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Massachusetts
Water Policy 
Massachusetts faces many water
resource-related challenges. Rainfall is variable both spatially
and temporally, the hydrology dictates how much is retained in the
ground and flows on the surface, and impervious surfaces limit the
recharge capability and facilitate stormwater. Consequently, meeting
critical regional economic needs-to create high-quality jobs and
increase housing affordability-will become only more difficult to
achieve unless the Commonwealth places water policy on a more secure
footing.
The Executive Office of Environmental
Affairs (EOEA) is addressing this challenge through a water policy
that both promotes wise management and efficient use of our water
resources and provides a framework of principles, goals, and actions
for managing water in Massachusetts.
Former EOEA Secretary Ellen Roy
Herzfelder, on April 07, 2004, announced the creation of a Massachusetts
Water Policy. The Secretary appointed a Task Force with representatives
from environmental groups, industry, public works, local, state
and federal government.
Chaired by James Stergios, former
Undersecretary for Policy at EOEA, the Task Force conducted focused
discussions on key water-related issues that face Massachusetts
and recommended a process for protecting water resources. Recommendations
for the protection of critical water resources, devising a more
effective partnership with local and regional stakeholders, and
streamlining specific regulatory and permitting processes, are outlined.
After a six-month development phase,
the Massachusetts Water Policy was released by Secretary Herzfelder
in October 2004.
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