Five-Year Basin Cycle Map: cyclemap.htm

What is the Watershed Approach?

The main strategy employed by MassDEP to protect and maintain water quality is the implementation of the Watershed Approach. A phased holistic program for watershed-based assessment, permitting, outreach and nonpoint source pollution control has been adopted by MassDEP's Bureau of Resource Protection to address its Watershed Management goals. The program runs its full course over a five-year cycle, which is repeated.

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What happens in Year 1?

During Year 1 existing water resource information is reviewed and water quality issues are identified to establish the basis for planning activities in subsequent years. This effort includes building local capacity and support, and identifying data gaps that need to be filled. MassDEP regional and Bureau of Resource Protection offices work with the watershed organizations, outside agencies, environmental groups, and the general public in order to gain insight with respect to water quality goals and objectives for Massachusetts surface waters.

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What happens in Year 2?

During Year 2 water quality monitoring surveys are conducted to collect physical, chemical, biological and fish data. These activities are implemented in accordance with the 5-year watershed cycle in the year 2 watersheds. The goal is to fill information gaps, collect important data for assessing our waterbodies, identify impaired waters, develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and ultimately to make enforcement and permitting decisions. The scope of these field assessments varies depending upon the resources available and the water quality issues within each watershed. MassDEP works with volunteer groups that have the capability to assist in data collection activities.

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What happens in Year 3?

During Year 3 the survey data from year 2 is analyzed as a prerequisite to issuing permits the following year. These include, where applicable, calculation of total maximum daily loads and an evaluation of water quality conditions to update federal 303(d) lists and 305(b) reports and update National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits as needed. MassDEP also develops a water quality assessment report for each basin during this time. These plans, which incrementally evaluate water quality on a segment-by-segment basis are used by MassDEP to guide them in identifying potential sources of impairment. The plans also provide recommendations for additional data collection activities for MassDEP, other federal and state agencies, and volunteer groups.

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What happens in Year 4?

During Year 4 MassDEP develops a watershed action plan to address issues under MassDEP's authority. In addition, meetings with permittees are held and final wastewater and water withdrawal permits are re-issued as appropriate. Dischargers in priority waters exhibiting nonpoint pollution problems are targeted for implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other control measures. MassDEP's Watershed Action Plans include activities such as NPDES and Water Management Permits to be renewed, nonpoint source contracts to be issued, TMDLs to be developed (in accordance with the TMDL strategy), as well as enforcement activities potentially necessary to implement TMDLs.

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What happens in Year 5?

During Year 5 implementation of year 4 corrective actions continues and an evaluation is undertaken to determine how successfully the Watershed Approach has addressed the priority water resource issues so that adjustments may be made during the next 5-year cycle.

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