The Buzzards Bay Coalition has recognized the Town of Wareham for its efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution in its waterways.

The Coalition awarded Wareham's Board of Health with the "Guardian Award" in applause of regulations the board passed earlier this year regarding septic systems.

"They were recognized because the regulations they passed for water quality protection. It has a direct impact on Wareham estuaries and it took a lot of tenacity and courage and belief in the Board of Health's ability to make a difference to do this," said Buzzards Bay Coalition Science Director Rachel Jakuba. "It would have been a lot easier for them not to have passed it."

In February -- and after months of debate -- the Board of Health passed regulations requiring the installation of "denitrification" systems for any new construction and homes with failed septic systems located within 500 feet of any body of water.

"The Buzzards Bay Guardian Award is about people taking steps to improve the bay and the Wareham Board of Health, in passing this regulation, did that," Jakuba said.

Denitrification septic systems are designed to remove nitrogen from wastewater. The regulation requires that the systems discharge 19 milligrams or less of nitrogen per liter of wastewater discharge on an annual average. To compare, a standard "Title 5" septic system allows approximately 28 to 35 milligrams of nitrogen per liter of wastewater discharge on an annual average.

Why is nitrogen such a big deal for Buzzards Bay?

"In a nutshell, the nitrogen increases the growth of algae, which has a number of negative impacts," Jakuba explained.

Algae uses up all of the oxygen, which in turn causes fish, shellfish, and other marine life to die.

The Weweantic and Wareham rivers feed into Buzzards Bay. Rivers and bays don't acknowledge borders like humans do, and the pollution in Wareham can affect the health of water beyond Wareham.

Additionally, the growth of algae prohibits the growth of eel grass, which is much needed in the bay.

"[Eelgrass is] what we call a key indicator. ... It provides habitat for things," said Jakuba. "Bay scallops use eel grass for a part of their life cycle. They use it to get off the bottom away from predators."

As an indicator species, eel grass tells researchers when the rest of the ecosystem might be in trouble.

"Wareham is particularly important because it has so much coastline and so much freshwater input," said Jakuba. She commended the town, saying: "I think one of the unique things about Wareham is the level of awareness and civic engagement."

Board of Health Chair Frank DeFelice said he was appreciative of the recognition, but believes there's still work to be done. He said he'd like to see the regulations to allow for variances.

"I think it's a good thing for the Town of Wareham, but it needs to tweaked a little more," said DeFelice.

The Guardian Award is the highest honor given out by the Coalition. The other recipient this year is Ken Kimmel, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection.

"It really ranges from a local resident who is extremely active, to the head of an agency ... but it's someone who in their work, in their community life, has made huge strides in protecting Buzzards Bay," said Buzzards Bay Coalition spokesman Rob Hancock.

Other steps the town has taken to reduce nitrogen pollution include upgrading the Water Pollution Control Facility and expanding town sewer to more neighborhoods.