The soil tested positive for high levels of lead. The fact that a property we are working to convert into a safe, accessible, and enjoyable green space sits on soil contaminated with high levels of lead is a tangible example of the environmental injustices we fight against in partnership with our community.
Because of this continuous exposure to even small amounts of lead over time, we strongly recommend that all parents in Chelsea get their children’s blood tested for lead. GreenRoots is working with local healthcare providers to set up an easy process for families in Chelsea to get blood lead testing.
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Advocacy
The Tobin Bridge is a prominent structure that connects Chelsea to Boston. In the past 10 years, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation started a project to delead the Boston part of the bridge, leaving the Chelsea part contaminated. Over half of the Tobin Bridge stretches over Chelsea. Tony Hernandez, a union painter, who helped paint the Tobin Bridge decades ago, was taking a walk and saw lead chips falling into nearby properties. After many attempts trying to get local leaders to take action, Tony reached out to GreenRoots who mobilized into action.
In 2023, GreenRoots worked with community members and stakeholders to push MassDOT to delead the Chelsea part of the Tobin Bridge in a multi-year project that started in late 2023.
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Creating Awareness
Lead water pipes are more common than expected, which poses a risk to drinking water. In collaboration with the City of Chelsea and Clean Water Fund, GreenRoots supports Chelsea residents to set up appointments with the City Water Representatives to check for lead water pipes. This service is free, and takes 5 minutes. Pipes that test positive for lead will be replaced free of charge. Call the City of Chelsea Department of Public Works at (617) 466-4209 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
Resources
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Check the Status of Your Pipes
The City of Chelsea is undertaking an effort to identify and replace any existing lead (and in some cases, galvanized) service lines. The following simplified diagram demonstrates (1) the public side and (2) the private side of a water system. Chelsea replaces public and private lead services, at no cost to homeowners. Check the status of your pipes, using the link below.
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Schedule Your Appointment
Set up an appointment with the City of Chelsea Department of Public Works to get your water service line checked for lead by calling (617) 466-4209.
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City of Chelsea Resources
The City of Chelsea has resources on lead contamination in Chelsea and lead safety. Click on the link below to read more.
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health Resources
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has resources on lead contamination in Chelsea and lead safety. Click on the link below to read more.
Your support is crucial in ensuring our work continues.
For 30 years, GreenRoots has restored acres of urban salt marsh, created new parks, increased public access to the waterfront and improved the water quality of Chelsea Creek.
Our organizing model is rooted in base-building and community, and your help makes us a stronger force. A contribution to GreenRoots means an investment in the futures of Chelsea and East Boston!
