Estimated Completion Date: 2009

Status Update:

The Wetlands Information Resource (WIRE) project is in the last phase of development as we update the eDEP forms that will be used. Although it always takes longer to complete projects such as these due to unanticipated circumstances, we expect to have a product available to the user community to collect wetlands-related information electronically and to use the updated forms in a few months. We look forward to your cooperation, and we will make every effort to keep you informed of any project updates.

See Map and List of Registered Towns, below.

Improved Wetland Protection

MassDEP is working under an EPA Grant to integrate wetland loss maps and other GIS maps with MassDEP's permitting and enforcement records. The new Wetland Information Resource (WIRE) will allow MassDEP to more easily track permitted impacts, determine responsibility for wetland loss, pursue enforcement, and monitor compliance & mitigation success. To register into eDEP, please go to: https://edep.dep.mass.gov/DEPHome.aspx

Advantages for Applicants

• MassDEP is developing new web-based Notice of Intent (NOI) and Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) forms. These forms will be easier and quicker to complete than existing forms, and will be accessible through MassDEP's improved online data collection system, eDEP.
• Applicants will be strongly encouraged to submit forms electronically to obtain file numbers.
• The current Notice of Intent (NOI) includes a field for latitude and longitude, which is often not completed on the form. The new web-based NOI form will include a "map viewer" that will automatically enter the latitude and longitude into the form when applicants click on the project location. Projects will then appear geographically in MassDEP's database.
• For some projects, MassDEP will accept the entire NOI or ANRAD application, including plans, to be submitted electronically. For other projects, MassDEP will require only a hard copy of plans with a receipt of electronic submittal. (More information to come.) The current NOI and ANRAD filing process for Conservation Commissions WILL NOT change.
• Communication with MassDEP will be quicker and easier for applicants who use WIRE to file electronically. Payment can be made electronically by credit card or by electronic check to expedite the process. Electronic payments make permit processing substantially easier for MassDEP staff, resulting in a time savings overall for both the applicant and MassDEP. As part of WIRE, applicants will receive an email notification at the time a file number is issued.

Advantages for Conservation Commissions

• WIRE will also provide a web-based Order of Resource Area Delineation (ORAD) and Order of Conditions (OOC) forms. Conservation Commissions will be strongly encouraged to submit OOCs electronically.
• To save Conservation Commissions' time, the OOC form will be pre-populated with much of the NOI data. A new OOC special conditions "pick list" will be made available and postage and mailing of the OOC to MassDEP will no longer be required. These benefits are expected to reduce the time and costs needed to prepare OOCs.
• The new OOC will also contain a map viewer. Conservation Commissions will be able to view the project site, adjust the latitude/ longitude if needed, view wetland loss polygons, and view the basic information of the project filings in their town.

Efficiencies for MassDEP

• The NOI/OOC project location and filing information will appear geospatially in MassDEP's wetlands database, allowing for improved strategic planning, data management, responsiveness, and resource protection.

Registration & Training

• Conservation Commissions will need to register with eDEP once and submit a hard-copy proof of identify form with MassDEP. The registration process takes very little time and MassDEP approval of the proof of identity form will take approximately a week. While the new forms and the new system will not be completed until early 2009, Conservation Commissions are encouraged to register now and submit the proof of identify form by going to the following web address: https://edep.dep.mass.gov/DEPHome.aspx
• Training will be conducted by MassDEP's Circuit Rider Program later this year and will continue into 2009. Training opportunities will be posted on MassDEP's web site at http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/depcal.htm. MassDEP's goal is 100% participation!

Map and List of Registered Towns

Click here or on the map below for a larger image. A list of communities registered for WIRE to date (April 14, 2009) follows below the map.

For More Information

Contact MassDEP's Regional Circuit Riders:

Boston:
Alice Smith, 617-292-5854, alice.smith@state.ma.us
Northeast Region:
Pamela Merrill, 978-694-3249, pamela.merrill@state.ma.us
Central Region:
Jennifer Gensel, 508-767-2765, jennifer.gensel@state.ma.us
Southeast Region:
Christine Odiaga, 508-946-2836, christine.odiaga@state.ma.us
Margo Clerkin, 508-946-2735, margo.clerkin@state.ma.us
Western Region:
Mark Stinson, 413-755-2257, mark.stinson@state.ma.us

Circuit Rider home page: www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/cridr.htm.