The Montclair/Wollaston Bog

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The Montclair/Wollaston Bog, which is 16 acres, is located between Sherman, Harvard, Hobart, and Belmont Streets in Quincy. The poor condition of the bog and problems associated with it, such as large mosquito populations, bad odor, and flooding, spurred a group of neighbors to form the Neighborhood Bog Association. The overall goal of the association is to achieve and maintain a healthy ecosystem in the area.

The Bog Association worked with the Norfolk County Mosquito Control to clean and widen the channels. The flow of water will also be enhanced with the assistance of a pumping station. This will help reduce the presence of stagnant mosquito-breeding pools.

Presently the Neighborhood Bog Association is working to impress upon the city the need to install the pumping station and maintain the channels from blockage, including such maintenance as the removal of downed timber and brush.

The Bog Association also asked the Neponset River Watershed Association to test the bacteria levels of the water flowing through the bog. Two tests were done by the EPA Region I laboratory on the quality of the water in the bog. Tests were done in December 2000 and October 2001; both concluded that the Fecal Coliform levels present violated Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standard (314 CMR 4.00). It is believed that the poor quality of the surface water is due to sewerage leaking into the water drainage pipe that contributes to the bogs water supply. To remedy this potential hazard, the Neighborhood Bog Association is asking the City of Quincy to repair the leaks in the sewage system.

The Neighborhood Bog Association is also investigating the effectiveness of the storm drainage system in the neighborhood and the possible affects a lack of proper drainage could have in the area.

What is a bog?

A bog is a wetland type that accumulates acidic peat, a deposit of dead plant material.

Why are bogs important?

Bogs are recognized as a significant habitat type by a number of governmental and conservation agencies. They are challenging environments for plant life because they are low in nutrients and very acidic. Carnivorous plants have adapted to these conditions by using insects as a nutrient source. The high acidity of bogs and the absorption of water by sphagnum moss reduce the amount of water available for plants. Some bog plants, such as Leatherleaf, have waxy leaves to help retain moisture. Bogs also offer a unique environment for animals.

Quincy Green Map
updated 05/2008 by Quincy MA Green Map