Overview
The Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Plan (Plan) presents MassDEP's strategy to restore and protect the quality of the Commonwealth's waters. The Plan, developed by the Nonpoint Source Management Section in MassDEP’s Watershed Planning Program, updates the previous 2020-2024 NPS Plan by providing information on NPS management goals for 2025 to 2029.
Infographic Summary of the 2025-2029 Plan
What's New in the 2025-2029 Plan
- Massachusetts NPS Vision
- Theme, priorities, and goals
- NPS categorization (source of NPS impairments): eleven NPS primary categories and their subcategories, based on the 2022 Massachusetts Integrated List of Waters
- Three focus categories for 2025-2029: Developed Land, Septic Systems, and Agriculture
- Nitrogen Impacted Coastal Waters: A newly added geographical focus area eligible for NPS funding
- In addition to traditional NPS pollutants (nutrients, pathogens, and sediment), emphasis on chloride, contaminants of emerging concern, and other NPS pollutants.
- Capacity building initiatives: (technical, nontechnical, community-focused)
- Active and Inclusive Community Engagement with an emphasis on youth engagement
- Enhanced accessibility of NPS funding to Massachusetts Tribes and Communities with Environmental Justice (EJ) Populations
- Climate Resiliency Planning and Adaptive Management of Best Management Practices
- More focused partnerships with achievable outcomes
- NPS Education Materials
Additional Resources
- MassDEP Watershed Planning Program
-
Open PDF file, 316.08 KB, Executive Summary (English, PDF 316.08 KB)
-
Open PDF file, 19.06 MB, Massachusetts NPS Management Plan (2025-2029) (English, PDF 19.06 MB)