OVERVIEW

Releases of oil and/or hazardous material to the environment are required to be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup (BWSC), in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 21E and procedures established within the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) (310 CMR 40.0000).

The DEP Oil or Hazardous Materials Sites with Activity and Use Limitation (AUL) datalayer is a statewide point dataset containing the approximate location of oil or hazardous material release/disposal sites where an AUL has been filed.  The sites mapped in this datalayer represent only a subset of the total reported release sites tracked by MassDEP BWSC.

An AUL provides notice of the presence of oil and/or hazardous material contamination remaining at the location after a cleanup has been conducted pursuant to Chapter 21E and the MCP.  The AUL is a legal document that identifies activities and uses of the property that may and may not occur, as well as the property owner’s obligation and maintenance conditions that must be followed to ensure the safe use of the property.  The complete AUL is filed at the County Registry of Deeds office for the respective City/Town.  In addition, a copy of the AUL is available in MassDEP BWSC site files and in City/Town Offices where the AUL is located.

Location types featured in this datalayer include the approximate center of an AUL site, the center of a building on the property where the release occurred, the approximate center of the lot, and source of contamination.

Under Massachusetts’ privatized waste site cleanup program, data maintained by DEP regarding site location is provided by potentially responsible parties (PRPs) and by licensed site professionals (LSPs), who work for the PRPs.  Location data is provided in a paper format (e.g., map and textual information) by PRPs and LSPs and maintained by MassDEP BWSC in individual site files.  These site files are available to the public through MassDEP’s Regional Offices.

Anyone wishing to view an AUL site file can make arrangements with the respective MassDEP Regional Office through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.  The MassDEP encourages persons to review these site files when they make decisions that consider a specific site.

The point layer is stored in ArcSDE and distributed as AUL_PT.

Location data contained in this datalayer are based on MassDEP staff interpretation of information provided by PRPs and their LSPs.  Point features in this datalayer should ONLY be considered as an ”approximation” or “best estimate” of site locations based on the information available at the time the site was mapped.  MassDEP staff has not verified the accuracy and completeness of the information submitted.

AUL site data are temporal.  Although the datalayer will be updated on a periodic basis, it will never be complete or up-to-date.  Please refer to the Unlocated Sites List (See: Related Tables AUL_PT_USL) for a current list of unmapped Tier Classified Chapter 21E sites.

Users should make arrangements to review the BWSC site files (at the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office) for the most current information.

The MassDEP recognizes that point features are not the ideal spatial model for representing contaminated areas, especially in the case of large sites or if considerable contaminant migration has occurred.  However, due to legal and accuracy considerations, the spatial representation of AUL sites as point features is currently the only realistic method for generating AUL site data on a statewide scale.

Due to the limitations of this datalayer, the following disclaimer language will apply to any MassDEP map product containing AUL site data:

Data Disclaimer:

Point locations representing AUL sites in this datalayer have not been field-verified and should be considered approximate.  Locations were derived through review and interpretation of paper maps and textual information contained in Mass DEP BWSC site files, which are maintained in the respective MassDEP’s Regional Offices.

Please be advised that this datalayer is incomplete.  The MassDEP has been unable to locate some AUL sites due to inadequate source material.  AUL Sites that are not yet reported are not mapped.

AUL site contamination may extend well away from the point representing a site on this map. The MassDEP BWSC site files should be reviewed for the most accurate and up-to-date information about a particular site.  While the AUL site data shown on this map provides some useful information, the user should be aware of the data’s limitations.  For further information, please consult the datalayer description documentation of DEP Oil and/or Hazardous Material Sites with Activity and Use Limitation sites on the MassGIS Web Site at: http://www.mass.gov/mgis/aul.htm.

Questions regarding the AUL site data on this map may be referred to the MassDEP GIS Program at (617) 574-6856.

1. Source Materials

a. Data Universe
The MassDEP BWSC is responsible for providing the MassDEP GIS Program with a comprehensive listing of AUL sites.  A development layer was created from this data using geocoded address information.

b. Source Manuscripts
AUL sites were located using MassDEP files and AUL notifications filed at Massachusetts Registries of Deeds.  Both sources contain a variety of types and qualities of maps, including surveys, site plans and locus maps.   MassDEP GIS Program staff reviewed this file information and identified the best manuscript maps and supplemental text information for locating sites.  The attribute section of this document contains a listing of the types of source manuscripts utilized for this datalayer.

2. Automation Methodology

Point Development Tool
To facilitate conversion of paper data to a digital format, The MassDEP GIS Program created the Point Development Tool (PDT), a customized application using ESRI’s ArcView software (the PDT application is available as an extension to the MassGIS DataViewer).  The PDT provides a standardized platform that guides users through the automation and documentation of geographically-referenced point data.

On-screen digitizing using the PDT and the best available manuscript map information was the primary method of automation.  In situations where manuscript maps and other source information from the file record were inadequate or unavailable, MassDEP technical staff were asked to help locate the site based on knowledge gained in the course of their professional activities involving that AUL site.

Using address match data in the development layer, the PDT navigates data developers to the general vicinity of a site.  The PDT then displays the best digital base imagery available for that vicinity.  The PDT uses MassGIS 1 meter (1:5,000) color digital orthophoto images (DOQ) as the default basemap.

After interpreting the source manuscripts, the PDT is used to generate a point on the base image that best represents the site location, then record information about the type of source material, type of feature located, and an assessment of the horizontal accuracy of the mapped feature.

1. Data Structure
The attribute table for the MassDEP AUL sites datalayer contains the following columns:

ITEM		TYPE-WIDTH		DEFINITION
RTN		C – 9 / 9		ReleaseTracking Number (RTN), unique site ID
NAME		C – 50 / 50		Site name assigned by MassDEP BWSC describes the site in terms of its location use or type.
ADDRESS		C – 30 / 30		Site address assigned by MassDEP BWSC
TOWN		C – 21 / 21		Standard (1-351) municipality name
REGION		I  – 1 / 1		MassDEP Region code
STATUS		C – 20 / 20		Compliance status according to MassDEP BWSC
RAO_CLASS		C – 20 / 20		Classification of RAO
AUL_DATE		Date		Date of AUL RAO filing

2.  Description of General Site Information Items
General site information attributes are populated using the most current MassDEP BWSC database information available at the time of update.

RTN
The Release Tracking Number (RTN), is a unique 7-digit site identifier assigned to reportable releases by MassDEP BWSC.  This number is preceded by either 1,2,3 or 4 (e.g. 3-0001234) according to the MassDEP region in which the site is located (see: description of MassDEP Region ID below).

NAME
The name assigned by MassDEP BWSC that best describes the site location. The site name does NOT necessarily reflect the identity of any PRPs.

ADDRESS
The number and street that most accurately describes the site location; mile markers or similar highway designations may also be used.

STATUS
Site Compliance status:

Status Code		Definition
ADQREG		Adequately Regulated
DEPMOU		DEP Memorandum of Understanding
DEPNDS		Not a Disposal Site (DEP)
DEPNFA		No Further Action (DEP Determined)
DPS		Downgradient Property Status
DPSTRM		Downgradient Property Status Terminated
INVSUB		Submittal Invalidated by MassDEP
LSPNFA		LSP No Further Action
PENNDS		Pending Not a Disposal Site
PENNFA		Pending No Further Action
RAO		Release Action Outcome, a site/release where an RAO Statement was submitted. An RAO Statement asserts that response actions were sufficient to achieve a level of no significant risk or at least ensure that all substantial hazards were eliminated.
RAONR		Response Action Outcome Not Required
REMOPS		Remedy Operation Status
SPECPR		Special Project
STMRET		Response Action Outcome Statement Retracted
TCLASS		Tier Classification
TIER1A		Tier 1A, a release receiving a total score equal to or greater then 550. These sites/releases require a permit and the person undertaking response actions must do so under direct MassDEP supervision.
TIER1B		Tier 1B, A site/release where an NRS score of less than 550 and equal t or greater than 450. These sites/releases require a permit and the response actions may be performed under the supervision of a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) without prior MassDEP approval, unless such an approval is specifically required by MassDEP.
TIER1C		Tier 1C, a site/release receiving a total NRS score of less than 450 and equal to or greater than 350. A site/release receiving a total NRS score of less than 350, but which also meets any of the Tier 1 Inclusionary Criteria specified in 310 CMR 40.0520(2)(a), is also classified a Tier 1C. These sites/releases require a permit and the response actions may be performed under the supervision of a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) without prior MassDEP approval, unless such an approval is specifically required by MassDEP.
TIER1D		Tier 1D, a release where the responsible party fails to provide a required submittal to MassDEP by a specified deadline.
TIERII		Tier II, A site/release receiving a total NRS score of less than 350, unless the site meets any of the Tier 1 Inclusionary Criteria (see above). Permits are not required at Tier 2 sites/releases and response actions may be performed under the supervision of an LSP without prior MassDEP approval. All pre-1993 transition sites that have accepted waivers are categorically Tier 2 sites
UNCLSS		Unclassified
WCSPRM		Waiver Completion Statement Permanent
WCSTMP		Waiver Completion Statement Temporary

RAO_CLASS
Categories of RAO submitted to MassDEP BWSC:

Class A RAO: Remedial work was completed and a level of "no significant risk" has been achieved.

A-1: A permanent solution has been achieved. Contamination has been reduced to background or a threat of release has been eliminated.

A-2: A permanent solution has been achieved. Contamination has not been reduced to background.

A-3: A permanent solution has been achieved. Contamination has not been reduced to background and an Activity and use Limitation (AUL) has been implemented.

A-4: A permanent solution has been achieved. Contamination has not been reduced to background and an Activity and use Limitation (AUL) has been implemented.  Contamination is located at a depth of >15 feet but evaluation has determined that it is not feasible to reduce it.

Class B RAO: Site assessment indicates that "no significant risk" exists.  No remedial work was necessary.

B-1: Remedial actions have not been conducted because a level of No Significant Risk exists.

B-2: Remedial actions have not been conducted because a level of No Significant Risk exists, but that level is contingent upon one or more Activity and use Limitations (AULs) that have been implemented.

B-3: Remedial actions have not been conducted because a level of No Significant Risk exists, but that level is contingent upon one or more Activity and use Limitations (AULs) that have been implemented, and contamination is located at a depth of >15 feet but evaluation has determined that it is not feasible to reduce it.

Class C RAO: A temporary cleanup. Although the site does not present a "substantial hazard", it has not reached a level of no significant risk. The site must be evaluated every five years to determine whether a Class A or Class B RAO is possible. All sites are expected eventually to receive a Class A or B RAO.

Note: AULs are legal restrictions used in the context of the Massachusetts Contingency Plan to limit future exposure to contaminants remaining at a site.  See Guidance on Implementing Activity and Use Limitations for additional information.

3. Geographic Information Fields
Geographic Information Fields are populated using GIS overlay/identity functionality.

TOWN
Town name in which the site is physically located (conforms to MassGIS 351 town name standard)

REGION
The MassDEP Region in which the site is physically located.  This field is populated with one of the following numeric MassDEP Region codes:
 

MassDEP REGION CODE		DEP REGION – OFFICE LOCATION		ACRONYM
1		Western Region - Springfield		WERO
2		Central Region - Worcester		CERO
3		Northeast Region - Wilmington		NERO
4		Southeast Region – Lakeville		SERO

1.  MassDEP BWSC Downloadable Sites List  - This compressed file (RELEASE.ZIP) includes a database file (RELEASE.DBF) containing a record for all reportable releases tracked by the MassDEP BWSC, as well as accompanying documentation (README.DOC).  MassDEP BWSC updates this file on a regular schedule. Tablular datasets in RELEASE.ZIP can be related to the AUL datalayer by the RTN. Please note that Oil and/or Hazardous Material Sites with AULs are only a subset of the total reportable releases contained in the MassDEP BWSC Downloadable Sites List.

2. Registry of Deeds (AUL_PT_ROD) – Contains Registry of Deed Book/Page information compiled by MassDEP BWSC to date.  Please note that this data is currently a work in progress and is an incomplete, partial list.  Future update of this information will be dependent on staffing resources.

3. Location Documentation Table (AUL_PT_LDT) - See MassDEP Standards for Point GIS Data.

4. Unlocated Sites List (AUL_PT_USL) – Contains a list of known Oil or Hazardous Materials Sites with Activity and Use Limitations (AUL), that have not been located and are not contained within AUL_PT.

MAINTENANCE

The datalayer is named AUL_PT.  The MassDEP GIS Program maintains this datalayer in cooperation with MassDEP BWSC.  Updates will be provided to MassGIS, based on the current downloadable data on the MassDEP Web Site (http://www.mass.gov/dep/cleanup/sites/sdown.htm).

Minor edits were made in February, 2006, in conjunction with the Tier Classified Chapter 21E Sites datalayer. The May, 2006 update included: 41 added, 69 RTN changes. The June, 2006 updated included 10 added. In November, 2006, three sites were added.

If you have questions regarding this datalayer, please contact the MassDEP GIS Program at (617) 574-6802 or (617) 574-6856.

Last Updated 12/28/2007
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