Guidance & Technical Assistance

The Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA) provides a host of non-regulatory, strictly confidential services to toxics users. Services encompass compliance assistance and on-site technical support to reduce toxics use, improve energy efficiency and conserve water and other resources. OTA's services also reflect the changing profile of the Massachusetts economy. For instance, OTA supports life sciences, medical device and other emerging, high-growth industries by providing pre-permitting and other assistance.

The Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information, also known as MassGIS, is a part of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). Through MassGIS, the Commonwealth has created a comprehensive, statewide database of spatial information for environmental planning and management. MassGIS is the official state agency assigned to the collection, storage and dissemination of geographic data.

The Leading by Example (LBE) Program was created by Executive Order No. 484 and sets aggressive targets for facilities owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, green buildings, and water conservation.

The Smart Growth/Smart Energy Toolkit provides local officials and other stakeholders the tools to change local zoning in ways that encourage the siting of renewable energy facilities, conserve land, and enhance stewardship of natural resources. Toolkit modules include narratives, model bylaws, case studies, slideshows and resource links on mill revitalization, smart energy, wind power, environmental equity, smart parking, wastewater alternatives, form-based codes, and fifteen other techniques.

Many innovative environmental technologies are in early stages of development or are commercial technologies ready to expand their markets.

Guidance documents and links to state, federal, and non profit resources.

The purpose of the Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Program is to preserve, restore, and enhance critical environmental resources and resource areas of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The goals of the program are to identify and designate these ecological areas, to increase the level of protection for ACECs, and to facilitate and support the stewardship of ACECs.

MA Coastal Zone Management's (CZM) staff of scientists, planners, attorneys, regional coordinators, and other specialists focuses on providing technical assistance to local decision-makers and concerned citizens in many areas of areas of technical expertise.

To help people working in coastal communities address challenges arising from storms, floods, sea level rise, and climate change, StormSmart Coasts provides a menu of options for successful coastal floodplain management.

The Riverways Program, in the Department of Fish & Game, participates in projects and programs that restore degraded riparian and in-stream habitats using a community based approach.

The Historic Landscape Preservation Program supports the preservation of historic landscapes across the Commonwealth by providing technical assistance to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations, increased awareness of historic landscapes in Massachusetts, publications that educate the public in caring for historic landscapes and leadership toward the preservation of cultural landscapes under DCR ownership and management.

In addition to the divisions within the Secretariat, EEA's departments also provide a wide range of grants, technical assistance, and workshops.

The following agencies and authorities offer grants and assistance that can be helpful in the preservation and protection of our natural resources.

Through the Division of Conservation Services (DCS), The Massachusetts State Commission for Conservation of Soil, Water & Related Resources serves as the coordinating body for soil and water conservation programs throughout the Commonwealth.