Aggregate Source Licensing for the production of Cement Concrete

For information regarding the Aggregate Source Licensing Program

All aggregate manufacturers, as defined in 700 CMR 19.00, who intend to sell concrete aggregate for production of cement concrete in Massachusetts must hold an Aggregate Source License. The purpose is to prevent aggregate containing framboidal pyrite or pyrrhotite from being used in concrete foundations, structural elements, or infrastructure such as roadways and bridges. 

Please be advised that MassDOT has issued Guidance Document P-26-002 regarding implementation of 700 CMR 19.00 – Aggregate Source Licensing for the Production of Cement Concrete. This guidance provides important clarifications to the regulation. The most significant updates include:

1. Clarified Definitions for On-Site and Off-Site Operations
   The guidance provides clearer definitions and updated criteria distinguishing on-site versus off-site aggregate operations, and expectations for both scenarios.
2. Coring Requirement Clarification (“OR” vs. “AND”)
   The original regulatory language could be interpreted as requiring both representative sampling and coring. The guidance clarifies that coring is not universally mandatory. Applicants may now satisfy the requirement through one appropriate evaluation method, depending on deposit type and site conditions. The selected method must adequately support the required mineralogical evaluation and be documented in the Geological Source Report. Acceptable options include, but are not limited to:

• Coring of the deposit;
• Analysis and documentation of the exposed geologic face; or
• Other technically defensible investigation methods sufficient to characterize the material.

3. Updated Sampling Requirements for Natural Sand
   The guidance updates expectations for natural sand sources. Whereas prior interpretation suggested coring of sand deposits was required, the guidance now specifies that a “representative sample” is required. This provides appropriate flexibility while still ensuring adequate evaluation of deleterious materials.

Licensing

Applications should be submitted annually, per the requirements identified  in 700 CMR 19.00.  

Each application must include:

• A geological source report
• An operations plan
• The results of aggregate testing for the presence of pyrrhotite and framboidal pyrite

Application

An application must be submitted for each location at which materials will be extracted for use in concrete aggregate.  Applications must be submitted through ePlace Portal.

Fee

• The non-refundable fee for a new or renewal license is $1,500.

Submission and Effective Dates

• License applications and fees must be submitted each year between November 1st and December 31st.
• Licenses will be issued January 1st through October 31st each year.
• Licenses will be in effect from April 1st of the year of issuance to March 31st of the following year.
• MassDOT will accept online applications after December 31 each year, however, the effective date of the license will not be extended as a result of late filing.
• Aggregate manufacturers undergoing a change of ownership or company name change must update their application accordingly and expeditiously, no later than 30 days after the change has occurred.

Testing and Examination

The following list is provided as information only and does not imply endorsement by MassDOT.  Laboratories Capable of Conducting Pyrrhotite Testing and Examination

Operations Plan 

The Operations Plan should clearly describe the following minimum requirements, in this order:

1. Procedures for quality control of aggregates.
2. The process of making aggregates at the mine and processing plant. This should include each of these steps:
   1. Extraction (removing the material)
   2. Processing (treating or refining it)
   3. Stockpiling (storing the material)
   4. Blending (mixing different materials)
   5. Sales or delivery
   6. A diagram showing how the plant operates (Plant Flow Diagram)
   7. Current contact information
3. A section on Change Notification, explaining how and when to submit an updated plan if any operations change

Review Checklist

Aggregate source licensing program review checklist

Approved Licenses

Refer to MassDOT’s QCML page for a list of all licenses in effect.

Questions and Concerns should be directed to: [e-mail]