MassDOT Environmental Updates Wetlands Checklists

MassDOT Environmental Updates Wetlands Checklists

ACEC/MA received this from MassDOT Highway on February 27, 2024: 

To supplement the Environmental Review Checklist (ERC) that was released in May 2023, the following wetlands and water resources checklists and guidance are now available on the MassDOT Highway project development tools webpage: https://www.mass.gov/lists/massdot-highway-project-development-tools  in the link titled “75% Wetland Permitting Guidance & Checklists: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/wetlands-water-resources-unit#additional-resources

-Consultants should ensure draft permit applications that are submitted to MassDOT comply with the requirements in these resources. This will improve quality and create consistency in permit applications. Draft wetlands permit applications must be received by the 75% design submission and include completed wetlands checklists. In addition, revised Wetland Mitigation Design Submittal Guidance has been published on the MassDOT Highway project development tools webpage, in the link titled Landscape Design and Roadside Maintenance Guidance: https://www.mass.gov/lists/landscape-design-and-roadside-maintenance

. The guidance should be consulted during early design to mitigate for direct wetland impacts.

Notice of Intent Application Checklist

The purpose of this checklist is to ensure that Notice of Intent (NOI) applications are complete and contain the information and data necessary for Conservation Commissions and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to process applications in an efficient manner. This checklist also enables MassDOT staff to efficiently review the quality and completeness of applications.

401 Water Quality Certification and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Joint Permit Application Checklist

The purpose of this checklist is to ensure that applications for 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) and/or Section 10/404 General Permit or Individual Permit authorizations are complete and contain the information and data that is necessary for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and MassDEP to process the applications in an efficient manner. This checklist also enables MassDOT staff to efficiently review the quality and completeness of applications prepared on its behalf by its consultants before the applications are filed.

Chapter 91 Templates

MassDEP has published a PDF template of Chapter 91 Plan Standards to their webpage:  https://www.mass.gov/lists/chapter-91-forms

The template should be followed for Chapter 91 license applications submitted to MassDOT for review.

Wetland Mitigation Design Submittals

The Wetland Mitigation Design Submittal Basic Guidelines are intended as baseline guidance for designers and reviewers for all projects requiring wetland replication and/or restoration. More complex projects, such as those requiring a DEP Variance, may require a higher standard of submission and shall be coordinated with MassDOT Environmental Services.