MassDEP strongly encourages you to read this information before applying for a permit, license, plan approval or registration from the agency. This information applies to MassDEP permitting activities described in the 310 CMR 4.00: Timely Action Schedule and Fee Provisions, and in your permit application instructions. You may also review the MassDEP Permit Timelines and Fees.
Where I can get assistance in understanding the permit application process?
There are several sources of information available to you.
Important Note: MassDEP strongly encourages you to advise us if you are applying for multiple permits related to the same project. By providing this information, you will enable your POC to better coordinate MassDEP review of your applications, track their status, and keep you informed.
How do I pay my application fee?
You pay your permit application fee when applying for the permit through the EEA ePlace Portal.
The following entities are exempt from the payment of application fees: cities, towns, counties, districts, municipal housing authorities, and federally recognized Indian tribe housing authorities. State agencies are exempt from payment only when the application fee is $100 or less.
How long will it take MassDEP to act on my application?
MassDEP offers this guarantee: A timely decision or you are eligible for a refund. The agency has category-specific timelines for acting on the applications it receives for permits, licenses, plan approvals, registrations, determinations and other approvals. See the timeline for your category in MassDEP Permit Timelines and Fees which is a summary of 310 CMR 4.00 timeliness and fees. This document also provides details on any annual fees required for any permits.
It is in your best interest to submit an accurate and complete application. If your application has administrative or technical deficiencies, a second review period will be required in each case, thereby extending the timeline for a final decision. Timely response to a deficiency statement will ensure a timely response by MassDEP.
Should you have questions or need help before you apply, please contact our nearest regional service center. Find Your Region
Can review of a permit application be expedited?
Yes, projects that qualify for the Fast Track program can negotiate expedited permit reviews.
When does the timeline begin?
The clock starts ticking the day after MassDEP is in receipt of both your payment and your application. The timeline will be suspended if there is a failure of payment (e.g. the check you submitted in payment of the fee is returned for insufficient funds) after that date. See MassDEP Permit Timelines and Fees
What if MassDEP cannot meet or beat the timeline?
If the timeline expires before MassDEP acts on your application, the application is eligible for a refund while the agency continues reviewing the process. Your timeline will not affect MassDEP's decision on your application, nor will your application be approved automatically if the agency fails to meet that timeline. The timeline may be affected by provisions in the regulations including but not limited to failure of payment, actions of other government agencies, and judicial and enforcement proceedings. MassDEP also may be able to finish the application review ahead of schedule if your application is complete. MassDEP's money-back guarantee is intended to demonstrate the agency's good-faith efforts to make it easier for you to play by the rules without making the rules themselves less stringent.
How does the application review process work?
Most application categories follow the steps listed below. However, some do not. Please consult the specific information provided in the permit application to determine if your category is processed in a different way.
First, an Administrative Completeness Review (AR) is conducted to determine whether you have provided all required elements of the application. MassDEP may request additional information from you during this review. Upon completion of the AR Review, MassDEP will either find your application Administratively Complete, or issue you a Statement of Administrative Deficiencies.
If the application is found to be lacking in some way, MassDEP will ask for additional information. (If there is no response to the Statement of Administrative Deficiency, MassDEP will determine the permit application to be withdrawn). Upon receipt of a response, the agency will conduct a second AR Review. MassDEP then will either find your application Administratively Complete, or deny the application.
Once the agency issues a Determination of Administrative Completeness, it begins a Technical Review (T1) of your application and supporting materials. MassDEP may request additional information from you during T1 without extending the timeline. (If you fail to respond to a Statement of Technical Deficiency within the time allowed by MassDEP, your application will be denied). Upon completion of T1, MassDEP will in most cases approve or deny the application, or issue a draft approval or denial for public comment (if required).
It is possible, however, that MassDEP will find the application to be Technically Deficient, in which case the agency will request that you correct or supplement it. Should that be the case, you have the option of declining and asking MassDEP to make a decision based on the information you have made available to date. But if you choose that option and MassDEP denies your application, the agency will consider your proposal again only if you submit a new application and fee.
When MassDEP asks you to submit additional technical information and you do so, the agency begins a Supplemental Technical Review (T2) of the amended or modified permit application and supporting materials. The agency will require a T2 if it would otherwise deny an application or place substantial restrictions on your project based on the available information. MassDEP may request additional information during T2 without extending the timeline. After finishing T2, MassDEP will approve or deny the application, or issue a draft approval or denial for public comment (if applicable).
MassDEP's decision to approve or deny an application following either T1 or T2 is subject to appeal in accordance with existing procedures.
If public comment is required by statute or program regulation, a Public Comment Review Period (PC) is conducted to allow MassDEP to consider public comment before making a final determination on a proposed application approval or denial. MassDEP may ask you for additional information during the PC Review. Upon completion of this review, the agency will either approve or deny your application.
Note: In most cases, a public comment period is not required. Please see the "Permit Fact Sheet" in the application instructions for the timelines that apply to the category of permit, license or plan approval. You may also review the MassDEP Permit Timelines and Fees.
A decision to approve or deny an application following PC Review may be subject to appeal in accordance with existing procedures.
What if I withdraw or change my application?
If you withdraw your application before MassDEP's technical review begins, 50 percent of the application fee you paid will be refunded. If you withdraw at any time after the technical review begins, none of the fee will be refunded. If during an application review, you subsequently provide the agency with new information that significantly changes the scope and/or environmental or public health impacts and/or permit category of the project for which you are seeking approval, you will be required to submit a new application. In such an instance, you will receive full credit for the application fee you have paid already.
What are the MassDEP permit categories, application fees and timelines?
Please see our fees section on this page for lists of MassDEP Permit Timelines and Fees
How can I find out the status of my permit application?
Status of permits that were submitted online can be found on the EEA ePlace Portal
What is the purpose of the Timely Action Schedule and Fees Program?
Massachusetts offers a guarantee that few other states are willing to match: a timely decision on your environmental permit or your money back. If MassDEP fails to act within the required time frames, your application fee is refunded in full.
Can MassDEP assist me in the local permitting process?
The MassDEP regional office for the community where the project will be located may be able to provide guidance.
Can MassDEP assist me with permits from other state or federal agencies that need to be coordinated with the MassDEP permit that I need?
Yes, MassDEP Office of Permit & Regulatory Ombudsman can assist in coordinating permit reviews. Send an email to: massdep.permitassistance@mass.gov
Is there a guide to help me identify the environmental regulations that apply to my manufacturing facility?
Please download our Index of Selected Environmental Regulations for Manufacturing Facilities: A Guide for Massachusetts Businesses by Massachusetts Businesses
Who can I contact if I feel there are problems with how the review of my permit application is proceeding?
You should contact the Regional Director at the regional office where the permit application was filed.
How do I request confidentiality of trade secret information?
Never submit trade secret or confidential information without speaking first with the program office for the permit you are applying for.
Please see our information on confidentiality for trade secret information:
Guidance on Requests to Maintain Trade Secret Information Confidential
Request to Maintain Information Confidential Form
What is the purpose of an annual compliance assurance fee?
Without the presence of a strong compliance and enforcement effort, there will always be a few companies that willfully violate environmental laws, placing public health at risk and those who are doing their best to comply at an unfair competitive disadvantage.
Compliance assurance fees, paid annually by the holders of certain MassDEP permits, ensure adequate resources for the agency's inspection and monitoring programs, thus a level playing field for everyone MassDEP regulates. It is important to note that not all permit holders are subject to these fees. Details can be found in the "Permit Fact Sheet" in the application instructions. No annual compliance assurance fee is assessed for a permit for the fiscal year during which that permit was issued.
The following entities are exempt from the payment of annual compliance assurance fees: cities, towns, counties, districts, municipal housing authorities, federally recognized Indian tribe housing authorities, and state agencies.
For answers to questions of a technical or project-specific nature, please call the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office.