WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects

Dredging projects which must obtain federal licenses, and which would result in a discharge to state waters, must apply for this permit.

401 Water Quality Certification Program

EEA ePLACE Help Desk

Phone

Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm, with the exception of all Commonwealth & Federally observed holidays.

The Details   of WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects

What you need   for WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects

The federal Clean Water Act requires a 401 Water Quality Certification for certain activities in wetlands and waters. This law gives states the authority to review projects that must obtain federal licenses or permits and that result in a discharge to state waters. The purpose of state 401 review is to ensure that a project will comply with state water quality standards and other appropriate requirements of state law.

All persons who propose any activity that results in a discharge of dredged material, dredging, or dredged material disposal greater than 100 cubic yards to waters subject to regulation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or other federal agency, must obtain a 401 Water Quality Certification for Dredging Activities.

Examples of activities requiring certification include dredging of land under water. If no federal permit is needed for an activity, then no 401 certification is required from MassDEP. For information on the applicability of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or Section 9 or 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, the applicant is advised to consult the Corps of Engineers at 1-800-362-4367.

All persons who propose discharges or fill activities in wetlands or waters should complete the 401 Water Quality Certification for Fill and Excavation Projects in Waters and Wetlands application form, which is a separate form from this application.

There are three categories of water quality certification: major project (BRP WW 07) or minor project (BRP WW 08) certifications, and Amendment of Certification for Dredging (BRP WW 09).

Fees   for WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects

How to apply   WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects

File online via the EEA ePlace Portal. See details below.

Next steps   for WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects

  1. Review the Instructions

  2. Claim your Authorization (For WW09 Only)

    1. If you have an existing permit with the program not already linked to the EEA ePLACE Portal, you will first need to do one important step: Claim Your Authorization. This process will allow us to link your amendment application to your existing permit and confirm your identity. Once the program staff has reviewed and completed your claim request you will then be able to continue with your amendment application. Please note: You will not be required to upload anything in the Documents section.
    2. Claim your authorization online via the EEA ePLACE Portal.
      Note: if you are a first-time user, you will need to begin by creating an account. 

      Once MassDEP has approved your claim, please proceed to step 3. 
    3. Your legacy ID in the Claim will be your Transmittal # from your prior approval.
  3. Complete and Submit your Application and Fee Payment

    1. File online via the EEA ePlace Portal.
    2. For additional guidance on navigating the EEA ePLACE Portal, please follow this link - EEA ePLACE Portal Instruction Documents
    3. You will have the option to pay online by credit card or automated clearing house (ACH) or pay by mail. If you select the pay-by-mail option, instructions will be provided when you submit your online application. Note: If you have a Special Fee Provision (e.g. fee exempt as a municipality), please follow the appropriate instructions in that section.

Contact   for WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects

Phone

Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm, with the exception of all Commonwealth & Federally observed holidays.

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