March 1, 2013

Regulatory Reform Packages Out for Public Comment: Massachusetts Contingency Plan Amendments: The proposed MCP amendments, part of MassDEP's Regulatory Reform Initiative, are intended to enhance program efficiency while maintaining a high standard of environmental protection. Specifically, the proposals:

  • eliminate Tier I Permits and streamline the disposal site classification system;
  • streamline Notice of Activity & Use Limitation (NAUL) requirements (NAULs are deed notices put in place to limit future use of properties where residual contamination remains after cleanup);
  • improve site closure-related requirements by clarifying source control provisions, facilitating closure at sites with active exposure pathway elimination measures, and providing transparency in documenting any conditions relevant to maintaining closure or site redevelopment;
  • revise definitions, assessment and closure requirements related to Nonaqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) to reflect updated science on the behavior of NAPL in the subsurface environment; and
  • revise numeric cleanup standards and notification thresholds by incorporating the most recent chemical toxicity information for a number of chemicals. Learn more ...

 

March 1, 2013
Regulatory Reform Packages Out for Public Comment: Wetlands, Waterways, Water Quality, and Wastewater
As part of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's (MassDEP) Regulatory Reform Initiative, MassDEP will begin public hearings on several proposed revisions to regulations in the following areas:

  • Wetlands Protection,
  • Waterways,
  • Water Quality Certification,
  • Wastewater Programs including Title 5 which governs septic systems
  • Sewer connection and extension permitting,
  • Operation and maintenance of Wastewater Treatment Works, including changes to the operation certification requirements by the Board of Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities
  • Land Application of Wastewater Sludge and Septage
  • Permitting Procedures for Ground, Surface, and Reclaimed Water Discharges
  • Surface Water Quality Standards - Site specific criteria

The purpose of the Regulatory Reform Initiative is to streamline the permitting process and maintain MassDEP's high standards of environmental protection. Learn More ...

 

December 14, 2012
Proposed Asbestos & Solid Waste Regulation Reform Amendments
MassDEP is proposing to revise 310 CMR 7.15 to streamline asbestos abatement work practices, operation and maintenance procedures, and homeowner requirements. The agency also is proposing to amend 310 CMR 19.000 to streamline aspects of MassDEP permitting for transfer stations, certain post-closure uses at closed landfills, and management of "special wastes;" standardize and expand the use of third party inspections and reviews at solid waste management facilities; and standardize certain other program requirements that have traditionally been dealt with in facility permits. Learn More ...

 

October 10, 2012
Regulatory Reform at MassDEP: Progress Update & Plans for Additional Reforms
This is a progress update on the reforms outlined in MassDEP's Regulatory Reform Final Action Plan (March 2012), and also an update on additional reforms that have been identified since March 2012. All of the proposed regulation changes needed to implement these reforms are expected to be out for public comment in the fall of 2012. Learn More...

 

March 5, 2012
Final Action Plan for Regulatory Reform at MassDEP
This document is the Final Action Plan for Regulatory Reform at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Learn More ...

 

December 22, 2011
Public Comments on Commissioner's Draft Action Plan for Regulatory Reform at MassDEP
MassDEP's Draft Action Plan for Regulatory Reform was released for public review on October 24, 2011. Public comments were received through Monday, December 5, 2011. The complete set of public comments submitted to MassDEP is available. Learn More ...

 

October 24, 2011
Commissioner's Draft Action Plan for Regulatory Reform at MassDEP
Outlines Commissioner Kimmell's Draft Action Plan for Regulatory Reform at MassDEP. This effort is first and foremost an attempt to strategically cope with the budget cuts MassDEP has suffered in recent years. Read more ...

 

April 11, 2011
Scope of Work: MassDEP Regulatory Reform Initiative
In recent years, MassDEP's budget has been significantly reduced, from a high of $62 million in 2002 to $46 million in fiscal year 2011. Staffing has been cut commensurately, from 1200 full time equivalents in 2002 to 840 today. Read more ...