The King's Beach Steering Committee has been committed to exploring complementary solutions to help mitigate pollution at the beach in addition to Lynn and Swampscott's source elimination efforts, also known as Illict Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE).
In addition to the source elimination and IDDE efforts, there is a consensus among advisors and stakeholders at every level (municipal, state, federal, including MassDEP and EPA Region 1) that this work alone will not guarantee that the beach is open during dry weather. The pipe networks below ground are extraordinarily old and complex and it is unrealistic to expect that all potential sources of contamination can be eliminated. In other words, source elimination alone is insufficient and a separate complementary solution is needed.
In September 2022, the committee began reviewing potential solutions and three were chosen for further consideration: Chemical Disinfection, Ultraviolet (UV) Light Disinfection, and an Outfall Extension at Stacey’s Brook. The committee ultimately determined that UV Light Disinfection would be selected for immediate implementation due to being the most cost-effective and time-efficient method of reducing the public health risks associated with constant bacterial discharges at King's Beach.
Currently, Lynn and Swampscott are working to establish a UV pilot program in the summer of 2025.
UV Pilot Program (2025)
What is Ultraviolet Disinfection?
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is a proven technology used primarily at wastewater treatment plants to kill bacteria. In 2024, Lynn and Swampscott performed laboratory-scale testing of UV and found that the technology was effective at inactivating bacteria in stormwater to safe levels for recreation. For the 2025 beach season, we plan to pilot test this environmentally friendly chemical-free technology to treat stormwater at a larger scale.
How will this UV Pilot affect me?
The pilot includes several pieces of large equipment: a diesel generator (for power), water pumps, and the UV disinfection chamber. The pilot equipment will restrict traffic in the immediate area. We will make every effort to minimize the noise impacts, but the diesel generator will run continuously and will be heard in the surrounding area. The construction of the UV pilot is expected to start in April or May and is planned to be operational June through August. All equipment will be removed from the in September.
How do I find out more information or answers to my questions?
Residents are encouraged to contact the offices of Mayor Nicholson and Interim Town Administrator Cresta. We also encourage you to attend the upcoming public meetings noted below:
- King's Beach Town Hall (City of Lynn and Town of Swampscott)
Tuesday, March 18th at 5:30PM in the Lynn Auditorium
- Neighborhood Meeting (only open to Lynn and Swampscott abutters to the UV Pilot Program)
Monday, March 24th at 5:30PM at the Swampscott Senior Center
The Town Hall will include an update on plans for the UV Pilot as well as a broader overview of all the work being done to clean up King’s Beach, including the focused work on source elimination. This intended for a broader audience. The Neighborhood Meeting is intended for the immediate neighbors in the vicinity of the pilot and will focus specifically on the project planned for this summer, the impact on the neighborhood and plans for mitigation, including questions and feedback. Please note that the Town Hall will be recorded by Lynn Community Television for later viewing.
Water quality at King’s Beach is very important to us. Please join us in supporting the improvement of King’s Beach water quality and access for swimming and recreation this summer.
If you have any questions, please contact Jon Thibault at [email protected].