SECTION 1. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there is hereby established a special commission to study the feasibility and costs associated with examining and identifying the need to replace sewage infrastructure along the Merrimack River, Mystic River, and Connecticut River within the commonwealth. The commissions review shall include, but not limited to: (i) current health of sewage infrastructure; (ii) monitoring of water quality data; and (iii) identifying needs or upgrades to the outdated infrastructure of said rivers.

(b)The commission shall consist of: the commissioner of environmental protection, or their designee, who shall serve as chair; the director of the Massachusetts emergency management agency, or their designee; 1 member appointed by the Merrimack River Watershed Council; 1 member appointed by the Mystic River Watershed Association; 1 member appointed by the Connecticut River Watershed; 1 member appointed by the Conservation Law Foundation, Inc.; and 1 member appointed by the Massachusetts River Alliance.

(c)The commission shall advise and consult with: each mayor or town manager in the municipalities along said rivers; and each operator or manager of a sewer or combined sewer overflow location along said rivers.

(d)Members of said commission shall not receive compensation for their service, but may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out their responsibilities as members of the commission. The commission may select and contract with independent consultants to assist collecting and analyzing data and information, completing a final report and any other activity to achieve the goals of the commission. The department of environmental protection may furnish reasonable staff and other support for the work of the commission.

(e)The commission shall submit a report and recommendations regarding appropriate measures to ensure the present and future health of the said rivers, including a determination of the infrastructure, equipment, funding and programs necessary to the house and senate clerks no later than January 1, 2022.