A Brief Introduction to Deer Island

When the PAYETTE office relocated closer to Boston Harbor in 2011, we were all excited about the location. It made sense that names of our conference room names drew inspiration from the Boston Harbor Islands. However, one of my favorites didn’t make the list and I’d like to introduce now, Deer Island. I like Deer Island not because it is the most scenic or picturesque, but for its complex history, infrastructural importance, public access and renewable energy usage.

Deer Island has a complex history (albeit not always glamorous). During King Philips War in the 1670’s, the island was used as an internment camp for Native Americans. In the 1840’s, a hospital was built for the purpose of treating the nearly 5,000 immigrants, many of whom were refugees of the Irish Potato Famine. An Almshouse was later established by the City of Boston in the 1850’s to house the poor. The island would later become home to the Deer Island Prison (1880-1991).

(1) Source: Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain
(2) Source: Flickr

Today, Deer Island is home to the second largest water treatment plant in the United States. Completed in 1996, the Deer Island Water Treatment Plant is the $3.8 billion centerpiece of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) program. It was designed to protect Boston Harbor from the effects of the Metropolitan Boston’s sewer systems. It serves not only Boston, but removes pollutants from homes and business in 42 greater Boston communities. Its scale was critical in transforming the harbor from one of the country’s most polluted to one of the most vibrant.

Source: Circle of Blue

The island itself became recreational amenity for neighboring communities. There are over 60 acres of open space and more than 4-1/2 miles of walking trails (2.6 miles are handicapped accessible). The network of trails connects the public to areas for kayaking, fishing, picnicking and sightseeing. Trails also lead visitors to incredible views of the Boston skyline, Logan Airport, the harbor and ocean.

As you stroll along the trails you may also see some amazing green technology. The island is the MWRA’s Renewable Energy testing ground. A strange circular shaped wind turbine designed by the Massachusetts based engineering firm FloDesign is located on the east side of the island. This 100-kW turbine is modeled after a jet engine and uses a shroud to concentrate wind. It is expected to be 33% more efficient than a traditional blade turbine and should provide an annual savings in electrical costs of $30,000.

Twin 90-foot tall, 600kW Vestas RRB Wind Turbines are a personal favorite to see up close. They generate over 2 million kilowatt hours per year.  These turbines combined with the over 600 kw of solar panels active on the island provide an electric savings of about $265,000 annually.

Take a tour inside one in this travel channel video.

For more info:
Boston Harbor Islands
MWRA