The Challenge
The Permit Streamlining Project is a multi-agency effort to improve the efficiency and predictability of Wetlands and Waterways Permitting, supporting several Commonwealth initiatives by accelerating the approval of restoration projects that mitigate forecasted Natural Environmental Sector impacts such as freshwater ecosystem degradation and coastal wetland degradation.
Project Alignment with ResilientMass Plan Priority Actions
The project directly supports several priority actions outlined in the 2023 State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaption Plan, particularly those focused on advancing climate resilient ecological restoration projects. By improving the efficiency of the permitting process, project proponents will navigate regulatory requirements more effectively, reducing the time and resources spent on regulatory compliance. This improvement will contribute to the timely implementation of critical resilience and restoration efforts, including projects that address coastal wetland degradation or halt the spread of invasive species. Together, these efforts will strengthen resilience across the Commonwealth by restoring valuable ecosystem services like storm surge buffering and storm damage prevention.
Climate Resilience Project Scope
DEP and EEA, in collaboration with an external stakeholder group, conducted a study to evaluate options for streamlining the Wetlands and Waterways permitting process. With technical support from a consultant, BSC group, the team investigated existing procedural impediments and approval delays and developed recommendations to improve the efficiency of the approval process, especially for beneficial ecological restoration projects. The team also developed a conceptual model for an alternative permitting process (tiered model) that would allow beneficial restoration projects to progress through permitting under a new streamlined process. A draft report summarizing the permitting challenges and proposing several recommendations was completed at the end of June 2025.
The next phase of the project (through June 2026) will focus on developing practical tools to improve regulatory clarity and support project implementation. The consultant will prepare guidance documents and training materials, including a comprehensive guide on ecological restoration permitting, to strengthen proponents’ understanding of regulatory requirements and reduce confusion caused by complex regulatory language. The team will also continue to develop the concept of a tiered permitting model with an emphasis on establishing a streamlined, efficient pathway for restoration and climate resilience projects.
Metrics and Results
In the first year of the project, success was measured by robust stakeholder engagement, the identification of permitting challenges and sources of delays, the development of targeted recommendations, and the identification of actionable steps to implement proposed solutions. These outcomes provide the foundation for the next phase of the project.
During the next phase, progress indicators include the completion of guidance documents and training materials, especially the ecological restoration permitting guide, the continuation of high-level stakeholder collaboration, and the advancement of a tiered permitting model.
The overall success of the Permit Streamlining Project will be determined by evaluating the implementation and impact of ecological restoration and climate resilience projects across the state. Key metrics include the number, type, and scale of restoration projects advanced through permitting, as well as the acreage of freshwater wetlands and coastal wetlands restored including specific targets such as salt marsh restoration. Long-term effectiveness will be demonstrated through the restoration of critical ecosystem services which directly contribute to the Commonwealth’s climate resilient goals.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
The project will continue with a collaborative approach that emphasizes ongoing stakeholder engagement in the development of guidance documents and the advancement of the tiered permitting model. Targeted training and outreach will be provided to improve the understanding of ecological restoration permitting and potential application of nature-based solutions. By combining stakeholder input, clear guidance, and focused training, the project aims to promote consistent permitting practices that support the implementation of restoration and climate resilience projects across Commonwealth.
Further Action
The Permit Streamlining Project will continue through the next fiscal year and likely several years after. The DEP/EEA team will continue to work with the consultant, BSC Group, for the next phase of the project, which includes the development of several guidance documents and other materials.
Additional Information and Resources
The final deliverable for the FY25 Scope of Work was a draft report that was received and is under review. Final versions of the deliverables will continue to progress in the next fiscal year. Ultimately, a website will be created that describes the Permit Streamlining Project and share relevant deliverables.