Today's Tuesdays@REI on Doan Brook was electric with community interest and involvement. Issues were discussed involving water quality, energy, restoration, historic assets and active use.

The plans and options presented were clear and ambitious. They demonstrated that clear, clean water can be a magnet for business. Our water assets must no longer be taken for granted.

Immediately necessary approaches include urban stream restoration, innovative wastewater treatment and research and introduction of bioremediation. Our region needs active leadership in incubating environmental excellence.

Increasingly, non-metabolized prescription and over-the-counter medications are becoming a part of the waste stream.

The session was an excellent first step to a more frequently convened coordination of efforts and public dialogue.