Marine Oil Spill Prevention & Response Program

In the wake of the April 27, 2003 barge B-120 oil spill into Buzzards Bay the Massachusetts Legislature passed Chapter 251, Acts of 2004, "An Act Relative to Oil Spill Prevention and Response in Buzzards Bay and Other Harbors and Bays of the Commonwealth" (the "Oil Spill Act" or "Act"), which was signed into law on August 4, 2004. The purpose of the Act was to strengthen several statues that govern Massachusetts' ability to prevent and respond to oil spills in the coastal waters of the Commonwealth. The Act was amended by Chapter 268 of the Acts of 2008 and Chapter 101 of the Acts of 2009.

This site has been created as a training and response resource for state and local emergency responders to use before and during a coastal oil spill event. Includes map of Oil Spill Trailer locations

MassDEP is continuing efforts begun in the aftermath of the 2003 Buzzards Bay oil spill to strengthen Massachusetts' ability to prevent and respond to oil spills.

The Oil Spill Act Advisory Committee assists MassDEP in making the most efficient and effective use of a Trust Fund established by the Oil Spill Act, as well as other related policy and program matters.

Requirements under the Oil Spill Act for tugboat escorts.

Guidance on how to comply with M.G.L. Chapter 21M, the Massachusetts Oil Spill Prevention Act, in Buzzards Bay.

Information on changes in state laws and regulations governing vessel notifications and the use of state pilots in Buzzards Bay.

HTML version

Information and resources for the Oil Spill Act of 2004.

Guidance on the implementation of the 2004 Oil Spill Act.