Dredging projects which must obtain federal licenses, and which would result in a discharge to state waters, must apply for this permit.
Log in links for this page
- This page, WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects, is offered by
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects
Contacts
401 Water Quality Certification Program
EEA ePLACE Help Desk
Phone
ePLACE Help Desk
Call EEA ePLACE Help Desk, ePLACE Help Desk at 844-733-7522
Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm, with the exception of all Commonwealth & Federally observed holidays.
The Details of WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects
What you need for WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects
The federal Clean Water Act requires a 401 Water Quality Certification for certain activities in wetlands and waters. This law gives states the authority to review projects that must obtain federal licenses or permits and that result in a discharge to state waters. The purpose of state 401 review is to ensure that a project will comply with state water quality standards and other appropriate requirements of state law.
All persons who propose any activity that results in a discharge of dredged material, dredging, or dredged material disposal greater than 100 cubic yards to waters subject to regulation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or other federal agency, must obtain a 401 Water Quality Certification for Dredging Activities.
Examples of activities requiring certification include dredging of land under water. If no federal permit is needed for an activity, then no 401 certification is required from MassDEP. For information on the applicability of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or Section 9 or 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act, the applicant is advised to consult the Corps of Engineers at 1-800-362-4367.
All persons who propose discharges or fill activities in wetlands or waters should complete the 401 Water Quality Certification for Fill and Excavation Projects in Waters and Wetlands application form, which is a separate form from this application.
There are three categories of water quality certification: major project (BRP WW 07) or minor project (BRP WW 08) certifications, and Amendment of Certification for Dredging (BRP WW 09).
Fees for WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects
How to apply WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects
File online via the EEA ePlace Portal. See details below.
Next steps for WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects
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Review the Instructions
Guidance on how to prepare your application and file it online, as follows:
Open PDF file, 2.63 MB, WW07 ePLACE step-by-step instructions (English, PDF 2.63 MB)Open PDF file, 2.6 MB, WW08 ePLACE step-by-step instructions (English, PDF 2.6 MB)Open PDF file, 1.69 MB, WW09 ePLACE step-by-step instructions (English, PDF 1.69 MB)Claim your Authorization (For WW09 Only)
- If you have an existing permit with the program not already linked to the EEA ePLACE Portal, you will first need to do one important step: Claim Your Authorization. This process will allow us to link your amendment application to your existing permit and confirm your identity. Once the program staff has reviewed and completed your claim request you will then be able to continue with your amendment application. Please note: You will not be required to upload anything in the Documents section.
- Claim online via the EEA ePLACE Portal.
Note: if you are a first-time user, you will need to begin by creating an account.
See the ePLACE Quick Guides & FAQs below. Once MassDEP has approved your claim, proceed to step 3. - Your legacy ID in the Claim will be your Transmittal # from your prior approval.
Open PDF file, 671.2 KB, How to Claim Your Authorization Instructions (English, PDF 671.2 KB)Complete and Submit your Application and Fee Payment
- File online via the EEA ePlace Portal.
- You will have the option to pay online by credit card or automated clearing house (ACH) or pay by mail. If you select the pay-by-mail option, instructions will be provided when you submit your online application. Note: If you have a Special Fee Provision (e.g. fee exempt as a municipality), please follow the appropriate instructions in that section.
Open PDF file, 291.88 KB, FAQs for EEA ePLACE Portal (English, PDF 291.88 KB)Contact for WW 07, 08, 09: Water Quality Certifications, Dredging Projects
Phone
ePLACE Help Desk Call EEA ePLACE Help Desk, ePLACE Help Desk at 844-733-7522Open M-F 7:30 am-5:00 pm, with the exception of all Commonwealth & Federally observed holidays.
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