Press Release  MassDEP Seeks Additional Public Input on Draft Solid Waste Master Plan, Schedules Virtual Public Meetings

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) today announced that it is seeking additional input on specific issues related to the Commonwealth’s Draft 2020-2030 Solid Waste Master Plan (SWMP), which establishes the policy framework for solid waste management in Massachusetts. The SWMP is typically updated every 10 years.  
 
MassDEP issued its Draft 2020-2030 Solid Waste Master Plan for public comment and held five public hearings in Fall 2019, leading to extensive comments from stakeholders and the public. Input proposed more engagement with Environmental Justice communities, which are communities that have experienced environmental burdens. In addition, the impacts of COVID-19 on public health and the economy need to be considered before finalizing the plan. 
 
“MassDEP is committed to thoughtful public engagement to ensure that the Solid Waste Master Plan reflects the issues faced by environmental justice communities, stated Commissioner Martin Suuberg.  “In addition, we believe it is critically important to take a fresh look at the draft plan in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to consider its impacts on solid waste and recycling.  We are looking forward to these discussions and encourage residents from around the Commonwealth to participate.”
 
MassDEP is reopening the public comment period for the Draft 2020-2030 SWMP. The comment period will focus specifically on the issues impacting Environmental Justice communities and COVID-19 impacts pertaining to the management of solid waste and recycling in the Commonwealth. The public comment period is now open and will close on September 15, 2020. 
 
In accordance with Department of Public Health guidelines for social distancing, the public hearings will be conducted online and via telephone. The dates for the public hearings are:

• Wednesday, July 22, 6-8 p.m. 
• Thursday, August 20, 6-8 p.m. 
• Tuesday, September 1, 6-8 p.m. 
• Thursday, September 10, 6-8 p.m. 

To review the draft plan and a summary presentation, for information about previous master plans, and for more details about the meetings, please turn here.
 
Written comments can be submitted electronically to dep.swmp@mass.gov or by mail to: John Fischer, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 1 Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108.

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

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