April 24, 2024
- Environmental Monitor – Berkshires
- Environmental Monitor – CT River Valley
- Environmental Monitor – Statewide
- Environmental Monitor – Archives
- How to submit comments to MEPA
- Environmental Monitor – On MEPA Website
CT River Valley Index:
- Holyoke, Springfield, West Springfield – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Pioneer Valley Railroad to treat rights of way with herbicides in 2024. – comments due 6/7/2024
- Conway – Notice of Application for a 401 Water quality Certificate – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Application for the replacement of the North Poland Road Bridge over Poland Brook in Conway, Massachusetts by the MassDOT. The proposed work consists of removing a temporary bridge installed in 2023 (which replaced the pre-existing three-span, 65 feet long, 17′-2″ wide bridge) and replacing the bridge with a new single-span structure having a span length of 83′-2″ and a width of 27′-3″. New concrete stub abutments will be constructed immediately behind the existing abutments. – comments due 5/1/2024
- Ludlow – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Application for the replacement of Bridge #L-16-026, Piney Lane over Broad Brook in the Town of Ludlow, Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The main objective of this project is to improve the existing crossing over Broad Brook. The project is needed since, according to the latest bridge inspection report the culverts are rated in serious condition due to rust, holes and settling within the culverts, erosion due to undermining, scour and poor condition of the pavement and guardrail. – comments due 5/1/2024
- Chicopee, Holyoke, South Hadley – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Areas identified in the YOP as locations where treatment of Rights of Way with herbicides will be carried out by City of Holyoke Gas and Electric Department in calendar year 2024 are: Electric transmission and distribution lines in Holyoke and Chicopee, steam and condensate lines in Holyoke, gas distribution vaults in Holyoke, canal system in Holyoke and the pathways in Lower Riverside Park and Gatehouse Park in South Hadley. – published 4/10/2024
- Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Chicopee, Conway, Deerfield, Easthampton, Erving, Greenfield, Hatfield, Holyoke, Montague, Northampton, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne, Springfield, Wendell, Whately – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Berkshire & Eastern Railroad to treat rights-of-way with herbicides for the 2024 calendar year. – published 4/10/2024
- Palmer, Ware – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – A Yearly Operational Plan has been submitted by Massachusetts Central Railroad for the treatment of rights-of-way with herbicides during the 2024 calendar year. – comments due 5/6/2024
- Longmeadow, Springfield – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – A Yearly Operational Plan has been submitted for AMTRAK National Railroad Passenger Corporation to treat rights-of-way with herbicides during the 2024 calendar year. – comments due 5/6/2024
- Amherst, Belchertown, Erving, Leverett, Monson, Montague, Northfield, Palmer, sunderland – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – New England Central Railroad Company intends to treat rights-of-way with herbicides for the calendar year 2024. – comments due 5/6/2024
Previous projects in 2024:
- Easthampton – Sierra Vista Commons – Secretary’s Certificate DEIR – published 4/1/2024
- Northampton – Downtown Complete Streets Corridor and Intersection Improvements on Main Street (Route 9) – EENF and Site Visit – comments due 4/22/2024
- Amherst, Chesterfield, Chicopee, Conway, Cummington, Deerfield, Erving, Gill, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Leverett, Montague, Northfield, Shelburne, South Hadley, Sunderland, Warwick, Plainfield – Notice of Submission of a Yearly Operational Plan- (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – In accordance with the guidelines set forth in Eversource Energy, Western MA’s VMP and YOP, herbicides will be selectively applied to target vegetation by licensed/certified applicators carrying backpack or handheld application equipment for the IVM program. – comments due 4/22/2024
- Belchertown – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Ecological Restoration Project – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – The Town of Belchertown proposes replacement of the undersized, failing culverts at the crossing of Warren Wright Road and Hop Brook. The project has been designed to pass the 2070 100-year storm without overtopping the road. – published 3/8/2024
- Easthampton – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Ecological Restoration Project- (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Property owners intend to repair the 1520 square foot pond on their property. The banks and weir have failed and sediment has filled the pond bottom as well as the downstream channel. The project will stabilize the resource areas and install dozens of native plant species in what is now lawn. A new control structure will reduce both flow and volume of runoff that is sent downstream. – published 3/8/2024
- West Springfield – Notice of Public Hearing re: Vegetation Management Plan – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) West Springfield proposes to utilize herbicides to treat their Rights-of-Way. Public Hearing on the proposed Vegetation Management Plan will be held virtually on ZOOM on April 8, 2024 at 10:00AM. – comments due 4/8/2024
- Easthampton – Sierra Vista Commons – DEIR – comments due 3/25/2024
- Orange – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – For major fill associated with the North Main Street Reconstruction Project. Project includes roadway reconstruction of North Main Street between School Street and Lincoln Avenue, the construction and relocation of the Fall Hill Brook culvert, and drainage system improvements. – comments due 3/15/2024
- Heath – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – For the replacement of Bridge No. H-14-007 carrying State Route 8A (Jacksonville Stage Road) over West Branch Brook. The project includes replacing the bridge structure and substructure, roadway reconstruction, drainage improvements, and channel widening. – comments due 3/15/2024
- Ware – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – For the replacement of Bridge W-05-015 carrying Route 32 (Palmer Road) over the Ware River. MassDOT is recertifying this permit with MassDEP in light of the Army Corps of Engineers 2018 General Permit Expiration. The project includes bridge replacement and roadway reconstruction with sidewalk replacement and drainage improvements. – comments due 3/15/2024
- Westfield – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate – (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – For the replacement of the State Route 202 (Southwick Road) Bridge over the Little River (W-25-006). MassDOT is recertifying this permit with MassDEP in light of the Army Corps of Engineers 2018 General Permit Expiration. This project involves the removal of the existing bridge and the construction of a new single span bridge. The proposed horizontal alignment will be shifted to the east of the existing bridge to provide a wider turn radius. – comments due 3/15/2024
- Northampton – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate- (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – For the replacement of Bridges N-19-059 {100 & 101) & N-19-060 {102 & 103), 1-91 over US 5 & BMRR and Hockanum Road. The main objectives of this project is to replace the existing superstructures and substructures of these four (4) bridges. U.S. Route 5 will be widened to include turning lanes at both signalized ramp locations as well as a sidewalk on one {1) side and a bike lane on both sides. – comments due 2/28/2024
- Buckland & Charlemont – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate –(click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – For the placement of scour countermeasures at Bridge B-28-009 = C-05-013, Route 2 (Mohawk Trail) over Deerfield River in the Towns of Buckland and Charlemont. The main objectives of this project are to replace the existing concrete deck, to rehabilitate the steel superstructure, and to modify the existing concrete substructures. There will also be some minor roadway approach reconstruction. Scour countermeasures are proposed at the easterly bridge pier within the river and involves dredging of more than 5,000 cubic yards of material. – comments due 2/28/2024
- Holyoke – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Aquatic Plant Management Program– (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Proposed invasive water chestnut control project consists of installing a benthic barrier on a portion of the bottom of the Third Level Canal. The project is anticipated to take approximately a week to complete, and is scheduled to be conducted at the end of March 2024. – published 2/7/2024
- Hadley – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate- (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – For the reconstruction of Route 9 from Middle St to Maple/South St. – comments due 2/28/2024
- Longmeadow – Notice of Intent to Initiate an Aquatic Plant Management Program–(click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – To implement a nuisance aquatic vegetation management program of a pond located at the Longmeadow Country Club. The focus of this management will be on reducing and controlling nuisance and invasive aquatic vegetation using USEPA/MA registered aquatic herbicides & algaecides. – published 2/7/2024
- Wales – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate- (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – The project proposes to replace the existing bridge that spans Wales Brook. Replacing the bridge is required for the current operations and usage to continue. – comments due 2/7/2024
- Monson & Palmer – Notice of Application for a 401 Water Quality Certificate- (click on the link, then at the top, click on attachments) – Dredge/Fill Water Quality Certification application for Replacement of US-20 Bridge over the Quaboag River (Bridge No. M-27-022=P-01-033), for a footprint replacement of the existing bridge structure, including the proposed riprap stabilization and central pier removal. – comments due 2/7/2024
- East Longmeadow – Arment Trucking Inc. Facility – Secretary’s Certificate ENF – Project requires an Environmental Impact Report – published 1/10/2024
- Ludlow – 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 implement an Aquatic Plant Management Program at Alden Pond in Ludlow, MA. The focus of this management will be on reducing and controlling nuisance and invasive aquatic vegetation using USEPA/MA registered aquatic herbicides & algaecides in combination with manual removal. This project aims to protect the interests of the Wetlands Protection Act by slowing eutrophication and improving habitat value. – published 1/10/2024
Downtown Complete Streets Corridor and Intersection Improvements on Main Street (Route 9) – Northampton
EEA # 16817
Site Visit: April 10, 2024 at 5:30 PM
EVENING 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.
Published March 22, 2024
Expanded Environmental Notification Form
Comments due April 22, 2024
MEPA Analyst: Eva Vaughan, (857)408-6381, Eva.Vaughan@mass.gov
Arment Trucking Inc. Facility – East Longmeadow
EEA # 16771
Published January 10, 2024
Secretary’s Certificate on ENF (click on link, then click on attachments)
Requires an Environmental Impact Report
Submitted November 22, 2023
Environmental Notification Form (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due December 12, 2023
For copies: Jiahui Wang, (617) 607-2969, jiahuiwang@vhb.com
MEPA Analyst: Purvi Patel, (617)874-0668, purvi.patel@mass.gov
Reconstruction of Sumner Avenue at Dickinson Street and Belmont Avenue (The “X”) – Springfield
EEA # 16740
Submitted October 16, 2023
Final Environmental Impact Report Certificate (click on link, then click on attachments)
Submitted September 8, 2023
“Rollover Final Environmental Impact Report” (click on link, then click on attachments)
– but when you look at the attachments, they are called “Proposed Environmental Impact Report” and appendices to the EENF and PEIR.
Comments due October 10, 2023
Site visit: August 9, 2023 at 5:30 pm
REMOTE MEETING. Please RSVP to nicholas.perry@mass.gov at least one hour before the meeting for instructions on joining the video conference or calling in by phone.
Submitted July 26, 2023
Expanded Environmental Notification Form (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due August 25, 2023
For copies: Alex Maxwell, (617) 379-5876, amaxwell@fando.com
MEPA Analyst: Nicholas Perry, (617)921-2961, Nicholas.Perry@mass.gov
Sierra Vista Commons – Easthampton
EEA # 16729
Published April 1, 2024
Secretary’s Certificate DEIR (click on link, then click on attachments)
DEIR adequately and properly complies with MEPA and its implementing regulations, project may proceed to file FEIR
Published February 23, 2024
Draft Environmental Impact Report
Comments due March 25, 2024
Issued August 16, 2023
Secretary’s Certificate ENF (click on link, then click on attachments)
Requires an Environmental Impact Report
Site visit
July 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm
95 Northampton St, Easthampton, MA 01027
Submitted July 10, 2023
Expanded Environmental Notification Form (pdf) (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due August 9, 2023
For copies: Adrienne Dunk, (201) 247-8950, Adrienne.dunk@gza.com
MEPA Analyst: Nicholas Moreno, (617)699-4254, Nicholas.Moreno@mass.gov
West Parish Water Treatment Plant – Westfield
EEA # 16658
Issued March 3, 2023
Special Review Procedure Established (click on link, then click on attachments)
Issued March 3, 2023
Secretary’s Certificate ENF (click on link, then click on attachments)
Requires an Environmental Impact Report
Site visit – February 8, 2023 at 2:00 pm
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.
Site visit – February 9, 2023 at 1:00 pm
IN PERSON – 1515 Granville Road, Westfield MA
Submitted January 25, 2023
Expanded Environmental Notification Form (pdf) (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due February 24, 2023
For copies: Kathryn Hoek, (212) 539-7248, khoek@hazenandsawyer.com
MEPA Analyst: Eva Vaughan, (857)408-6381, Eva.Vaughan@mass.gov
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Upper Van Horn Reservoir Dam Improvements Project – Springfield
EEA # 16625
Issued December 16, 2022
Secretary’s Certificate ENF (click on link, then click on attachments)
Requires a Single Environmental Impact Report
Site visit – November 30, 2022 at 6:00 pm
REMOTE MEETING. Please RSVP to Nicholas.Moreno@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.
Site visit – December 2, 2022 at 11 am
494 Armory St, Springfield, MA 01104 (parking lot east of the reservoir and dam)
Submitted November 9, 2022
Expanded Environmental Notification Form (pdf) (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due December 9, 2022
For copies: Jennifer Burke, (413) 726-2117, Jennifer.Burke@gza.com
MEPA Analyst: Nicholas Moreno, Nicholas.Moreno@mass.gov
Eversource WT-11 Transmission Right-of-Way Reliability Project
EEA # 16570
Issued September 30, 2022
Secretary’s Certificate ENF (click on link, then click on attachments)
Requires an Environmental Impact Report (Draft & Final)
Submitted June 24, 2021
Environmental Notification Form (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments now due September 23, 2022
For copies: Rebecca Weissman, (508) 233-8769, Rebecca.weissman@swca.com
MEPA Analyst: Jennifer Hughes, Jennifer.Hughes@mass.gov
Western Massachusetts Gas Reliability Project – Springfield
EEA # 16556
Issued July 14, 2023
DEIR Secretary’s Certificate (click on link, then click on attachments)
Does not adequately and properly comply with MEPA
Submitted May 10, 2023
Draft Environmental Impact Report (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due now July 7, 2023
Issued August 8, 2022
Secretary’s Certificate ENF (click on link, then click on attachments)
Requires an Environmental Impact Report
Site Visit – June 21, 2022 – 11:00 am – Meet at 14 Hazardville Road, Longmeadow – opportunity to check out most of the route
REMOTE MEETING – June 21, 2022 – 7:00 pm -Please RSVP to alexander.strysky@mass.gov at least one hour before the meeting for instructions on joining the video conference or calling in by phone
Submitted May 25, 2022
Environmental Notification Form (pdf) (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due June 14, 2022
For copies: Jeff Brandt, (978) 656-3662, Jbrandt@TRCcompanies.com
MEPA Analyst: Alexander Strysky, (857)408-6957, alexander.strysky@mass.gov
Agawam Distribution Facility – Agawam
EEA # 16492
Issued January 7, 2022
Secretary’s Certificate ENF (click on link, then click on attachments)
Requires an Environmental Impact Report
Site Visit – December 8, 2021 – 11:30 am
REMOTE MEETING. Please RSVP to erin.flaherty@mass.gov at least one hour before the meeting for instructions on joining the video conference or calling in by phone.
Submitted December 8, 2021
Environmental Notification Form (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due December 28, 2021
For copies: Jeff Bord, (508) 480-9900, jbord@bohlereng.net
MEPA Analyst: Erin Flaherty erin.flaherty@mass.gov 617-626-1128
Westfield Target Supply Chain Facility – Westfield
EEA # 16505
Submitted October 10, 2023
Notice of Project Change Certificate (click on link, then click on attachments)
Submitted September 8, 2023
Notice of Project Change (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due September 28, 2023
Issued September 30, 2022
FEIR Certificate (click on link, then click on attachments)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA
Submitted August 24, 2022
Final Environmental Impact Report (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due September 23, 2022
Issued June 17, 2022
DEIR Certificate (pdf) (click on link, then click on attachments)
Adequately and properly complies with MEPA
Submitted May 11, 2022
Draft Environmental Impact Report (click on link, then click on attachments – but when BEAT looked the attachments were not there)
Comments due June 10, 2022
Issued January 21, 2022
Secretary’s Certificate ENF (click on link, then click on attachments)
Requires an Environmental Impact Report
Submitted December 22, 2021
Environmental Notification Form (click on link, then click on attachments)
Comments due January 11, 2022
For copies: Michael Karasik, (617) 607-2936, mkarasik@vhb.com
New MEPA Analyst for NPC: Eva Vaughan, (857)408-6381, Eva.Vaughan@mass.gov
How to Submit 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 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)