Massachusetts Environmental Monitor
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Berkshire Index:
Statewide Index:
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MW Custon Papers LLC, Willow Mill - Lee
Issued August 27, 2008
Notice of Draft Operating Permit (pdf)
Comments due October 10, 2008
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Ashley Lake Dam Repair Project - Washington
EEA# 14295
Submitted August 6, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf of first 7 pages)
Comments due 8/26/08
MEPA Site Visit and Public Consultation - Project Summary
The proposed project consists of repair of the dam wall, which will include addition of a one-foot thick face of concrete to the dam wall and a two-foot thick face of concrete to the spillway, as well as repair of the gatehouse structure and overflow channel wall. The dam has been classified as a "high hazard" and the City of Pittsfield has received a Dam Safety Order from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which requires that the dam be repaired by December 2009.
A temporary drawdown of Ashley Lake is required to facilitate repair activities, which will result in separation of the lake into two portions; a smaller portion near the area dam wall and a larger portion south of the proposed work area. The smaller portion will be completely dewatered to facilitate repair activities. The lake elevation will be lowered from 1920 feet to elevation 1914 feet during the April-November 2009 project period. The project will impact approximately 3.33 acres of upland and 15,180 square feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands. Other wetlands impacts include riverfront area (124,700 sf) and land under water (788,400 sf due to lake drawdown) and land under water/bank (500 sf relating to new dam wall). According to the Environmental Notification Form (ENF), most of the wetlands impacts will be temporary in nature.
The project requires an Order of Conditions from the Washington Conservation Commission, a 401 Water Quality Certificate from MassDEP, and a Dam Repair Permit from DCR. The project is also subject to review by the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). A portion of the project site is located in Estimated and Priority Habitat for the Tule Bluet Damselfly (Species of Special Concern).
Site Visit date/time: Wednesday, August 20th at 1:30 PM
Location: Pittsfield Wastewater Facility, off Utility Road, Pittsfield - a site visit will follow the initial meeting)
Comments Due: August 26, 2008
Decision Due: September 5, 2008
Project Contact: Tom Touchet, Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. (781) 224-6090 Tom.Touchet@m-e.aecom.comMEPA Analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024 aisling.eglington@state.ma.us
MEPA web site
Link to ENF (pdf first few pages)
Aisling Eglington
MEPA Analyst
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2524
Phone: (617) 626-1024
Fax: (617) 626-1181
email: aisling.eglington@state.ma.us
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Reconstruction of River Road - Florida
EEA#14103R
Certificate (pdf) issued August 22, 2008
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
Submitted July 23, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf of first 6 pages)
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's Clearinghouse Review Comments will be posted here.
BEAT's comments (pdf).
For copies: Benjamin Nichols (617) 973-8245
MEPA analyst: Aisling Eglington (617) 626-1024
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Digital Trunked Radio System - Peru
EEA# 14289
Certificate (pdf) issued August 22, 2008
Does not require an Environmental Impact Report
Submitted July 23, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf of first 3 pages)
Comments due August 12, 2008
For copies: Robert MacMurray (216) 619-5449
MEPA analyst: Briony Angus (617) 626-1029
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Notice of Water Management Act 20-Year Permit Renewal - Hudson River Watershed
Submitted July 23, 2008
Public Notice
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Commercial Remediation for East Street and Commercial Street - Pittsfield
EEA# 14259
Issued July 11, 2008
Secretary's Certificate (pdf) Does not Require an Environmental Impact Report
Submitted June 11, 2008
Environmental Notification Form (pdf) first four pages
An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. As outlined in the ENF, the project involves remediation at 11 separate contiguous parcels off East Street and Commercial Street in Pittsfield, MA. The project site is located within Estimated Habitat for state-listed rare species. The first four pages of the ENF can be viewed here: http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/pdffiles/enfs/061108em/14259.pdf. A full copy of the ENF can be obtained from the project contact listed below.
A site visit and consultation meeting will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project. The meeting is scheduled as follows:
Date: Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Meet in the EJ Prescott parking lot, 40 Commercial Street, Pittsfield
Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to July 1st, 2008. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on July 11th, 2008. Comments may be submitted via mail, email or fax to (617) 626-1181. Please reference EEA #14259 in your comments.
Project Contact: Jeff Randall, Hill Engineers, Architects and Planners, Inc.
(413) 684-0925 jrandall@hillengineers.com
Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions regarding the meeting may be answered by contacting Briony Angus at (617) 626-1029.
For copies Jeff Randall (413) 684-0925
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029
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Camp Eisner Pond Dredging Project - Great Barrington
EEA# 14257
Issued July 11, 2008
Secretary's Certificate (pdf) Does not Require an Environmental Impact Report
Submitted June 11, 2008
Environmetnal Notification Form (pdf) first four pages
An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. As outlined in the ENF, the project involves the dredging of a 3.3 acre man-made impoundment known as Camp Eisner Pond in Great Barrington, MA. The first four pages of the ENF can be viewed here: http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/pdffiles/enfs/061108em/14257.pdf. A full copy of the ENF can be obtained from the project contact listed below.
A site visit and consultation meeting will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project. The meeting is scheduled as follows:
Date: Tuesday, June 24th, 2008
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Meet at Camp Eisner gatehouse. 53 Brookside Road, Great Barrington. (Detailed directions below)
Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to July 1st, 2008. A Certificate on the ENF will be issued on July 11th, 2008. Comments may be submitted via mail, email or fax to (617) 626-1181. Please reference EEA #14257 in your comments.
Project Contact: Michael Kulig, Berkshire Engineering, Inc.
(413) 243-3780 mkulig@berkshireengineering.com
More directions:
Massachusetts Turnpike West to Exit 2 - Lee/Stockbridge/Great Barrington. Tum LEFT off exit ramp following signs to Route 102 to Stockbridge. Follow 102 into the center of Stockbridge where it will meet Route 7. Follow Route 7 South (make a hard left at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge) to Great Barrington. Continue for about 12 miles, pass through the town of Great Barrington. As you pass the turn off for Route 23 (and Dunkin' Donuts on your right) continue 1 mile to Eisner Camp Sign on your left, just past Big Y Supermarket on your right. Turn left at the camp sign onto Brookside Road - go 1/10 mile, over bridge and the camp entrance is on the left.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions regarding the meeting may be answered by contacting Briony Angus at (617) 626-1029.
For copies Mike Kulig (413) 243-3780
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029
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Ashmere Lake Dam Remedial Repairs - Hinsdale
EEA# 14198
Issued April 18, 2008
Secretary's Certificate (pdf) - Requires an Environmental Impact Report
Environmental Notification Form (pdf) first four pages
submitted March 12, 2008
For copies of the ENF call Gregory Sampson (617) 896-4300
MEPA analyst Briony Angus (617) 626-1029
BEAT is very concerned by what we have heard regarding this dam project. First, that most years the water appears to be drawn down by mistake to a level far below what is permitted. Second, that this dam does not appear to be in nearly as bad shape as many others around the state. Why should this dam receive priority? Perhaps there are legitimate reasons, but it is not clear to us.
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North Adams Plaza Redevelopment - North Adams
EEA# 14180
Issued August 15, 2008
Secretary's Certificate (pdf)
Does not adequately and properly comply with MEPA - The Secretary is requiring the preparation of a limited-scope Supplemental EIR, which will provide an
opportunity to resolve outstanding details regarding GHG analysis and data prior to allowing the
project to proceed to the state permitting process.
Submitted July 9, 2008
Single Environmental Impact Report (no pdf available on line at the moment)
New project contact: Lauren DeVoe (617) 924-1770
MEPA analyst is still: Briony Angus (617) 626-1029.
Issued March 14, 2008
Secretary's Certificate (pdf) Requires an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) - but allowed to file a Single EIR, rather than both a Draft and Final EIR. The Scope in the Certificate points to the need to comply with the new Stormwater Management Policy, the wetland replication area will need more detailed plan and a long-term monitoring plan, and there needs to be more information on traffic and GreenHouse Gas impacts.
Submitted February 6, 2008
Expanded Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
An Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF)[pdf] has been submitted to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office for this project. As outlined in the EENF, the project involves the redevelopment of an approximately 13.4-acre parcel located on the west side of Route 8 across from the Robert Hardman Industrial Park in North Adams, MA. The project will include the construction of an approximately 126,500 square foot Lowe's Home Improvement Store with an associated 28,630 sf garden center. A 3,600 sf drive-through bank/retail facility will be constructed on an outparcel in the southeasterly corner of the site. The first four pages of the EENF and a more detailed project description are on line. A full copy of the EENF can be obtained from the project contact listed below.
The project requires the preparation of a Mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR) because it will result in the generation of more than 3,000 new daily vehicle trips on roadways providing access to a single location. In accordance with Section 11.05(7) of the MEPA regulations, the Proponent has submitted an EENF with a request for a Single EIR.
A site visit and consultation meeting will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues are significant for this project. Opinions as to the merits of the Proponent's request for a Single EIR will be welcome.
The meeting was scheduled as follows:
Date: Friday, February 29th, 2008
Time: 11:00 am
Location: City Council Chambers, Noth Adams City Hall, 10 Main Street, North Adams
Comments on the project will be welcome in writing prior to March 7th, 2008. A Certificate on the EENF will be issued on March 14th, 2008. Comments may be submitted via mail, email or fax to (617) 626-1181. Please reference EEA #14180 in your comments.
Project Contact: Lauren Gallagher, VHB, (617) 924-1770 ext. 1643, lgallagher@vhb.com
Pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this Meeting Notice is available in alternative formats upon request. Questions on the meeting may be answered by contacting Briony Angus, MEPA Analyst at (617) 626-1029.
Briony Angus
Environmental Analyst, MEPA Office
Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1029
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| STATEWIDE |
Notice of Issuance of National Poolutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit - 8/27
Submitted August 27, 2008
Notice of Issuance of National Poolutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit (pdf)
Comments due within 21 days of August 27, 2008
The Environmental Protection Agency, New England, intends to issue the NPDES general permit for
dewatering activity discharges in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New Hampshire.
Contact Todd Callaghan 617-626- 1233.
Send hard copies of your comments to Rohert.Boeri@state.ma.us.
Anyone having technical questions regarding a particular project should contact the reviewer listed at the end
of each notice. Anyone having questions regarding the public comment process, or having comments
on any project listed should contact:
Rohcrt L Boen, Project Review Coordinator
Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
251 Causeway Street, Suite 800
Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1050
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Notice of Proposed Revisions to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Loan Program Regulations at 301 CMR 44.00
- 8/27
Submitted August 27, 2008
Notice of Proposed Revisions to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Loan Program Regulations at 301 CMR 44.00 (pdf)
Comments due September 12, 2008
The Department will hold a public hearing to accept comments on the proposed
revisions on Wednesday September 10, 2008, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the
Department's offices at One Winter Street Boston, MA 02108. The Department will
accept verbal and written comments at the hearing. Those intending to provide verbal
comments at the hearing also are requested to submit a written copy of their comments.
The Department will accept written comments until 5.00 p.m. on September 12, 2008.
'The proposed revised regulations are available on the Department's website:
http://mass.gov/dep. Questions regarding the hearing and comments on the
proposed revisions should be directed to Steven McCurdy, Director of Municipal
Sewices, Department of Environmental Protection, One Winter Street, 51h Floor, Boston,
MA 02108, (61 7) 292-5779.
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Notice of Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) 2009 Funding Priority List - 8/27
Notice of Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) 2009 Funding Priority List (pdf)
One recipient in Deerfield
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Notice of Public Hearings on Mass. Highway Dept. Vegetation Management Plan - 8/6
Submitted August 6, 2008
Notice of Public Hearing (pdf)
(none in Berkshire County, but some in the Connecticut River Valley)
Thursday, August 28,2008: MassHighway District 2 Headquarters, 811 North King Street, Northampton,
10:30 AM-12:30 PM
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Notice of Public Hearings, re: Annual Update and Status of Transit Projects - 8/6
Submitted August 6, 2008
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
BUREAU OF WASTE PREVENTION
DNISION OF CONSUMER AND TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS
Notice is hereby given that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
(MassDEP), under its authority pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 11 1, Sections 142A through 142M,
will hold two public meetings pursuant to subsection (7) of 310 CMR 7.36, the Transit System
Improvements regulation.
The public meetings will be conducted to receive public comment, both oral and written, on the
annual update and status report for transit projects (pdf) required by 310 CMR 7.36 (2) (f) through (j).
The Executive Office of Transportation and Construction submitted the update and status report to
MassDEP on July 1, 2008.
Other relevant documents can be found on the EOT website.
The public meetings will be held:
On: Monday, September 8,2008 - 2:00 PM and
Monday, September 8,2008 - 5:00 PM
At: Washington Street Conference Center, 2nd Floor, Rooms A, B, & C
MassDEP
One Winter Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
The public meeting site is wheelchair accessible. This information is available in alternative format
upon request by contacting Donald M. Gomes. DEP's ADA coordinator, at (61 7) 556-1057. TDD
Service 1-800-298-2207, One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108.
Testimony may be presented orally andlor in writing at the public meetings. Written testimony will
be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on September 12,2008. Written testimony must be submitted to: Kate
Fichter, Executive Office of Transportation, Office of Transportation Planning, Room 4150, Ten
Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116.
Copies of the update and status report will be available for inspection during normal business hours
at the State Transportation Library, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, MA and at MassDEP. One Winter
Street, Boston, MA. In addition, the report will be available on EOT's website at:http://www.eot.state.ma.us/
By order of the Department.
Laurie Burt, Commissioner
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New Regulations for Public Benefit Determinations and Proposed Amendments to the MEPA Regulations
July 23, 2008
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is proposing to promulgate new regulations at 301 CMR 13.00 (Public Benefit Determination Regulations) to implement changes made in St. 2007, c. 168 (Chapter 168) which was enacted in November of 2007. A summary of the Public Benefit Determination Regulations is provided. EEA is also proposing to amendments to the MEPA regulations to incorporate changes made in Chapter 168, as well as changes addressing the Rare Species thresholds for review and the distribution of MEPA documents. Details regarding the comment period and public hearing are provided in the Public Notice.
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Distribution Requirements for Projects Subject to the GHG Emissions Policy
For projects that are subject to the GHG Emissions Policy, in addition to filing and circulation requirements as noted at 301 CMR 11.16, copies of all MEPA submissions should be sent to:
Department of Environmental Protection
Attention: Nancy Seidman
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02114
Department of Energy Resources
Attention: Meg Lusardi
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1020
Boston, MA 02114
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy and Protocol
EEA has released the final version of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Policy & Protocol, which can be viewed here. The Policy will apply to ENFs and EENFs submitted after the June 30, 2008 submission deadline if the Project is subject to the Policy.
EEA has also issued a Response to Comments document for public comments that were received on the Draft GHG Policy and Protocol. This document can be viewed here: Draft GHG Policy and Protocol Response to Comments.
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NPDES construction general permit/CGP - FEDERAL CONSISTENCY REVIEW NOTICE
The Massachusetts Oftice of Coastal Zone Management (CZhT) is reviewing the proposals listed below for
consistency with its enforceable program policies. Project proponents have filed a statement and
accompanying information with the CZM Office certifying that their proposal is consistent with these
policies. This information is available for public inspection at the CZM Office. Written comments may be
submitted to the CZM Office within twenty-one days of the publication date of this Environmental Monitor (6/11/08)
as otherwise noted below. To submit comments electronically, send an e-mail to Robert.Boeri@state.ma.us.
Anyone having technical questions regarding a particular project should contact the reviewer listed at the end
of the notice below-. Anyone having questions regarding the public comment process, or having comments
on any project listed below should contact:
Robert L. Boeri, Project Review Coordinator
Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
251 Causeway Street, Suite 800
Boston, MA 02114
617-626-1050
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to renew the NPDES permit Eor
Storm Water Discharges associated with construction activity (construction general permit/CGP). Contact
Todd Callaghan. 617-626-1233.
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Snow and Ice Control Program - Statewide
EEA #11202
ESPR Work Plan
Issued June 13, 2008
Secretary's Certificate (pdf)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA
For copies Henry Barbaro (617) 973-7419
MEPA analyst William Gage (617) 626-1025
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Public Notice of Extension of Comment Period Ground Water Discharge Permit Program
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection gives notice of its extension of the public
comment period for its proposed revisions to the following regulations: 314 CMR 2.00, Permit
Procedures; 314 CMR 5.00, Ground Water Discharge Permit Program; and 314 CMR 12.00, Operation
and Maintenance and Pretreatment Standards For Wastewater Treatment Works and Indirect
Dischargers; rescind 314 CMR 6.00, Ground Water Quality Standards; and adopt new regulations, 314
CMR 20.00, Reclaimed Water Permit Program and Standards. MassDEP takes this action pursuant to
the Massachusetts Clean Waters Act, M.G.L. c.21, 5526 through 53.
The proposed revisions are available on the Department's website. Public
notice of hearings and the initial comment period on the proposed revisions, which was to close on
May l2, 2008, was published in the Environmental Monitor of April 9, 2008. The Department now
extends the comment period and will accept written comments on the proposed revisions until 5.00
p.m. on June 11, 2008. Written comments should be submitted to Glenn Haas at Mass Department of
Environmental Protection, One Winter Street Boston, MA 02108.
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Notice of Public Hearings re: Proposed Amendments to Air Quality Regulations (pdf) at 310 cMR 7.00 - statewide
A new section to the Air Pollution Control Regulations, 3 10 CMR 7.26(50) through (54) is proposed to
address outdoor hydronic heaters, also known as outdoor wood boilers, installed after the effective date of
these proposed regulations and to address the operation of outdoor hydronic heaters installed before the
effective date. The proposed regulations have requirements for manufacturers, sellers and owners of
outdoor hydronic heaters.
Monday, June 23,2008 - 5:00 pm
Lenox Town Hall
6 Walker St.
Lenox, Massachusetts
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Integrated MEPA/Permitting Review - statewide
July 23, 2008
Integrated MEPA/Permitting Review Policy Finalized
The final version of the Integrated MEPA/Permitting Review Policy is now availabe.
BEAT comment - not only do we still believe this prevents meaningful opportunity for the public to comment until after regulators and the proponents have already decided everything, we are shocked that the last line of this document says that "MEPA expects to publish a written evaluation of that
review in the Environmental Monitor." Expects???? How about will. Not to mention that the state started acting under this new policy before they issued the finalized version.
submitted January 23, 2008
Notice of Public Comment for Integrated MEPA/Permitting Review (pdf)
In 2008, and after receiving public comment, the MEPA office within the
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs shall commence a new pilot
program in which certain projects are subject to an integrated MEPAI permitting review For purposes of the pilot program, integrated review will be reserved for projects that have characteristics deemed consistent with stated public policy goals or projects for
which integrated review would seem to offer particular public policy benefits.
"Integrated review" means using MEPA as the principal decision-making tool for land use permitting at the state level. Integrated review is intended to make MEPA an integral part of permitting, rather
than a separate process that precedes permitting.
BEAT's comment is that this appears to radically change the MEPA process from a process to make all environmentally relevant information available for the regular decision making process, to a new decision making process that circumvents early public participation. In fact, if we are reading this correctly, the public would not get word of a project until AFTER the scope of the Draft Environmental Impact Report was ALREADY DETERMINED!
Comments should be sent to:
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary of Environment and Energy
Attn: MEPA Office,Deerin Babb-Brott
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114
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Donny Brook Country Club 18-Hole Golf Course - Lanesborough
EOEA No.
13093
Issued March 28, 2008
Secretary's Certificate (pdf) Adequately and properly complies with MEPA
Submitted February 20, 2008
FEIR (Rollover of Supplemental EIR)
Issued February 15, 2008
Secretary's Certificate (pdf)
- Adequately and properly complies with MEPA; Supplemental DEIR to be rolled over as FEIR
Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report
submitted January 9, 2008
For copies call Robert Fournier (413) 443-3537
MEPA analyst Deirdre Buckley (617) 626-1044
Issued 01/03/2007:
Secretary's Certificate (pdf) Requires an Environmental Impact Report
Submitted November 16-30, 2006
Notice of Project Change (pdf)
Issued 01/13/2006:
Secretary's Certificate [pdf]: Does not adequately and properly comply with MEPA
Issued 12/15/2006
Secretary's Certificate (pdf):
Requires a full Environmental Impact Report (draft and final)
For copies: Virginia Allan (617) 536-0975
MEPA Analyst: Deirdre Buckley (617) 626-104 deirdre.buckley@state.ma.us
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How to Submit Comments to MEPA:
The Secretary of Environmental Affairs accepts written comments on projects currently under MEPA review. Comments may be submitted electronically, by mail, via FAX, or by hand delivery. Please note that comments submitted on MEPA documents are public records.
Be sure to include the EOEA number on all comments!
The mailing address for comments is:
Ian A. Bowles, Secretary of Environment and Energy
Attn: MEPA Office
[Analyst Name], EOEA No. ____
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114
Be sure to include the EOEA number on all comments!
state email addresses are: first name.last name @state.ma.us
for example: Briony.Angus@state.ma.us
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