With its budget set aside from that of the rest of the state--and therefore immune to political bickering--the MWRA raised its rates to secure the necessary funds to begin attacking the problems cited in the EPA and DOJ lawsuit.
Yeo says the MWRA has also made a broad commitment in the last decade to keeping the public informed about the progress of the cleanup efforts.
Much of the MWRA's scientific analysis, as well the data from scientific and engineering studies related to the MWRA, are accessible at the organization's website, http://www.mwra.state.ma.us, or available to the public on request.
As a result of the efforts, many of the species that were being destroyed by the sewage are beginning to thrive again.
And after a long hiatus, the people are returning harborside as well.
"Boston Harbor is so gorgeous," says Jeanne A. Gosage of Duluth, Minn., "I'm happy that I am finally able to come here on vacation and see it."