Protecting Wetlands in Massachusetts

What are wetlands, and how MassDEP works to protect them from pollution and loss - an overview of the Wetlands Program and how it works with communities and other interests. October 2005.
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Wetlands: Our "Common Wealth"

How wetlands support overall ecological health and provide both habitat and recreation, and the importance of protecting them. October 2005.
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Circuit Rider Program

MassDEP's Wetlands Circuit Rider Program provides direct technical assistance and training to conservation commissions on Wetlands Protection Act implementation and other aspects of the Wetlands Program. August 2007.
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Wetlands Loss Maps Q&A

The Wetlands Loss Maps are a valuable tool in MassDEP's enforcement of the Wetlands Protection Act, helping to identify areas damaged or lost and prevent further destruction. July 2007.
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Rivers Protection Act: Frequently Asked Questions

The Rivers Protection Act was passed in 1996 as an amendment to the Wetlands Protection Act, to provide protection to rivers by regulating activities along riverbanks. This Q&A details specifics of the Act and its implementation. Spanish and Portuguese translations are also provided. October 2005.
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Notices of Intent Lookup

Online look-up for Notices of Intent (NOIs), searchable by region, community, and date. The search returns NOI file numbers, applicant information, location, and comments from MassDEP staff.
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eDEP Online Filing

NOTE: MassDEP's wetland eDEP forms have been removed to make room for new and improved wetland eDEP forms that will be released in the coming year. Please continue to use the downloadable forms found here. Follow the link to eDEP's web page to register and familiarize yourself with the online filing process. 
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Permits & Forms

Downloadable forms for obtaining permits under Chapter 91 (Waterways), Water Quality Certification, and the Wetlands Protection Act.
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About WIRE

The new Wetlands Information Resource (WIRE) will allow MassDEP to more easily track permitted impacts, determine responsibility for wetland loss, pursue enforcement, and monitor compliance & mitigation success. Revised May 2009.
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eDEP Registration

A key component of WIRE is Web-based permitting through eDEP, MassDEP's online permitting system. To register into eDEP, visit this link.
https://edep.dep.mass.gov/DEPHome.aspx

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Regulations & Standards

The Wetlands Protection Act Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), including the Stormwater Management Standards revisions, and regulations governing coastal and inland wetlands orders and abandoned cranberry bogs.
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Policies & Guidance

Guidance documents and MassDEP policies relating to building-code revisions, dam removal, enforcement, plant management, stormwater, and more.
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Rivers Protection Act: Frequently Asked Questions

The Rivers Protection Act was passed in 1996 as an amendment to the Wetlands Protection Act, to provide protection to rivers by regulating activities along riverbanks. This Q&A details specifics of the Act and its implementation. Spanish and Portuguese translations are also provided. October 2005.
Web page

MA Basic Building Code Regulations Revisions - May 2008

Appendix 120.G has been revised in the 7th Edition of the Massachusetts Basic Building Code. These regulations are intended to improve public safety and protect natural resources by establishing requirements for structures in areas particularly vulnerable to damage from coastal storms. Below are supporting documents that describe the revisions and who the changes affect.

Protecting Coastal Property from Major Storm Damage
How the Massachusetts Building Code and Wetlands Protection Act work together to help you: Summary of the 7th Edition of the Massachusetts Basic Building Code 780 CMR 120.G, Appendix G: Flood-Resistant Construction and Construction in Coastal Dunes
Web page | PDF 445 KB

State Board of Building Regulations & Standards, Appendix 120.G - Flood Resistant Construction
The content of the revised language in the Massachusetts Basic Building Code (780 CMR 120.G).
PDF 883 KB

List of relevant documents
Quick reference list of documents associated with the Basic Building Code Regulations Revisions.
MS Word 8 KB | PDF 59 KB

Building code requirements flow chart
Decision process for determining if a project is subject to the provisions of Appendix 120.G.
MS Word 25 KB | PDF 818 KB

State Building Code construction requirements matrix
Determining which requirements apply to a project, depending on the nature and extent of the project and its location.
MS Excel 25 KB | PDF 102 KB

Coastal Wetland Resources Maps
These maps identify the approximate location of coastal wetlands resources for coastal communities with properties that must meet Building Code requirements for construction in a flood hazard zone, high hazard zone, or coastal dune.
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MA Department of Public Safety regulates the Building Codes for Massachusetts (exits MassDEP web site).

Dam Removal and the Wetlands Regulations

The document provides guidance for conservation commissions and the Department of Environmental Protection, as the permitting authorities, in the application of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its regulations. January 2008.
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Rebuilding of Primary Coastal Dunes

MassDEP's Guidance for Homeowners & Conservation Commissions Relative to Storm Emergency Certification, May 2007.
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Wetlands Loss

MassGIS online map of wetlands status in Massachusetts, as of November 2003.
MassGIS Web site

Wetlands Loss Maps Q&A

The Wetlands Loss Maps are a valuable tool in MassDEP's enforcement of the Wetlands Protection Act, helping to identify areas damaged or lost and prevent further destruction. This Q&A is provided in conjunction with the MassGIS Wetlands Loss Maps above. July 2007.
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Orthophotoquad Map Use & Distribution

Orthophoto maps locate and delineate state wetland resources; their accuracy assists communities in identifying resource impacts of projects, as well as locating related resources such as public and private water supplies, and assisting other local boards for planning and public safety uses. October 2005.
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Ecological Integrity and MassDEP Important Habitat

These maps are provided to assist both conservation commissions and applicants for activities subject to the Wetlands Protection Act in identifying areas with important wildlife habitat. July 2008.
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Mouth of River

These maps identify the Mouth of the River (MOR) for coastal rivers in order to provide a clear, consistent, and predictable means of locating all river mouths in the Commonwealth. May 2007.
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Eelgrass

Eelgrass is a sensitive indicator of nitrogen loadings and an ideal habitat to monitor overall ecosystem health. The eelgrass layer, produced from data collected in 2001, is the second statewide mapping of the eelgrass resources along the coast. March 2006.
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Coastal Wetlands Resources

These maps are provided as an aid to conservation commissions, building inspectors, and others in implementing revisions to the Massachusetts Basic Building Code 780 CMR 120.G, Appendix G, effective January 1, 2008. These maps identify the approximate location of coastal wetlands resources for coastal communities with properties that must meet Building Code requirements for construction in a flood hazard zone, high hazard zone, or coastal dune. Please note that the delineation of coastal wetland resource areas is still determined by the issuing authority (conservation commission or MassDEP) pursuant to 310 CMR 10.00, the Wetlands Protection Act regulations. June 2008.
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List of communities with previously registered wetlands

Cities and towns that currently have registered wetlands with accompanying restriction orders under either the Coastal Wetlands Restriction Act (c.130, s.105) or the Inland Wetlands Restriction Act (c.131, s.40A). August 2005.
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Stormwater Revisions to Wetlands Regulations

Revisions to 310 CMR 10.00, the Wetlands Protection Act Regulations, and 314 CMR 9.00, the 401 Water Quality Certification Regulations. January 2008.
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Stormwater Handbook

Revised and updated in accordance with the revisions to 310 CMR 10.00 and 314 CMR 9.00, the Stormwater Handbook details the Stormwater Management Standards, their technical and legal components, types of best management practices (BMPs) and appropriate circumstances for their use, and provides compliance tools, including a Stormwater Report Checklist. February 2008.
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Stormwater homepage

MassDEP's stormwater page includes information regarding the control and regulation of stormwater discharges, flood cleanup, and resources for compliance with EPA's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits.
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Related Links & Resources

Links to state, federal, academic, and other resources for information on managing and controlling stormwater discharges.
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eDEP Online Filing

NOTE: MassDEP's wetland eDEP forms have been removed to make room for new and improved wetland eDEP forms that will be released in the coming year. Please continue to use the downloadable forms found here. Follow the link to eDEP's web page to register and familiarize yourself with the online filing process.
https://edep.dep.mass.gov/DEPHome.aspx

Wetlands Forms

Downloadable forms for obtaining permits under Chapter 91 (Waterways), Water Quality Certification, and the Wetlands Protection Act.
Web page

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Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions

The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions is a private nonprofit organization providing education, outreach, and networking services to the state's conservation commissions.
MACC Web site

Massachusetts Registry of Deeds

The Registry of Deeds homepage from the Secretary of State includes links to county Registry offices. Information from the Registry of Deeds is required when filing a Wetlands permit.
Registry of Deeds Web site

Wetland Indicator Status - U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service

As an aid to identifying wetland areas, the Natural Resources Conservation Service maintains a searchable database of plant species typically found in wetlands. A guide to interpreting the data is also available.  

Wetland Indicator Status Database:
NRCS Web site

Interpreting Wetland Indicator Status:
NRCS Web site

Massachusetts Lakes & Ponds Guide

The Department of Conservation & Recreation publishes this 5-part guide to lake ecology and citizen participation to help protect lakes and ponds.
DCR Web site

Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM)

The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management works with government, schools, communities, and the general public to promote sound management and safe use of the Massachusetts coast. MassDEP works cooperatively with CZM to protect the environmental health and safe use of coastal resources.
CZM Web site

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