We serve an important role of officially certifying vernal pools that are documented by citizens, researchers, and other parties. Finding vernal pools is the first step for protection.
Contact your local Conservation Commission or the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the regulatory protection of certified vernal pools.
| DEP Central Regional Office 627 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 (508) 767-2711 |
DEP Northeast Regional Office 205B Lowell Street Wilmington, MA 01887 978-694-3200 |
| DEP Southeast Regional Office 20 Riverside Drive Lakeville, MA 02347 (508) 946-2700 |
DEP Western Regional Office 436 Dwight Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413) 784-1100 |
Regulations
Official certification provides a vernal pool, and up to 100 feet beyond its boundary in some cases, certain protections under several state and federal laws.
Originally defined and protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations, Certified Vernal Pools now also receive protection under:
- Title 5 of the Massachusetts Environmental Code,
- Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act,
- the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards which relate to Section 401, and
- the Massachusetts Forest Cutting Practices Act.
These regulations help to prevent direct impacts to certified vernal pools and to minimize indirect impacts. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for the implementation of these regulations (except for the Forest Cutting Practices Act, administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation) and has designated specific staff as vernal pool liaisons .