Environmental Monitor – Berkshire – 2025

The Environmental Monitor provides information on projects under review by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office, recent MEPA decisions of the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs, and public notices from environmental agencies. These are the LARGE, potentially ENVIRONMENTALLY DAMAGING projects. Please, take a look at ones in your town/city.

March 26, 2025

Berkshire Index:

  • Florida – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then a the top, click on attachments) – Edward Sturtevant of Lewis Tree Service, Inc. submitted a YOP to MDAR for Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project in March of 2025. In 2025 Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project will conduct an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) program on their transmission lines. The intended vegetation control program will be consistent with Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project VMP. In accordance with the guidelines set forth in Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project VMP and YOP, herbicides will be selectively applied to target vegetation by licensed/certified applicators carrying backpack or hand-held application equipment for the IVM program. Brookfield Renewables Bear Swamp Project will only use herbicides recommended by MDAR for use in regulated sensitive areas for their IVM program. Pursuant to 333 CMR 11.04, no herbicides will be sprayed within any designated “no spray sensitive area” instead mechanical only methods will be used to control vegetation. Public notification, by certified mail, will be provided to each “affected” municipality at least twenty-one days prior to any herbicide application. – comments due 5/9/2025
  • Becket, Dalton, Hinsdale, Pittsfield, Richmond, Washington, West Stockbridge – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – A Yearly Operational Plan for right-of-ways treatment with herbicides during the 2025 calendar year has been submitted for: CSX Transportation, Incorporated (CSX). This plan has been prepared and submitted to the MDAR by: Keith Morris CSX’s vegetation control program for 2025 will be consistent with the VMP and YOP as approved by MDAR and involves an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach where possible. Under the 2025 program, brush control will be limited to mechanical cutting in sensitive areas and sensitive area buffer zones, and mechanical cutting or foliar herbicide applications in non-sensitive areas. Foliar herbicide applications will selectively treat target vegetation and encourage the growth of non-target vegetation. One selective post-emergent herbicide application will take place in ballasted rights-of-way areas and around other fixtures including but not limited to: switches, signals, signs, and highway grade crossings. This post-emergent application will take place in non-sensitive areas and sensitive area buffer zones and is targeted toward the eradication of woody and herbaceous plant species. Areas that do not have vegetation will not be treated. Herbicide applications to the roadbed and areas adjacent to the shoulder will be conducted with a spray truck and/or a backpack sprayer according to the guidelines set forth in the VMP and YOP. Sensitive areas as defined by the Rights-of-Way Management Regulations will receive the full protection afforded by those regulations. All herbicide applications will be done by an applicator properly licensed by MDAR Pesticide Bureau and fully trained in herbicide mixing, handling, and application methods. Applications will commence following approval of the YOP by MDAR. Public notification (by registered mail) will be provided to the chief elected official, Board of Health, and Conservation Commission in each affected municipality at least twenty-one days prior to any herbicide application. – comments due 5/9/2025
  • Adams, Florida, North Adams, Williamstown – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan– (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – A YOP for Berkshire & Eastern Railroad for the treatment of rights-of-way with herbicides in the listed municipalities for the calendar year 2025 has been prepared by Keith L. Morris, Environmental Consultant from Leeds, Massachusetts, has been submitted to MDAR.  The intended vegetation control program will be consistent with the VMP, as approved by MDAR. Herbicides shall be applied to the roadbed by a spray truck, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the VMP and the YOP. The herbicides to be applied, Aquaneat, Opensight, Polaris, and MSO Extra are recommended for use in “sensitive areas” by the Department of Environmental Protection, and MDAR. No herbicides shall be applied within a Zone I of a public groundwater source, within 100’ of any Class A public surface water source, within 100’ of any tributary or associated surface water body where the tributary or associated surface water body runs within 400’ of a Class A surface water source, or within 10’ of any tributary or associated surface water body where the tributary or associated surface water body is at a distance greater than 400’ from a Class A surface water source, within a lateral distance of 100’ for 400’ upstream, on both sides of the river, of any Class B Drinking Water Intake, a 50-foot radius around a private well, 10’ from the edge of standing or flowing water or wetlands, within 10’ of the mean annual high water line or any River, or within 10’ of any certified vernal pool (pursuant to 333 CMR 11.04: Sensitive Area Restrictions). Applications of herbicide shall commence after the approval of the YOP by MDAR, following public review and comment. It is anticipated that herbicide application will occur between May – end of August 2025. The YOP contains: maps locating rights-of-way and sensitive areas; the name of the herbicides proposed for use, including application rates, carriers and adjuvants; application techniques and alternative control measures; material safety data sheets and herbicide fact sheets as approved by the DAR; the names of the applicator and YOP supervisor; methods used to identify and mark sensitive areas on the right-of-way; procedures for handling, mixing, and loading of herbicides; and identification of target vegetation in accordance with 333 CMR 11.06(2). Additionally, the YOP contains emergency/contingency measures and local, state and federal emergency contact telephone numbers. – comments due 5/9/2025
  • Great Barrington – Berkshire Natural Resources Property Exploration Wells –  Secretary’s Certificate on FEIR – published 3/26/2025
  • Pittsfield – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Ecological Restoration Project – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Bel Air Dam is part of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MassDCR) Office of Dam Safety’s (ODS) pilot Abandoned Dams program. As part of this program, MassDCR is seeking to address safety concerns pertaining to dams in the Commonwealth that have no identifiable owner. In the case of Bel Air Dam, neither the City of Pittsfield nor any other interested party has expressed willingness to take ownership of the dam; therefore, the MassDCR ODS is proposing to remove the dam. The proposed project will remove the Bel Air Dam on the West Branch of the Housatonic River and thereby restore the natural connectivity of a waterway, meeting the definition of an Ecological Restoration Project as defined in 310 CMR 10.04. The proposed project is a Dam Removal Project as listed in 310 CMR 10.13(2), and proposes removal of the entire dam structure, restoration of a natural stream channel in the area of the current impoundment, establishment of adjacent floodplain, and installation of native herbaceous and woody species. The project area historically contained riparian habitat which has been degraded due to the impoundment. Changes to the environment caused by the presence of the dam include alteration of water temperatures and chemistry, river flow characteristics, and silt loads. The proposed project will also remove contaminated sediment that has accumulated upstream of the dam which includes elevated levels of chromium, arsenic, lead, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and extractable petroleum hydrocarbons (EPHs). Project activities will occur within jurisdictional areas protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its implementing regulations, including Land Under Water (LUW), Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVWs), Bank, 200-foot Riverfront Area, and Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF).  The Pittsfield Conservation Commission originally issued the Order of Conditions (OOC) for the Bel Air Dam Removal Project on October 23, 2024. MassDCR is submitting a Request to Amend the OOC due to installation of a temporary bridge in the 200-Foot Riverfront Area, which is needed to access the staging area. In addition, the Request to Amend the OOC will include a description of temporary trailer offices in the 200-Foot Riverfront Area. The hearing is anticipated to be held March 13, 2025, at 70 Allen Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 in City Council Chambers at 6:00 PM. A copy of the Request to Amend the OOC will be available at the Pittsfield Conservation Commission office and a hard copy may be obtained by contacting Jennifer Doyle-Breen by phone at 978-905-2968 or by email at jennifer.doyle-breen@aecom.com. – published 2/26/2025

Previous projects in 2025

  • Pittsfield – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Ecological Restoration Project – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Bel Air Dam is part of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (MassDCR) Office of Dam Safety’s (ODS) pilot Abandoned Dams program. As part of this program, MassDCR is seeking to address safety concerns pertaining to dams in the Commonwealth that have no identifiable owner. In the case of Bel Air Dam, neither the City of Pittsfield nor any other interested party has expressed willingness to take ownership of the dam; therefore, the MassDCR ODS is proposing to remove the dam. The proposed project will remove the Bel Air Dam on the West Branch of the Housatonic River and thereby restore the natural connectivity of a waterway, meeting the definition of an Ecological Restoration Project as defined in 310 CMR 10.04. The proposed project is a Dam Removal Project as listed in 310 CMR 10.13(2), and proposes removal of the entire dam structure, restoration of a natural stream channel in the area of the current impoundment, establishment of adjacent floodplain, and installation of native herbaceous and woody species. The project area historically contained riparian habitat which has been degraded due to the impoundment. Changes to the environment caused by the presence of the dam include alteration of water temperatures and chemistry, river flow characteristics, and silt loads. The proposed project will also remove contaminated sediment that has accumulated upstream of the dam which includes elevated levels of chromium, arsenic, lead, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and extractable petroleum hydrocarbons (EPHs). Project activities will occur within jurisdictional areas protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its implementing regulations, including Land Under Water (LUW), Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVWs), Bank, 200-foot Riverfront Area, and Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF).  The Pittsfield Conservation Commission originally issued the Order of Conditions (OOC) for the Bel Air Dam Removal Project on October 23, 2024. MassDCR is submitting a Request to Amend the OOC due to installation of a temporary bridge in the 200-Foot Riverfront Area, which is needed to access the staging area. In addition, the Request to Amend the OOC will include a description of temporary trailer offices in the 200-Foot Riverfront Area. The hearing is anticipated to be held March 13, 2025, at 70 Allen Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 in City Council Chambers at 6:00 PM. A copy of the Request to Amend the OOC will be available at the Pittsfield Conservation Commission office and a hard copy may be obtained by contacting Jennifer Doyle-Breen by phone at 978-905-2968 or by email at jennifer.doyle-breen@aecom.com. – published 2/26/2025
  • Adams – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 1341 M.G.L. c. 21 §§ 26 – 53, notice is given of a 401 Water Quality Certification application for fill associated with the replacement of Bridge No. A-04-038 carrying Quality Street over the Hoosic River in the Town of Adams, Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division, 10 Park Plaza, Room 7360, Boston, MA 02116. The proposed bridge will feature two 11-foot travel lanes and two 2-foot shoulders and will be supported by integral abutments, while a portion of the existing bridge abutments and existing channel riprap will remain in place. Associated work will include the installation of a temporary utility bridge, channel scour protection, and roadway reconstruction. Additional information may be obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation – Highway Division at the above address, Attention Courtney Walker or by emailing Courtney.l.walker@dot.state.ma.us. Written comments should be sent to Heidi Davis, MassDEP Wetlands Program, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114 or heidi.davis@mass.gov within 21 days of this notice. Any group of ten persons, any aggrieved person, or any governmental body or private organization with a mandate to protect the environment who submits written comments within 21 days of this notice may appeal the Department’s Certification. Failure to submit written comments before the end of the public comment period may result in the waiver of any right to an adjudicatory hearing. – published 2/26/2025
  • Becket, Dalton, Hancock, Hinsdale, Lanesborough, Lenox, Peru, Pittsfield, Washington, Windsor – DCR: Notice of Public Meeting, Resource Management Plans – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Public meeting Tuesday, February 25th @ 6pm – 7:30pm Register for the meeting via the Zoom Registration Link. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is holding an informational meeting and public listening session on the preparation of Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for the following locations in DCR’s Pittsfield Complex: Ashmere Lake State Park; Balance Rock State Park; Bates Memorial State Park; Bryant Mountain State Forest; Gilbert A. Bliss State Forest; Middlefield State Forest; October Mountain State Forest; Peru State Forest; Pittsfield State Forest (including South Mountain/West Region HQ); Richmond State Forest; Wahconah Falls State Park; and Worthington State Forest. The purpose of the meeting is to inform the public about the RMP planning process and to take comments about these properties. This is the first of two public meetings to be held concerning these properties. The second public meeting will be scheduled when draft RMPs are available for public review and comment. – comments due 3/27/2025
  • Great Barrington – Berkshire Natural Resources Property Exploration Wells –  FEIR Rollover – comments due 3/10/2025
  • Becket, Dalton, Hinsdale, Pittsfield, Richmond, Washington, West Stockbridge – Notice of Public Hearing re: Vegetation Management Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – CSX Railroad proposes to utilize herbicides to treat their Rights-of Way throughout Massachusetts: In accordance with 333 CMR 11.05 the Department of Agricultural Resources will conduct regional hearings to receive public comment on the proposed Vegetation Management Plan for the CSX Railroad Vegetation Management Plan. To provide all interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposed VMP, a public hearing will be held via ZOOM at the following location: Topic: CSX VMP Public Hearing Time: Mar 7, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88272974654?pwd=VVGsORYDoaqEacMwfEnAS9YPJlY6tV.1 Meeting ID: 882 7297 4654 Passcode: 336979 Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 882 7297 4654 Passcode: 336979 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcOcf6dOS The proposed VMP is posted at http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/agr/pesticides/vegetation-management-andyearly-operation-plans.html for reviewing. It is also available for review at the Reference Desk of the following public libraries: Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01608. The public hearings listed above will give interested parties the opportunity to present data, views or arguments,
    orally or in writing concerning the proposed VMP. Persons giving testimony are also requested to provide written comments. Written comments in advance of the hearing dates are welcome. The Department will accept written testimony concerning the CSX Railroad VMP until the close of business: March 10, 2025 Commentary should be sent to: Rights-of-Way Program Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau 225 Turnpike Road, 3rd Floor Southborough, MA 01772 – comments due 3/10/2025
  • Great Barrington – Berkshire Natural Resources Property Exploration Wells –  Secretary’s Certificate on EENF – published 2/7/2025
  • Monterey – Notice of Application and Issuance of a Draft Groundwater Discharge Permit– (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Notice is hereby given that the following application for an Individual Groundwater Discharge Permit is being processed and the following actions being proposed thereon pursuant to Section 43 of Chapter 21 of the General Laws, and 314 CMR 5.00 and 2.06: CITY/TOWN: Monterey PROJECT NAME: Hume Lake Christian Camps, Inc. APPLICANT: Mr. Timothy Desilets FACILITY LOCATION: 73 Chestnut Hill Road, Monterey, MA 01245 TYPE OF DISCHARGE: Treated Wastewater QUANTITY OF DISCHARGE: 25,000 Gallons Per Day PERMIT NO: 979-1 TRANSMITTAL NO: 24-WP12-0060-REN PROPOSED ACTION: Tentative determination to issue individual groundwater discharge
    permit. A copy of the application, draft permit, and statement of basis or fact sheet relative to the draft permit
    may be obtained from the MassDEP’s Wastewater Management Program at the above address and
    telephone number. Comments on the proposed action or requests for a public hearing thereon pursuant to 314 CMR 2.07 must be filed with MassDEP at the above address within thirty (30) days of this notice. For information on the process for formally intervening in adjudicatory proceedings, please refer to 310 CMR 1.00: Adjudicatory Proceedings, Section (7) Intervention and Participation. https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-100-adjudicatory-proceedings – comments due 2/21/2025
  • Becket – Notice of Application and Issuance of a Draft Groundwater Discharge Permit – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Notice is hereby given that the following application for an Individual Groundwater Discharge Permit is being processed and the following actions being proposed thereon pursuant to Section 43 of Chapter 21 of the General Laws, and 314 CMR 5.00 and 2.06: CITY/TOWN: Becket PROJECT NAME: Two State YMCA Wastewater Treatment Plant APPLICANT: Mr. Matthew Scholl FACILITY LOCATION: 450 Camp Becket Road Becket, MA 01223 TYPE OF DISCHARGE: Treated wastewater QUANTITY OF DISCHARGE: 40,000 Gallons Per Day PERMIT NO: 824-2 TRANSMITTAL NO: 24-WP12-0015-REN PROPOSED ACTION: Tentative determination to issue individual groundwater discharge permit. A copy of the application, draft permit, and statement of basis or fact sheet relative to the draft permit may be obtained from the MassDEP’s Wastewater Management Program at the above address and telephone number. Comments on the proposed action or requests for a public hearing thereon pursuant to 314 CMR 2.07 must be filed with MassDEP at the above address within thirty (30) days of this notice. For information on the process for formally intervening in adjudicatory proceedings, please refer to 310 CMR 1.00: Adjudicatory Proceedings, Section (7) Intervention and Participation. https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-100-adjudicatory-proceedings – comments due 2/21/2025
  • Egremont – Culvert Replacement Blunt Road over Unnamed Tributary over Marsh Pond – Request for Advisory Opinion (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – comments due 2/13/2025
  • Sandisfield – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Aquatic Plant Management Program- (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – The proposed project is seeking approval to perform dam maintenance activities at Otis Wood Lands OWL Lake. Vegetation management at the OWL Lake dam is required to comply with dam safety recommendations provided in the Phase I Dam Safety Inspection and Evaluation report. The area of proposed maintenance is approximately 0.25 acres and consists of 12 pine trees ranging in diameter from six to 18 inches, a few 4-6 inches in diameter, and herbaceous and woody vegetation (berry bushes and sumac). Reviewing Conservation Commission(s): Sandisfield Conservation Commission 66 Sandisfield Rd, Suite #7 Sandisfield, MA 01255 Phone: (907) 244-6466 Meetings – When: 3rd Tuesday of the Month, Unless Otherwise Posted Meetings – Where: Old Town Hall, 3 Silverbrook Rd. Copies of the NOI may be examined or acquired from the Conservation Commission, or by contacting the applicant’s representative, Aquatic Restoration Consulting LLC, at info@aquaticrc.com, or 508-397-0033. See Conservation Commission website for updated meeting schedule and agendas. – published 1/24/2025
  • Adams – Quarry Minerals Management Area – Secretary’s Certificate on Notice of Project Change – published 1/10/2025
  • Sheffield – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate- (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – 401 Water Quality Certification application for fill associated with the superstructure replacement of Bridge No. S-10-024 carrying County Road over Ironworks Brook in the Town of Sheffield, Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The proposed bridge will feature two 11-foot travel lanes and two 2-foot shoulders. Associated work will include channel scour protection, streambed restoration, roadway reconstruction, and the installation of guardrail. Additional information may be obtained from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation or by emailing Courtney.l.walker@dot.state.ma.us. Written comments should be sent to Heidi Davis, MassDEP Wetlands Program, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114 or heidi.davis@mass.gov within 21 days of this notice. – published 1/8/2025
  • Great Barrington – Berkshire Natural Resources Property Exploration Wells – Remote Meeting Site Visit – 1/16/2025
  • Great Barrington – Berkshire Natural Resources Property Exploration Wells – Expanded Environmental Notification Form – comments due 1/22/2025
  • Adams, Cheshire, Egremont, Sheffield – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – National Grid has submitted a Yearly Operational Plan to MDAR for 2025 and National Grid’s YOP identifies these municipalities as locations where they intend to use herbicides to treat their electric Rights-of-Way in 2025 – Comments due 1/24/2025
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Berkshire Natural Resources Property Exploration Wells – Great Barrington
EEA # 16906

Published March 26, 2025
Secretary’s Certificate on FEIR (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Published February 7, 2025
Secretary’s Certificate on EENF (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Rollover Provision, Requires an Environmental Impact Report

Published February 7, 2025
FEIR Rollover (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Comments Due March 10, 2025

January 16, 2025
Site Visit: REMOTE MEETING.
Please RSVP to Eva.Vaughan@mass.gov at least one hour but preferably one day before the meeting for instructions on joining the video conference or calling in by phone. Evening remote meeting available upon request; deadline to request is January 16th. Interpretation services in Spanish available upon request; deadline to request is January 13.

Published December 23, 2024
Expanded Environmental Notification Form (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Comments Due January 22, 2025

For copies contact: Peter Marks, 4135280133, MarksPeter490@gmail.com
MEPA Analyst: Eva Vaughan, (857)408-6381, Eva.Vaughan@mass.gov

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Quarry Minerals Management Area – Adams
EEA # 16040

Issued January 10, 2025
NPC Secretary’s Certificate (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Does Not Require Environmental Impact Report

Published November 22, 2024
Notice of Project Change (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Comments Due December 12, 2024

Issued October 18, 2019
SEIR Certificate (pdf)
Adequately and Properly Complies with MEPA

Submitted September 11, 2019
Single Environmental Impact Report
Comments due October 11, 2019

Issued August 2, 2019
ENF Secretary’s Certificate (pdf)
Requires Mandatory Environmental Impact Report

MEPA consultation session scheduled for: Friday, June 28 10:00 AM.  We will meet at Adams Town Hall, 8 Park Street.  A site visit will be conducted after the consultation session. Hard hats and boots may be required for the site walk.

Submitted June 10, 2019
Environmental Notification Form (pdf)
Comments due July 26, 2019

For copies contact: ZIAD KARY, (617) 657-0283, zfk@envpartners.com
MEPA Analyst: Alexander Strysky, (857) 408-6957, alexander.strysky@mass.gov

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Reconstruction and Related Work at Mount Washington Road – Egremont
EEA # 16871

Published November 8, 2024
Secretary’s Certificate on ENF (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Does not require an environmental impact report

Published September 11, 2024
Environmental Notification Form  (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Comments due October 1, 2024

For copies contact: Matthew Lundsted, (800) 725-2550, MLundsted@CeiEngineers.com
MEPA Analyst: Matthew Sokop, matthew.j.sokop@mass.gov

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Mount Williams Reservoir Dam and Notch Reservoir Dam Improvements Projects – North Adams
EEA # 16835

Published July 10, 2024
Secretary’s Certificate EENF (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Requires a Single Environmental Impact Report

Published May 22, 2024
Environmental Notification Form  (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Comments due June 21, 2024

For copies contact: Val Locker , (781) 995-3040, VLocker@tighebond.com
MEPA Analyst: Amina Miliani, amina.miliani@mass.gov

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George Schnopp Road Dam Breach Emergency Stabilization – Hinsdale
EEA # 16700

Issued June 23, 2023
Secretary’s Certificate ENF (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Requires an [AMENDED] Environmental Notification Form – we have not seen this before. Sending them back to square one!

Submitted May 24, 2023
Environmental Notification Form  (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Comments due June 13, 2023

For copies contact: Nathaniel Arai, (413) 335-6477, Nathaniel.arai@gza.com
MEPA Analyst: Jennifer Hughes, (617)455-7063, Jennifer.Hughes@mass.gov

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E131 Asset condition Refurbishment (ACR) Project of New England Power – Adams, North Adams, Florida & Monroe
EEA # 16663

Published June 7, 2024
Secretary’s Certificate FEIR (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Published April 10, 2024
Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR)
Comments due May 10, 2024

Filed December 15, 2023
Draft Environmental Impact Report Certificate (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Determined DEIR adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Published November 8, 2023
Draft Environmental Impact Report DEIR (click on link, then at top click on attachments)
Comments due December 8, 2023

Issued March 17, 2023
Secretary’s Certificate EENF (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Requires an Environmental Impact Report

REMOTE Site Visit Monday, February 27, 2023 at 5:30 pm
Please RSVP to purvi.patel@mass.gov at least one hour before the meeting for instructions on joining the video conference or calling in by phone.

Submitted February 8, 2023
Expanded Environmental Notification Form  (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Comments due March 10, 2023
This is a project to replace poles and build new roads along the powerlines. “This work will involve grading,
tree removal, and gravel placement to safely navigate steep slopes.”

BEAT note: The power distribution companies get paid a guaranteed profit to do all this work. And electric ratepayers pay for this in our electric bills. If the power distribution companies really want to improve resilience for their ratepayers, they should focus on installing battery storage at the substations and making it easy and affordable for ratepayers to install batteries in their buildings.

For copies contact: Katy Wilkins, (413) 875-1305, KLWilkins@tighebond.com
MEPA Analyst: Tori Kim, (857)207-2996, tori.kim@mass.gov

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WT-02 Transmission Right-of-Way Reliability Project – Hancock, Lanesborough, Hinsdale, Cheshire, Dalton
EEA # 16567

Eversource planning on cutting about 137 acres of trees along their right-of-way including rare species habitat, historical/archeological resources, near vernal pools, and crossing outstanding resource waters.

Published June 7, 2024
Secretary’s Certificate FEIR (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Published April 10, 2024
Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR)
Comments due May 10, 2024

For copies contact: Travis Ahern, , (508) 429-0608, ahernt@holliston.k12.ma.us
MEPA Analyst: Amina Miliani, , amina.miliani@mass.gov

Filed December 15, 2023
Draft Environmental Impact Report Certificate (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Determined DEIR adequately and properly complies with MEPA

Published November 8, 2023
Draft Environmental Impact Report DEIR (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Comments due December 8, 2023

Issued July 15, 2022
Secretary’s Certificate EENF (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Requires an Environmental Impact Report

An online/remote consultation session site visit will be held to receive advice and comments from agencies, officials, and citizens regarding which environmental issues, if any, are significant for this project. Opinions as to the extent and significance of possible environmental impact will be welcome. PLEASE NOTE THAT AN IN-PERSON SITE VISIT MAY BE HELD BASED ON AGENCY AND STAKEHOLDER RVSPS.

Remote consultation – Wednesday, June 22 at 6:00 pm Please RSVP to purvi.patel@mass.gov at least one hour before the meeting for instructions on joining the video conference or calling in by phone.

POTENTIAL IN-PERSON SITE VISIT – Friday, June 24 at noon  ( If this is held – Meet at the site: Parking lot of Lanesborough Town Hall/Public Library, 83 N Main St, Lanesborough, MA 01237 – YOU MUST RSVP TO purvi.patel@mass.gov TO INDICATE YOUR INTEREST IN THIS IN-PERSON SITE VISIT BY WED, JUNE 22ND AT 6PM – Please check the Environmental Monitor prior to attending the in-person site visit to determine if this meeting has been canceled.

Submitted June 8, 2022
Expanded Environmental Notification Form  (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments)
Comments due July 8, 2022

For copies contact: Rebecca Weissman, (508) 233-8769, Rebecca.Weissman@SWCA.com
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel, (617)874-0668, purvi.patel@mass.gov

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Comments to MEPA:

The Secretary of Environmental Affairs accepts written comments on projects currently under MEPA review.
Please note that comments submitted on MEPA documents are public records.
Be sure to include the EOEA number on all comments!

MEPA Public Comment Portal
The most efficient way to submit comments on MEPA projects is through the Public Comment Portal.  You may register and create an account or submit comments anonymously.

Submit Comments by e-mail
All comments received by the deadline will be provided to the Secretary for review and included in the public record for the project. Comments can be e-mailed directly to the Environmental Analyst reviewing the project.  Please reference the project name and EEA# in the subject line of the e-mail.  The EEA# and Environmental Analyst assigned to the project can be found in the Environmental Monitor.

MEPA Staff Contact Information

Submit Comments by Mail or Hand Delivery
Electronic comments are preferred; however, written comments may be mailed or hand-delivered to the MEPA office. Office hours are 9 AM – 5 PM.

The mailing address for comments is:

Secretary of the Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
Attn: MEPA Office [Analyst Name], EEA No. _____
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston MA 02114

Be sure to include the EOEA number on all comments!

How to Submit Comments to MEPA (this link takes you to the MEPA Site)

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