The new type of ion exchange filter enables water to pass through a fine, sand-like material that chemically attracts and filters out contaminants.

A recent study published in Science Advances (January 31, 2025) concludes that “cities experiencing greater temperature increases over time saw larger increases in rats. Cities with more dense human populations and more urbanization also saw larger increases in rats.

Since 2021 when the proponent SCAPE filed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for this project to initiate the BPDA’s Large Project Article 80 Review, it has gone through a series of modifications including notably the height of the buildings involved. The height proposed has consistently been well above what is allowed (70’ within 100’ of the Back Bay Fens) under Municipal Code Section 7-4.10. The Boston BPRD (Boston Parks and Recreation Department) must give permission for the project under Section 7-4.11 of this Code. The origins of this height limitation date from over a century ago to protect Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace. In the 2021 Project Notification Form (PNF), the height was 229’, and in the project now approved by the BPDA Board on 7/18/2024, there is a building of about 300’ tall, which…is said to be exempt from the Section 7-4.10 height limitation.