Table of Contents

Chapter/Page  Introduction and Instructions  Purpose, History, and Organization of the Handbook  How to Use the Handbook  Acknowledgements and Thanks  Massachusetts Environmental Trust  Special Topics  Special Topic 1. Standard Site Preparation  Special Topic 1. Standard Site Preparation  Special Topic 2. Wetland Replication and Creation  Special Topic 2. Wetland Replication and Creation  ST 2.1. Causes for Wetland Replication and Creation  ST 2.2. Measuring and Maximizing Success in Wetland Replication  ST 2.2.1. Maximizing Success in Wetland Replication  ST 2.2.2. Measuring Wetland Replication Success  ST 2.3. Wetland Creation  Special Topic 3. Stormwater  Special Topic 3. Stormwater  ST 3.1. Stormwater: Commission Jurisdiction  ST 3.2. Stormwater Terms  ST 3.3. Reviewing and Conditioning Stormwater Management Proposals  ST 3.4. DEP Stormwater Management Standards/Regulations  ST 3.5. Estimating Stormwater Runoff  Special Topic 4. Agriculture  Special Topic 4. Agriculture  ST 4.1. Agricultural Conversions (New Agriculture) in Riverfront Area  Special Topic 5. Stream Crossing Standards  Special Topic 5. Stream Crossing Standards  ST 5.1. Goals and Appropriate Application of the Standards  ST 5.2. Minimum Design Standards for New Crossings  ST 5.3. Optimal Design Standards for New Crossings in Highly Valued Ecosystems  ST 5.4. Design Standards for Culvert Replacements  ST 5.5. Construction Best Management Practices  ST 5.6. Prioritizing Streams for Restoration  ST 5.7. Regulatory History of Stream Crossing Standards  Special Topic 6. Wildlife Habitat  Special Topic 6. Wildlife Habitat  ST 6.1. Wildlife Habitat: One of the Protected Interests  ST 6.2. Wildlife Habitat: Presumptions of Significance  ST 6.3. Wildlife Habitat Performance Standards  ST 6.4. Wildlife Habitat: Thresholds of Alteration  ST 6.5. Wildlife Habitat Evaluations  Special Topic 7. Projects in Habitat of Rare Wetlands Wildlife  Special Topic 7. Projects in Habitat of Rare Wetlands Wildlife  ST 7.1. Jurisdiction  ST 7.2. Project Application Process  ST 7.3. Decisions and Orders of Conditions  Special Topic 8. Reviewing Construction Projects  Special Topic 8. Reviewing Construction Projects  ST 8.1. Roads, Parking Lots, and Driveways  ST 8.2. Residential Construction  ST 8.3. Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Facilities  ST 8.4. Wells and Water Supplies  ST 8.5. Long-Linear Projects: Gas Pipelines, Electrical Lines  ST 8.6. Bridges  ST 8.7. Stormwater Management Systems  ST 8.8. Stream Channel or River Channel Alterations  ST 8.9. Beaver Dam Removal  ST 8.10. Stream Management  ST 8.11. Lake Management (Aquatic Weed Control)  ST 8.12. Coastal Pond Openings  ST 8.13. Creating Impoundments  ST 8.14. Pond Creation  ST 8.15. Coastal Engineering  ST 8.16. Dams  ST 8.17. Dredging  ST 8.18. Drawdown of Lakes, Ponds, and Impoundments and Withdrawals for Water Supplies  ST 8.19. Draining Land  ST 8.20. Operation and Maintenance Activities  Chapter 1: Purpose, Powers and Duties of Conservation Commissions  Chapter 1. Purpose, Powers and Duties of Conservation Commissions  1.1: Sources of Commission Authority  1.1. Sources of Commission Authority  1.1.1. The Massachusetts Constitution  1.1.2. The Conservation Commission Act  1.1.3. The Wetlands Protection Act  1.1.4. General (Non-Zoning) Wetlands Bylaws/Ordinances  1.1.5. Other Bylaws/Ordinances and Statutes  1.1.6. The Community Preservation Act  1.1.7. Consultant Fees  1.2. Applications of Commission Authority  1.3. A Brief History of Conservation Commissions  1.4: The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC)  1.4. The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC)  1.4.1. Organization  1.4.2. Programs and Services  Chapter 2: Members, Staff, and Consultants  Chapter 2. Members, Staff, and Consultants  2.1: The Volunteer Commission (Size and Terms)  2.1. A Commission of Volunteers: Members and Terms  2.1.1. Commission Size (Voting Members and Voting Alternates)  2.1.2. Commissioner Terms and Term Limits  2.2: Appointments and Vacancies  2.2. Appointments and Vacancies  2.2.1. Appointments: Pertinent Regulations  2.2.2. Appointments: How to Get Good Ones  2.2.3 Resignation and Holdovers  2.2.4. Removal of Sitting Commissioners  2.3. Officers and Division of Labor  2.4: Associate Commissioners, Unpaid Consultants and Committees  2.4. Associate Commissioners, Unpaid Consultants and Committees  2.4.1. Associate Members and Unpaid Consultants  2.4.2. Committees  2.5: Paid Staff  2.5. Paid Staff  2.5.1. The Need for Staff  2.5.2. Funding, Hiring and Supervising Staff  2.5.3. The Conservation Administrator  2.5.4. Clerical and Other Help  2.5.5: Hired Consultants  2.5.5. Hired Consultants  2.5.5.1. Ways of Obtaining Consultant Fees  2.5.5.2. “53G”: An Overview of the Law and Rule Making Under the Law  2.5.5.3. When Consultants Are Appropriate  2.5.5.4. “53G” Dedicated Fund: Collecting and Handling Fees  2.5.5.5. Choosing a Consultant and Determining Fees  2.5.5.6. Appeals and Refusal of Payment  Chapter 3: Effective Commission Operations  Chapter 3. Effective Commission Operations  3.1: The Professional Conservation Commission Office  3.1. The Professional Conservation Commission Office  3.1.1. Regular Hours of Operations  3.1.2. Necessary Office Equipment  3.1.3. The Commission Library  3.1.4: Commission Health and Safety  3.1.4. Commission Health and Safety  3.1.4.1. Public Health Issues  3.1.4.2. Personal Safety  3.2: Keeping Records  3.2. Keeping Records  3.2.1. Administrative Records  3.2.2. Local Legal Records  3.2.3. Open Space Records  3.2.4. Wetlands Records  3.2.5. Records Retention Requirements  3.2.6. The Public Records Act  3.2.7. Minutes  3.2.8. Electronic Mail  3.2.9. Notarizing Documents  3.3: Finances  3.3. Finances  3.3.1. The Commission Budget  3.3.2. Conservation Fund  3.3.3. Wetland Filing Fees  3.3.4. “53G” Dedicated Fund: Collecting and Handling Fees  3.3.5: The Uniform Procurement Act  3.3.5. The Uniform Procurement Act  3.3.5.1. Consultants, Staff, and Other Goods and Services  3.3.6. Acquisition and Leasing of Conservation Lands  3.4. Training and Support  3.5: Conflict of Interest  3.5. Conflict of Interest  3.5.1. Seeking Advice Regarding Conflict of Interest  3.5.2. Special Municipal Employees  3.5.3. The State Ethics Commission  3.6: Limited Liability for Decisions Under the Wetlands Protection Act  3.6. Limited Liability for Decisions Under the Wetlands Protection Act  3.6.1. Shields Provided in the Tort Claims Act and Civil Rights Act  3.6.2. Anti-SLAPP Protections  3.7. Addressing Wrong-Doing in Municipal Government  3.8. Municipal Charters and Conservation Commissions  Chapter 4: Commission Outreach and Advocacy  Chapter 4. Commission Outreach and Advocacy  4.1: Creating Public Awareness  4.1. Creating Public Awareness  4.1.1. Garnering Public Support and Enhancing Environmental Awareness  4.1.2. Press Coverage and Media Relations  4.2: Commission Relationship to Other Municipal Boards and Officials  4.2. Commission Relationship to Other Municipal Boards and Officials  4.2.1. Selectboard/Mayor and Town Counsel/City Solicitor  4.2.2. Town Meeting/City Council  4.2.3. Town/City Clerk  4.2.4. Finance Committee  4.2.5. Planning Board or Department  4.2.6. Community Preservation Committee  4.2.7: Board of Health and Sewer Board  4.2.7. Board of Health and Sewer Board  4.2.7.1 Beavers  4.2.7.2 Septic Systems and Sewers  4.2.8. Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator  4.2.9. Zoning Board of Appeals  4.2.10. Inter-Board Coordination of Development Review  4.2.11. Police Department and Fire Department  4.2.12. Forests and Parks Office, Recreation Commission and Cemetery Commission  4.2.13. Agricultural Commission  4.2.14. Highway Department/Department of Public Works  4.3: Working with Private Environmental Organizations  4.3. Working with Private Environmental Organizations  4.3.1. Land Trusts  4.3.2. Watershed Associations  4.3.3. Professional Organizations  4.4: Getting Approval for Commission Efforts  4.4. Getting Approval for Commission Efforts  4.4.1. Logistics  4.4.2. Key Boards and Other Players  4.4.3. Publicity  4.4.4. Town Meeting or City Council Meeting  4.4.5. Ballot Votes  4.4.6. Follow Up  4.5: Advocacy and Lobbying at the State Level  4.5. Advocacy and Lobbying at the State Level  4.5.1. Lobbying: What It Is and Why Commissions Should Get Involved  4.5.2: Lobbying and the Legislative Process  4.5.2. Lobbying and the Legislative Process  4.5.2.1. The Bill Process  4.5.2.2. Testifying at Legislative Hearings  4.5.3. Providing Input to State Agencies and the Administration  4.5.4. The Courts  4.5.5. Referendums  Chapter 5: Open Space: Purpose and Planning  Chapter 5. Open Space: Purpose and Planning  5.1: Open Space: Definitions and Values  5.1. Open Space: Definitions and Values  5.1.1. Protecting Water Quality and Water Supply  5.1.2. Wildlife Habitat and Diversity  5.1.3. Rare Species  5.1.4. Providing Recreation and Aesthetics  5.1.5. Defining Community Character  5.1.6. Providing Educational Opportunities  5.1.7. Economic Advantages of Local Open Space  5.2: Municipal Land Conservation Strategies: A Range of Options  5.2. Municipal Land Conservation Strategies: A Range of Options  5.2.1. Municipal Ownership of Conservation Land  5.2.2. Conservation Restrictions and Other Restrictions  5.2.3. Zoning and Other Bylaws/Ordinances  5.3: Open Space and Recreation Plans  5.3. Open Space and Recreation Plans  5.3.1. OSRPs Relationship to the Master Plan  5.3.2. Identifying Local Resources: Maps and Other Useful Tools  5.3.3. Analysis: Mapping Protected and Unprotected Open Space  5.3.4. Setting Land Conservation Priorities  5.3.5. Preparing the Plan  5.3.6. Division of Conservation Services Requirements  5.3.7. Implementing the Plan  Chapter 6: Acquiring Land  Chapter 6. Acquiring Land  6.1. The Steps in a Land Acquisition  6.2: Due Diligence: Title Examination, Survey, and Environmental Site Assessment  6.2. Due Diligence: Title Examination, Survey, and Environmental Site Assessment  6.2.1. Getting Good Title: Title Examinations and Surveys  6.2.2. Environmental Site Assessment  6.3: Gifts of Land  6.3. Gifts of Land  6.3.1. Accepting Gifts of Land and Bargain Sales  6.3.2. Gifts of Land “in Trust”  6.3.3. “Conditional” Gifts  6.4: Municipal Purchase of Land  6.4. Municipal Purchase of Land  6.4.1. Agreements and Options  6.5: Protecting Land through the Development Permitting Process  6.5. Protecting Land through the Development Permitting Process  6.5.1. Open Space Residential Development and Transfer of Development Rights  6.5.2. Negotiated Open Space  6.5.3. Documenting and Tracking Open Space Conveyances  6.6. Assuming Control of Other Municipal Land  6.7: Eminent Domain: Introduction  6.7. Eminent Domain: Introduction  6.7.1. Taking Land  6.7.2. “Friendly” Eminent Domain to Clear Title  6.7.3. Provisional Eminent Domain  6.8: Tax Title Land (Land Taken for Unpaid Property Taxes)  6.8. Tax Title Land (Land Taken for Unpaid Property Taxes)  6.8.1. “Strict Foreclosure” Tax Title Proceedings  6.8.2. “Low Value” Tax Title Proceedings  6.8.3. Transfer of Tax Title Land  6.8.4. Taking Tax Title Land by Eminent Domain  Chapter 7: Using Restrictions to Protect Land  Chapter 7. Using Restrictions to Protect Land  7.1: Conservation Restrictions (CRs)  7.1. Conservation Restrictions (CRs)  7.1.1: CRs: An Introduction to the Process  7.1.1. CRs: An Introduction to the Process  7.1.1.1. Creating and Holding a Restriction Under the Conservation Restriction Act  7.1.1.2. Conservation Restriction Approval Requirements  7.1.1.3. Conservation Restriction Ownership  7.1.1.4. Funding to Acquire Conservation Restrictions  7.1.1.5. Tax Benefits for Donating CRs, Donating Conservation Land, and Bargain Sales  7.1.1.6. Conservation Restriction Valuation  7.1.2. Determining What Land is Suitable for CRs  7.1.3. Drafting Conservation Restrictions  7.1.4: Activities Permitted on and Requirements for Conservation Restrictions  7.1.4. Activities Permitted on and Requirements for Conservation Restrictions  7.1.4.1. Reserved Rights and Prohibited Uses  7.1.4.2. Public Benefits from CRs  7.1.5. Monitoring and Enforcing Conservation Restrictions  7.2: Easements vs. Restrictions  7.2. Easements vs. Restrictions  7.2.1. What is an Easement?  7.2.2. How Does a Restriction Differ from an Easement?  7.2.3. Restrictions Not Created Under the Conservation Restriction Act  7.2.4. Durations of Restrictions  7.3: Agricultural Preservation Restrictions  7.3. Agricultural Preservation Restrictions  7.3.1. The History of APRs  7.3.2. Eligibility and Approval Process  7.3.3. Once an APR is in Place  7.4. Watershed Preservation, (Historic) Preservation, and Affordable Housing Restrictions  Chapter 8: Temporary Land Protection Mechanisms  Chapter 8. Temporary Land Protection Mechanisms  8.1: “Chapter Land” (MGL Chapters 61, 61A and 61B: An Introduction  8.1. “Chapter Land” (MGL Chapters 61, 61A and 61B: An Introduction  8.1.1. Forestry Land (Chapter 61)  8.1.2. Agricultural Land (Chapter 61A)  8.1.3. Recreational Land (Chapter 61B)  8.1.4. Right of First Refusal  8.1.5. Determining Price Under Right of First Refusal  8.1.6. Planning Ahead for Chapter Land Acquisition  8.2. Protecting Land through the Subdivision Control Law  Chapter 9: Municipal Conservation Land: Policy and Management  Chapter 9. Municipal Conservation Land: Policy and Management  9.1: Setting Land Use Policy  9.1. Setting Land Use Policy  9.1.1. Managing Land: Balancing Varied Interests  9.1.2. Developing a Conservation Land Use Policy  9.1.3. Conservation Care, Custody and Control of Conservation Land  9.2: Conservation Land Use Management Plans and Regulations  9.2. Conservation Land Use Management Plans and Regulations  9.2.1. Determining the Need for a Management Plan  9.2.2. Setting Management Goals and Developing a Management Plan  9.2.3. Land Use Regulations  9.2.4. Enforcement of Conservation Land Use Regulations  9.2.5. Conservation Land Improvement Projects and Wetland Laws  9.3: Recreational Use of Conservation Land  9.3. Recreational Use of Conservation Land  9.3.1. Passive Recreation  9.3.2. Active Recreation  9.3.3. Fishing, Hunting and Trapping  9.3.4. Motorized Vehicles in Ponds and on Roads  9.4: Agriculture  9.4. Agriculture  9.4.1: Environmentally Sound (“Sustainable”) Agriculture  9.4.1. Environmentally Sound (“Sustainable”) Agriculture  9.4.1.1. Low-Impact Agricultural Activities  9.4.1.2. Larger-Scale Agriculture  9.4.2: Legal Aspects of Allowing Commercial Agriculture on Conservation Land  9.4.2. Legal Aspects of Allowing Commercial Agriculture on Conservation Land  9.4.2.1. Agricultural Leases versus Agricultural Licenses  9.4.2.2. Taxes, Profits and Proceeds  9.5: Forestry  9.5. Forestry  9.5.1. Environmentally Sound Forest Management  9.5.2. Forestry Operations  9.6: Enhancing the Ecological Value of Natural Areas  9.6. Enhancing the Ecological Value of Natural Areas  9.6.1. Open Fields  9.6.2. Lakes, Ponds and Beaches  9.6.3. Streams, Rivers, Wetlands and Floodplains  9.6.4. Native versus Alien and Invasive Plants  9.6.5. Rare Species  9.7: Enhancing Appreciation of Conservation Land with Improved Infrastructure  9.7. Enhancing Appreciation of Conservation Land with Improved Infrastructure  9.7.1. Trails, Bridges and Boardwalks  9.7.2. Signs and Kiosks  9.7.3. Maps and Brochures  9.7.4. Parking and Other Amenities  9.7.5. Accessibility  9.7.6. Existing Buildings  9.7.7. General Maintenance, Monitoring and Cleanup  9.8: Access, Fees and Liability  9.8. Access, Fees and Liability  9.8.1. Public Access and User Fees  9.8.2. Liability for Accidents and Damage to Adjacent Property  9.9: Funding and Implementing Land Use Management Plans  9.9. Funding and Implementing Land Use Management Plans  9.9.1. Funding Options and the Use of Contractors on Conservation Land  9.9.2. Volunteers, Partners, and “Friends” Working on Conservation Land  9.10: Threats to Conservation Land  9.10. Threats to Conservation Land  9.10.1: Sale or Conversion of Conservation Land to Other Municipal Uses  9.10.1. Sale or Conversion of Conservation Land to Other Municipal Uses  9.10.1.1. The Conservation Commission Process for “Disposing” of Conservation Land  9.10.1.2. The Community (and State) Process for “Disposing” of Conservation Land  9.10.1.3. The State Legislative Process for “Disposing” of Conservation Land  9.10.2. Utilities and Telecommunication Facilities on Conservation Land  9.10.3. Energy Facilities on Conservation Land  9.10.4. Roadway/Highway Encroachment on Conservation Land  9.10.5. Adverse Possession  9.10.6. Encroachment by Abutters  Chapter 10: Funding Land Protection  Chapter 10. Funding Land Protection  10.1: Local Government Funding Programs  10.1. Local Government Funding Programs  10.1.1: The Conservation Fund  10.1.1. The Conservation Fund  10.1.1.1. Purpose and Advantages of a Conservation Fund  10.1.1.2. Logistics of Using a Conservation Fund  10.1.1.3. Making Large Capital Expenditures  10.1.2: The Community Preservation Act  10.1.2. The Community Preservation Act  10.1.2.1. Overview and Advantages  10.1.2.2. Adoption of the CPA  10.1.2.3. Sources, Handling and Distribution of CPA Funds  10.1.2.4. The Community Preservation Committee  10.1.2.5. Qualifying Projects under the CPA  10.1.2.6. Approval of Projects  10.1.2.7. Land Ownership and Management  10.1.3. Local Appropriations and Borrowing to Fund Land Acquisition  10.1.4. Limited Development as a Funding Mechanism  10.2: State (and Federal) Grant Programs  10.2. State (& Federal) Grant Programs  10.2.1. Overview of the LAND, PARC and LWCF Grant Programs  10.2.2. LAND Program (Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity)  10.2.3. PARC Program (Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities)  10.2.4. LWCF (Land and Water Conservation Fund)  10.2.5: Getting and Implementing DCS Grants (PARC, LAND, LWCF)  10.2.5. Getting and Implementing DCS Grants (PARC, LAND, LWCF)  10.2.5.1. Eligibility and Funding Criteria  10.2.5.2. Payment Up-Front and Reimbursement by State Grants  10.2.5.3. Procedures for Securing a State Grant  10.2.5.4. Appraisals  10.2.2.5. Uses and Management of Acquired Lands  10.2.6. APR (Agricultural Preservation Restriction)  10.2.7. Conservation Partnership Program  10.2.8. MassDOT (Department of Transportation) Programs  10.2.9. Additional State Environmental Grant Programs  10.3: Federal Government Funding Programs  10.3. Federal Government Funding Programs  10.3.1. Land and Water Conservation Fund  10.3.2. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service-Financial and Technical Assistance Programs  10.3.3. USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service-Easements Programs  10.3.4. DOI Surplus Property Program  10.3.5. U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) Programs  10.4. Land Trust and Other Private Support Sources  10.5. Land Protection by the State and Federal Government  Chapter 11: Tax Benefits of Land Gift, Sale or Donation  Chapter 11. Tax Benefits of Land Gift, Sale or Donation  11.1. Federal Income Tax: Deductions for Gifts  11.2. State Income Tax: Credit for Gifts  11.3. Federal and State Capital Gains Tax: Savings for Gifts  11.4: Federal Estate Tax  11.4. Federal Estate Tax  11.4.1. Introduction to Federal Estate Tax  11.4.2. Reserved Life Estate  11.5: Local Real Estate Tax  11.5. Local Real Estate Tax  11.5.1. Municipal Conservation Land’s Tax Status  11.5.2. Conservation Restrictions’ Tax Status  11.5.3: Tax Implications for Land Under MGL Chapter 61, 61A and 61B  11.5.3. Tax Implications for Land Under MGL Chapter 61, 61A and 61B  11.5.3.1. “Chapter Land” (MGL Chapters 61, 61A and 61B): Introduction  11.5.3.2. Chapter 61: Forestry Land  11.5.3.3. Chapter 61A: Agricultural Land  11.5.3.4. Chapter 61B: Recreational Land  11.5.4. Wetlands  11.6. Bargain Sales: Federal Income Tax Benefits  11.7. Historic Structures: Tax Benefits  Chapter 12: Wetlands Science  Chapter 12. Wetlands Science  12.1. Physical Characteristics of Wetlands  12.2. Factors Influencing Wetland Formation  12.3. Wetland Functions and Values  12.4. History of Wetland Use  12.5. Wetland Loss  12.6. Wetland Protection  Chapter 13: Sources of Wetland Regulatory Authority  Chapter 13. Sources of Wetland Regulatory Authority  13.1: The Wetlands Protection Act  13.1. The Wetlands Protection Act  13.1.1. Purpose of the Act: Do Not Remove, Fill, Dredge, or Alter a Wetland Without a Permit  13.1.2. Eight Protected Interests  13.1.3. Protected Resource Areas  13.1.4. Activities Regulated by the Act  13.1.5. Amendments  13.2. The State Wetlands Protection Regulations: An Introduction  13.3. Local Wetlands Bylaws/Ordinances  13.4: Additional Sources of Regulatory Direction  13.4. Additional Sources of Regulatory Direction  13.4.1. Wetlands Protection Policies  13.4.2. Wetlands Protection Guidances and Manuals  13.4.3. Wetlands Protection Forms  13.4.4. MassDEP and DALA Rulings on Appeals  13.4.5. Key Legal Decisions Regarding Wetlands and Floodplains  13.4.5. Key Legal Decisions Regarding Wetlands and Floodplains  13.4.5.1. Wetlands Protection Act and Related Cases (chronological)  13.4.5.2. Wetlands Bylaw/Ordinance Cases (chronological)  13.4.5.3. Selected Floodplain Cases (chronological)  13.5: Regulatory Takings  13.5. Regulatory Takings  13.5.1. Regulatory Takings: A Narrative Description  13.5.2. Regulatory Takings: Legal Standards  13.5.3: Regulatory Takings: U.S. Supreme Court Decisions  13.5.3. Regulatory Takings: U.S. Supreme Court Decisions  13.5.3.1. Purpose and Impact Tests (U.S. Supreme Court)  13.5.3.2. The Means Test (U.S. Supreme Court)  13.5.3.3. Ripeness Doctrine (U.S. Supreme Court)  13.5.4: Takings Cases in Massachusetts  13.5.4. Takings Cases in Massachusetts  13.5.4.1. Introduction to Takings Cases in Massachusetts  13.5.4.2. Defining the Parcel (Massachusetts Case Law)  13.5.4.3. The Purpose Test (Massachusetts Case Law)  13.5.4.4. The Impact Test (Massachusetts Case Law)  13.5.5. Relief Granted for Takings  13.5.6. Advice for Conservation Commissions on Regulatory Takings  Chapter 14: Non-Zoning Wetlands Bylaws/Ordinances  Chapter 14. Non-Zoning Wetlands Bylaws/Ordinances  14.1: Introduction to Non-Zoning Wetlands Bylaws/Ordinances  14.1. Introduction to Non-Zoning Wetlands Bylaws/Ordinances  14.1.1. Zoning vs. Non-Zoning Bylaws/Ordinances  14.1.2. The Advantages of a Non-Zoning Bylaw/Ordinance  14.1.3. Common Goals of Bylaws/Ordinances  14.1.4. Having a Bylaw/Ordinance: Responsibilities  14.1.5. Bylaws/Ordinances: Stricter Standards Required  14.2. Procedure for Adoption of a New Bylaw/Ordinance  14.3. Procedure for Revision of an Existing Bylaw/Ordinance  14.4: The MACC Model Wetlands Bylaw  14.4. The MACC Model Wetlands Bylaw  14.4.1. Section I. Purpose and Protected Interests  14.4.2: Section II. Resource Areas and Jurisdiction  14.4.2. Section II. Resource Areas and Jurisdiction  14.4.2.1. Resource Areas  14.4.2.2. Setbacks, No-Disturb Areas, and Other Expansions of Jurisdiction  14.4.3. Section IX. Definitions  14.4.4: Section III. Exemptions, Exceptions, and “Grandfathering”  14.4.4. Section III. Exemptions, Exceptions, and “Grandfathering”  14.4.4.1. Exemptions and Exceptions to Consider “Removing”  14.4.4.2. Exemptions and Exceptions to Consider “Including”  14.4.5: Section IV. Applications and Fees  14.4.5. Section IV. Applications and Fees  14.4.5.1. Filing Fees  14.4.5.2. Consultant Fees  14.4.6. Section V. Notice and Hearings  14.4.7. Section VI. Coordination with Other Boards  14.4.8. Section VII. Permits and Conditions: Expanded Review and Stricter Performance Standards  14.4.9. Section X. Security  14.4.10. Section XII. Burden of Proof  14.4.11. Section XIII. Appeals  14.4.12. Section XI. Enforcement  14.4.13. Section VIII. Regulations, Guidelines, and Policies  14.4.14. Section XV. Severability  Chapter 15: Commissions’ Wetland Jurisdiction under the Act: A Summary  Chapter 15. Commissions’ Wetland Jurisdiction under the Act: A Summary  15.1. Jurisdiction: Areas, Interests, and Activities  15.2. Jurisdiction in Resource Areas  15.3. Jurisdiction in Buffer Zones  15.4. Jurisdiction outside Resource Areas and Buffer Zones  15.5. Jurisdiction over Stormwater outside Resource Areas and Buffer Zones  Chapter 16: Jurisdictional Resource Areas: Definitions, Values, and Performance Standards  Chapter 16. Jurisdictional Resource Areas: Definitions, Values, and Performance Standards  16.1: An Introduction to Wetland Resource Areas (from the Act and the Regulations)  16.1. An Introduction to Wetland Resource Areas (from the Act and the Regulations)  16.1.1. Jurisdictional Areas Defined in the Wetlands Protection Act  16.1.2. Jurisdictional Areas and Buffer Zones Defined in the Wetlands Protection Regulations  16.1.3. Performance Standards for Each Resource Area and its Buffer Zone  16.2: Defining Wetland Boundaries: An Introduction  16.2. Defining Wetland Boundaries: An Introduction  16.2.1. Wetland Resource Areas’ Diverse Nature  16.2.2. Why We Define and Delineate Wetland Boundaries  16.2.3. Resource Area Boundaries: A Confusing Arena  16.2.4. Overlapping and Abutting Resource Areas  16.3: Waterbodies and the Concept of “Bordering” on a Waterbody  16.3. Waterbodies and the Concept of “Bordering” on a Waterbody  16.3.1. Waterbodies Part I: Ocean, Estuaries, Creeks, Rivers, and Streams  16.3.2. Waterbodies Part II: Ponds and Lakes  16.3.3. The Concept of “Bordering” a Waterbody  16.4: Coastal Resource Areas: An Introduction  16.4. Coastal Resource Areas: An Introduction  16.4.1. Organization of the Coastal Regulations  16.4.2. Permits for Coastal Projects: Many May Apply  16.5: Land Under the Ocean  16.5. Land Under the Ocean  16.5.1. Definition of Land Under Oceans (LUO)  16.5.2. Work in Land Under Oceans  16.6: Designated Port Areas  16.6. Designated Port Areas  16.6.1. Definition of Designated Port Areas (DPAs)  16.6.2. Work in DPAs  16.7: Coastal Beaches and Tidal Flats  16.7. Coastal Beaches and Tidal Flats  16.7.1. Definitions of Coastal Beaches and Tidal Flats  16.7.2. Values of Coastal Beaches and Tidal Flats  16.7.3. Work in Coastal Beaches  16.8: Coastal Dunes  16.8. Coastal Dunes  16.8.1. Definitions of Coastal Dunes  16.8.2. Values of Coastal Dunes  16.8.3. Work in Coastal Dunes  16.9: Barrier Beaches  16.9. Barrier Beaches  16.9.1. Definition of Barrier Beaches  16.9.2. Values of Barrier Beaches  16.9.3. Work in Barrier Beaches  16.10: Coastal Banks  16.10. Coastal Banks  16.10.1. Definition of Coastal Banks  16.10.2. Values of Coastal Banks  16.10.3. Work on Coastal Banks  16.11: Rocky Intertidal Shores  16.11. Rocky Intertidal Shores  16.11.1. Definition of Rocky Intertidal Shores  16.11.2. Value of Rock Intertidal Shores  16.11.3. Work in Rocky Intertidal Shores  16.12: Salt Marshes  16.12. Salt Marshes  16.12.1. Definition of Salt Marshes  16.12.2. Values of Salt Marshes  16.12.3. Work in Salt Marshes  16.13: Land Under Salt Ponds  16.13. Land Under Salt Ponds  16.13.1. Definition of Land Under Salt Ponds  16.13.2. Values of Land Under Salt Ponds  16.13.3. Work in Land Under Salt Ponds  16.14: Land Containing Shellfish  16.14. Land Containing Shellfish  16.14.1. Definition of Land Containing Shellfish  16.14.2. Values of Land Containing Shellfish  16.14.3. Work in Land Containing Shellfish  16.15: Anadromous/Catadromous Fish Runs  16.15. Anadromous/Catadromous Fish Runs  16.15.1. Definitions and Values of Anadromous/Catadromous Fish Runs  16.15.2. Work in Anadromous/Catadromous Fish Runs  16.16: Land Subject to Tidal Action (LSTA) or Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF)  16.16. Land Subject to Tidal Action (LSTA) or Coastal Storm Flowage (LSCSF)  16.16.1: LSTA, LSCSF, A-Zones, and V-Zones: Definitions and Introduction  16.16.1. LSTA, LSCSF, A-Zones, and V-Zones: Definitions and Introduction  16.16.1.1. LSTA and LSCSF Defined  16.16.1.2. A-Zones and V-Zones Defined  16.16.1.3. Coastal Storms  16.16.2. Values of LSTA and LSCSF  16.16.3: Work in LSTA and LSCSF  16.16.3. Work in LSTA and LSCSF  16.16.3.1. Work in LSTA and LSCSF: Introduction  16.16.3.2. Dealing with the Lack of Performance Standards for LSTA and LSCSF  16.16.3.3. Flood Prevention and Storm Damage Prevention  16.16.3.4. Pollution Prevention and Septic Systems in LSCSF and LSTA  16.16.3.5. Stormwater  16.16.3.6. Wildlife  16.16.3.7. A-Zone and V-Zone Construction Standards  16.17: Inland Wetland Resource Areas: An Introduction  16.17. Inland Wetland Resource Areas: An Introduction  16.17.1. Presumptions of Significance: An Introduction  16.17.2. Performance Standards: An Introduction  16.18: Banks (Inland)  16.18. Banks (Inland)  16.18.1. Definition of Bank  16.18.2. Values and Presumption of Significance of Bank  16.18.3. Work in Bank: Performance Standards  16.19. Freshwater Wetlands  16.20: Bordering Vegetated Wetlands  16.20. Bordering Vegetated Wetlands  16.20.1. Definition of BVW  16.20.2: Delineating BVWs  16.20.2. Delineating BVW  16.20.2.1. Introduction to Delineating BVWs  16.20.2.2. Differing Federal, State and Local Approaches to Delineation  16.20.2.3. General Methodology for BVW Delineation  16.20.2.4. BVW Delineation: Wetland Plants and Indicator Status  16.20.2.5. BVW Delineation: Indicators of Wetland Hydrology  16.20.2.6. Steps for Delineating a BVW  16.20.3. The BVW Boundary Delineation and Review Process  16.20.4. Values and Presumption of Significance of BVWs  16.20.5. Work in BVW: Performance Standards  16.21: Isolated Vegetated Wetland (IVW): Not Protected Under the Act or Regulations  16.21. Isolated Vegetated Wetland (IVW): Not Protected Under the Act or Regulations  16.21.1. Definition of Isolated Vegetated Wetlands (IVWs)  16.21.2. Values of IVWs  16.21.3. IVWs: Protection Under the Clean Water Act  16.21.4. IVWs: Protection Under Local Bylaws  16.21.5. Protection Under Local Bylaws  16.22: Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways (Inland)  16.22. Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways (Inland)  16.22.1. Definition of Land Under Waterbodies and Waterways (Inland)  16.22.2. LUW: Values and Presumption of Significance  16.22.3. Work in LUW: Performance Standards  16.23: Land Subject to Flooding  16.23. Land Subject to Flooding  16.23.1: Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF)  16.23.1. Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF)  16.23.1.1. BLSF Definition  16.23.1.2. BLSF Values and Presumption of Significance  16.23.1.3. Work in BLSF and Performance Standards  16.23.2: Isolated Land Subject to Flooding (ILSF)  16.23.2. Isolated Land Subject to Flooding (ILSF)  16.23.2.1. ILSF Definition  16.23.2.2. ILSF Values and Presumption of Significance  16.23.2.3. Work in ILSF and Performance Standards  16.23.3: Vernal Pool Habitat  16.23.3. Vernal Pool Habitat  16.23.3.1. Vernal Pool and Vernal Pool Habitat Definition  16.23.3.2. Values  16.23.3.3. Work in Vernal Pools and Performance Standards  16.23.4. Certifying Vernal Pools  16.24: Riverfront Area (RFA)  16.24. Riverfront Area (RFA)  16.24.1. Presumptions and Values  16.24.2: Defining and Delineating Riverfront Area  16.24.2. Defining and Delineating Riverfront Area  16.24.2.1. Definition of a River  16.24.2.2. Distinguishing Between Perennial and Intermittent  16.24.2.3. Start and Mouth of a River  16.24.2.4. When is a River Not a River? A Look at Lakes, Ponds (versus Riverine Characteristics), and Culverts, and Named Rivers  16.24.2.5. RFA Inner Boundary: Mean Annual High Water (MAHW) Line and Bankfull Conditions  16.24.2.6. Outer Boundary of RFA  16.24.2.7. Overlap of RFA with Other Resource Areas  16.24.3: Work in RFA: Performance Standards  16.24.3. Work in RFA: Performance Standards  16.24.3.1. Introduction and General Performance Standards  16.24.3.2. The Alternatives Analysis: An Introduction  16.24.3.3. The Alternatives Analysis: Determination of “Practicable” and “Substantially Equivalent Economic Alternative”  16.24.3.4. The Alternatives Analysis: An Example  16.24.3.5. The Alternatives Analysis: Scope of Alternatives to Be Considered  16.24.3.6. Determining “No Significant Adverse Impact”  16.24.4: Exceptions  16.24.4. Exceptions  16.24.4.1. Exempt or “Grandfathered” Projects  16.24.4.2. “Limited” Projects  16.24.4.3. Densely Developed Areas; Reduction in Width of Riverfront Area  16.24.4.4. “Redevelopment”: Projects in Previously Developed and Degraded Areas  16.25: Buffer Zone  16.25. Buffer Zone  16.25.1. Definition of Buffer Zone  16.25.2. Commission Review of Work in the Buffer Zone  16.25.3. Asserting Jurisdiction over Work Outside the Buffer Zone  Chapter 17: Wetland Functions and Values: The Eight Protected Interests  Chapter 17. Wetland Functions and Values: The Eight Protected Interests  17.1: Public and Private Water Supply  17.1. Public and Private Water Supply  17.1.1. Public and Private Water Supply: Introduction  17.1.2. Public Water Supplies  17.1.3. Private Water Supplies  17.2: Prevention of Pollution  17.2. Prevention of Pollution  17.2.1. Living Filters  17.2.2. Water Flow Patterns and Residence Time  17.2.3. Assimilating Increased Pollutant Loads  17.2.4. Detention, Transformation and Release of Nutrients and Suspended Materials  17.2.5. Temperature  17.3: Groundwater Supply  17.3. Groundwater Supply  17.3.1. Groundwater Recharge  17.3.2. Groundwater Discharge  17.3.3. Groundwater Elevation or Water Table  17.3.4. Groundwater Gradient  17.3.5. Groundwater Quality  17.4: Flood Control  17.4. Flood Control  17.4.1. Retention  17.4.2. Detention  17.4.3. Bank Storage and Interflow  17.4.4. Barrier Protection  17.5: Storm Damage Prevention  17.5. Storm Damage Prevention  17.5.1. Storm Damage Prevention through Stabilizing Vegetation  17.5.2. Storm Damage Prevention through Retention and Detention of Stormwater  17.5.3. Storm Damage Prevention through Dissipation of Wave Energy  17.6: Protection of Fisheries  17.6. Protection of Fisheries  17.6.1. Introduction  17.6.2. Preventing Contamination  17.6.3. Providing Food  17.6.4. Providing/Protecting Fish Habitat  17.7. Protection of Land Containing Shellfish  17.8: Protection of Wildlife Habitat  17.8. Protection of Wildlife Habitat  17.8.1. Wildlife Habitat: An Introduction  17.8.2. Hydrologic Regime  17.8.3. Plant Community Composition and Structure  17.8.4. Soil Composition and Structure  17.8.5. Topography  17.8.6. Water Quality  17.9. Public Interests Served by Some Wetlands but NOT Protected by the Act  Chapter 18: Regulated Activities, Non-Regulated Activities, Exemptions, and Allowances  Chapter 18. Regulated Activities, Non-Regulated Activities, Exemptions, and Allowances  18.1. Whose Activities are Regulated?  18.2. Regulatable Activities (Remove, Fill, Dredge or Alter)  18.3. Non-Regulatable Activities (Part I): Activities that Don’t Remove, Fill, Dredge or Alter  18.4: Non-Regulatable Activities (Part II): Exceptions from Regulation by Law  18.4. Non-Regulatable Activities (Part II): Exceptions from Regulation by Law  18.4.1: Agriculture and Forestry Exemptions: An Introduction  18.4.1. Agriculture & Forestry Exemptions: An Introduction  18.4.1.1. Land in Agricultural Use  18.4.1.2. Normal Maintenance or Improvement of Land in Agricultural Use  18.4.1.3. Forestry  18.4.2. Mosquito Control  18.4.3. “Minor” Projects  18.4.4. Utility Exemptions  18.5: Negative Presumptions  18.5. Negative Presumptions  18.5.1. “Title 5”  18.5.2. NPDES-Permitted Point Source Discharges  18.5.3: Rights-of-Way and Public Utilities: Maintenance Exemptions  18.5.3. Rights-of-Way and Public Utilities: Maintenance Exemptions  18.5.3.1. Herbicide Spraying on Rights-of-Way: Introduction  18.5.3.2. Herbicides on Rights-of-Way: Vegetation Management Plans (VMPs)  18.5.3.3. Herbicide Spraying on Rights-of-Way: The Yearly Operational Plan (YOP)  18.5.4. Government Projects  18.5.5. Maintenance Dredging  18.6. Provisionally Exempt Activities Subject to Review: Agricultural Water Projects  18.7: “Limited” Projects (Discretionary Projects)  18.7. “Limited” Projects (Discretionary Projects)  18.7.1. “Limited” Projects for Filling Wetlands for Roadways and Driveways  18.7.2. “Limited” and Related Projects for Agriculture, Forestry, and Wildlife  18.7.3. “Limited” Projects for Paths in Riverfront Areas  18.7.4. “Limited” Projects to Improve the Natural Capacity of a Resource Area  18.8. The 5,000-Square-Foot Provision and Phased or Segmented Projects  18.9. Emergencies and Emergency Certifications  18.10. Activities Not Regulated by the Act but Regulated by Local Bylaws/Ordinances  18.11. Variances (granted by DEP)  Chapter 19: The Permitting Process  Chapter 19. The Permitting Process  19.1: Permitting Introduction: Necessary Information and Legal Timeframes  19.1. Permitting Introduction: Necessary Information and Legal Timeframes  19.1.1. Pertinent Laws and Regulations  19.1.2. Proper Permitting Analyses and Procedures  19.1.3. Timeframes for Permits and Appeals  19.1.4. Life Span of Permits  19.1.5. Approaches to Permitting Work in the Buffer Zone  19.1.6. Approaches to Permitting Work in Wetland Resource Areas  19.2: Requests for Determinations of Applicability (RDAs) and Determinations of Applicability (DOAs)  19.2. Requests for Determinations of Applicability (RDAs) and Determinations of Applicability (DOAs)  19.2.1. Purpose of an RDA  19.2.2. Procedures for an Applicant Filing an RDA  19.2.3. Procedures for a Commission Receiving an RDA and Holding a Public Meeting  19.2.4. Procedures for Issuing a DOA  19.2.5. The Meaning and Contents of a Positive Determination of Applicability  19.2.6. The Meaning and Contents of a Negative Determination of Applicability  19.3: Abbreviated Notices of Resource Area Delineation (ANRADs) and Orders of Resource Area Delineations (ORADs)  19.3. Abbreviated Notices of Resource Area Delineation (ANRADs) and Orders of Resource Area Delineations (ORADs)  19.3.1. Purpose of an ANRAD  19.3.2. Procedures for an Applicant Filing and a Commission Receiving an ANRAD  19.3.3. Reviewing a Wetland Boundary Under an ANRAD  19.3.4. Issuing an Order of Resource Area Delineation  19.4: Notices of Intent (NOIs) and Orders of Conditions (OOCs): An Introduction  19.4. Notices of Intent (NOIs) and Orders of Conditions (OOCs): An Introduction  19.4.1. Purpose of an NOI  19.4.2. Full (Form 3) versus Abbreviated (Form 4) Notices of Intent  19.4.3. The Applicant’s Responsibilities (a Summary)  19.4.4. MassDEP’s Responsibilities (a Summary)  19.4.5. The Commission’s Responsibilities (a Summary)  19.5: The Components of an NOI: Receipt and Review  19.5. The Components of an NOI: Receipt and Review  19.5.1. The Goal: Avoid, Minimize, Mitigate  19.5.2. Checking the Mail  19.5.3. “Received” versus “Complete”  19.5.4. Dealing with Incomplete Applications  19.5.5. The Contents of an NOI: How Much Detail is Necessary  19.5.6. Narrative Description of Work  19.5.7: Site Plans: An Overview  19.5.7. Site Plans: An Overview  19.5.7.1. Changes in Vegetation, Topography, and Soils  19.5.7.2. Construction Period Runoff, Erosion and Sedimentation Control  19.5.8. Wetland Data Sheets for Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) Delineation  19.5.9. Calculations  19.5.10. USGS Quadrangle Map/Locus Map  19.5.11. Information on Rare Species Habitat  19.5.12: Filing Fees  19.5.12. Filing Fees  19.5.12.1. Filing Fees: Summary of Categories  19.5.12.2. Filing Fees: Detailed Description of Categories  19.5.12.3. Filing Fees: Exemptions  19.5.12.4. Administering the Fee System  19.5.13. Other Necessary Permits, Approvals, and Variances  19.6: Public Meetings  19.6. Public Meetings  19.6.1. The Open Meeting Law  19.6.2. Where and When to Hold Public Meetings  19.6.3. What Business is Conducted in a Public Meeting  19.6.4. Notification Requirements for Public Meetings  19.6.5: Quorum and Majority  19.6.5. Quorum and Majority  19.6.5.1. Quorum and Majority Defined  19.6.5.2. Quorum and Majority for Voting on, Approving/Denying, and Signing Decisions  19.6.6. Developing Guidelines for Meeting Procedures  19.7: Public Hearings  19.7. Public Hearings  19.7.1. Purpose  19.7.2: Timeframes and Notification Requirements  19.7.2. Timeframes and Notification Requirements  19.7.2.1. Notification of Abutters  19.7.2.2. Public Notice of Each Hearing; Placing Legal Ads  19.7.3. Information Needed in Advance of the Hearing  19.7.4. Conducting the Hearing  19.7.5. Continuing the Hearing  19.7.6. Closing the Hearing  19.7.7. Record Keeping: An Essential Task  19.7.8: Attendance Requirements for Voting (the Mullin Rule)  19.7.8. Attendance Requirements for Voting (the Mullin Rule)  19.7.8.1. Quorum and Majority for Voting on, Approving/Denying, and Signing Decisions  19.7.8.2. The Mullin Rule and the Wetlands Protection Act  19.7.8.3. The Mullin Rule and Wetlands Bylaws and Ordinances  19.8: Orders of Conditions  19.8. Orders of Conditions  19.8.1. Purpose of an Order of Conditions  19.8.2. Steps in Preparing and Issuing an Order of Conditions  19.8.3. The Order of Conditions Form (WPA Form 5)  19.8.4: Findings of Fact  19.8.4. Findings of Fact  19.8.4.1. Specify Approved Plans and Permitted, Required, and Prohibited Activities  19.8.4.2. Resource Area Boundaries and Significance  19.8.4.3. Impacts of Work  19.8.4.4. Basis for Special Conditions  19.8.5: Performance Standards  19.8.5. Performance Standards  19.8.5.1. Performance Standards for Most Projects  19.8.5.2. Thresholds for Discretionary (“Limited”) Projects  19.8.6. Conditions in an Order Approving a Project  19.8.7: Conditions in an Oder Denying a Project  19.8.7. Conditions in an Oder Denying a Project  19.8.7.1. Denial for Failure to Meet Performance Standards  19.8.7.2. Denial for Unacceptable Discretionary Project  19.8.7.3. Denial for Insufficient Information  19.8.7.4. Drafting a Denial  19.8.8. Notifications of Non-Significance  19.8.9. Issuing the Decision (Approval, Denial, or Notice of Non-Significance)  19.8.10. Recording the Order of Conditions  19.9: Site Visits: Pre-Hearing, Pre-Construction, and Construction Period  19.9. Site Visits: Pre-Hearing, Pre-Construction, and Construction Period  19.9.1. The Pre-Hearing Site Visit  19.9.2. The Pre-Construction Site Visit  19.9.3. Construction Period Site Visits  19.10: Amendments, Extensions, Revocations, and Certificates of Compliance  19.10. Amendments, Extensions, Revocations, and Certificates of Compliance  19.10.1: Amending or Modifying Orders of Conditions  19.10.1. Amending or Modifying Orders of Conditions  19.10.1.1. Correcting a Minor Error  19.10.1.2. Amending an Order  19.10.1.3. Issuing a New Order of Conditions  19.10.2. Extensions  19.10.3. Revoking Orders  19.10.4: Certificates of Compliance  19.10.4. Certificates of Compliance  19.10.4.1. Purpose of a Certificate of Compliance  19.10.4.2. Procedure for Issuing a Certificate of Compliance  19.11: Emergencies and Emergency Certifications  19.11. Emergencies and Emergency Certifications  19.11.1. Emergency Certification Procedures  19.11.2. Agricultural Emergencies  19.11.3. Snow Emergencies and Snow Disposal  19.11.4. Waiver of Filing Requirements For Clean-up After a Destructive Storm  Chapter 20: Appeals  Chapter 20. Appeals  20.1. What is an Appeal?  20.2. What Decisions/Actions can be Appealed and to Whom?  20.3. Who May File an Appeal  20.4. Common Reasons for Appeals  20.4. Common Reasons for Appeals  20.4.1. Procedural Issues  20.4.2. Jurisdictional Disagreements  20.4.3. Overcoming Presumptions of Significance  20.4.4. Concerns that the Order of Conditions Is Too Stringent  20.4.5. Concerns about the Potential Impacts of the Proposed Activity  20.5. Timeframes for Appeals  20.6: Procedure for Appealing Decisions Under the Act  20.6. Procedure for Appealing Decisions Under the Act  20.6.1: The Initial Appeals to DEP  20.6.1. The Initial Appeals to DEP  20.6.1.1. Filing the Appeal  20.6.1.2. The Commission’s Role  20.6.1.3. MassDEP’s Review of the Initial Appeal Case  20.6.1.4. MassDEP’s Decisions: Remands, Affirmations and Superseding Decisions  20.6.1.5. Intervention in an Appeal  20.6.2: Adjudicatory Proceedings  20.6.2. Adjudicatory Proceedings  20.6.2.1. Who Can Request an Adjudicatory Hearing?  20.6.2.2. Procedure for Requesting an Adjudicatory Hearing  20.6.2.3. Intervention in an Appeal of a Superseding Order or Determination  20.6.2.4. Request for Dismissal or Summary Judgment  20.6.2.5. Prehearing Conference  20.6.2.6. Pre-Filed Direct Testimony  20.6.2.7. The Adjudicatory Hearing  20.6.3. Appeal to Superior Court  20.7: Procedures for Appealing Bylaw/Ordinance Decisions  20.7. Procedures for Appealing Bylaw/Ordinance Decisions  20.7.1. What can be Appealed?  20.7.2: Appealing Local Decisions (a Separate Appeal Pathway)  20.7.2. Appealing Local Decisions (a Separate Appeal Pathway)  20.7.2.1. Bylaw/Ordinance Appeal Process – A Certiorari Review of the Record  20.7.2.2. The Commission’s Role  20.7.2.3. Decisions and Further Appeals  20.7.2.4. Alternate Routes: Dispute Resolution  20.8. Procedures for Appealing Enforcement Orders  Chapter 21: Enforcement of Wetland Laws  Chapter 21. Enforcement of Wetland Laws  21.1: An Introduction to Enforcement  21.1. An Introduction to Enforcement  21.1.1. Avoiding or Minimizing the Need for Enforcement  21.1.2. MassDEP’s Wetlands Enforcement Manual  21.1.3. Responsibility and Authority  21.2: Types of Violations (and How they are Found)  21.2. Types of Violations (and How They Are Found)  21.2.1. Unpermitted Work in the Buffer Zone  21.2.2. Unpermitted Work in a Wetland Resource Area  21.2.3. Violation of an Order of Condition or Determination of Applicability  21.2.4. Work Outside the Buffer Zone: After-the-Fact Jurisdiction  21.3: Addressing Violations  21.3. Addressing Violations  21.3.1. Timing of Enforcement Actions  21.3.2. Documenting Violations  21.3.3: Site Visits: Access  21.3.3. Site Visits: Access  21.3.3.1. Right of Entry onto Private Property  21.3.3.2. Obtaining a Search Warrant  21.3.4. Informal Enforcement  21.3.5: Formal Enforcement  21.3.5. Formal Enforcement  21.3.5.1. Violation Notices  21.3.5.2. Enforcement Orders  21.3.5.3. Revoking an Order of Conditions  21.3.5.4. Commission Legal Action: Introduction  21.3.5.5. Commission Legal Action: Civil Actions  21.3.5.6. Commission Legal Action: Collecting Fines Under “Section 21D”  21.3.5.7. Commission Legal Action: Criminal Action  21.3.6: Involving Other Agencies in Enforcement  21.3.7: Fines and Non-Criminal Disposition (Ticketing)  21.3.7. Fines and Non-Criminal Disposition (Ticketing)  21.3.7.1. Fines and Penalties under the Wetlands Protection Act  21.3.7.2. Tickets and Fines Under Local Law and Non-Criminal Disposition (“§21D”)  Chapter 22: Other Laws Involved in Natural Resource Protection  Chapter 22. Other Laws Involved in Natural Resource Protection  22.1: Wetlands Protection – Beyond the State Act/Regulations and Local Laws/Regulations  22.1. Wetlands Protection – Beyond the State Act/Regulations and Local Laws/Regulations  22.1.1. Federal Wetlands Protection  22.1.2. State Coastal and Inland Wetlands Restriction Acts  22.1.3. Local Zoning Approaches to Wetlands Protection  22.2: Floodplain Protection  22.2. Floodplain Protection  22.2.1. Floodplain Protection: an Introduction  22.2.2: FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program  22.2.2. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program  22.2.2.1. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program: Introduction  22.2.2.2. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps  22.2.2.3. FEMA (and Local) Standards  22.2.2.4. FEMA Enforcement  22.2.3: Local Zoning Bylaws and Ordinances to Protect Floodplains  22.2.3. Local Zoning Bylaws and Ordinances to Protect Floodplains  22.2.3.1. Floodplain Zoning: An Introduction  22.2.3.2. Appeals of and Relief from Local Floodplain Zoning Decisions  22.2.3.3. Massachusetts Court Decisions Affirming Floodplain Zoning  22.2.4. Commission’s and Floodplain Regulation  22.3: Water Quality Protection  22.3. Water Quality Protection  22.3.1. Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899  22.3.2. The Federal Clean Water Act  22.3.3: NPDES  22.3.3. NPDES  22.3.3.1. NPDES Permit Requirements  22.3.3.2. NPDES Construction General Permits (CGPs)  22.3.3.3. MS4 Permits (Federal Stormwater Requirements)  22.3.4: Clean Water Act Section 404: An Introduction  22.3.4. Clean Water Act Section 404: an Introduction  22.3.4.1. Section 404: Jurisdiction  22.3.4.2. Section 404: The Massachusetts Programmatic General Permit (PGP)  22.3.4.3. Massachusetts Programmatic General Permit (PGP) Jurisdiction  22.3.4.4. Mass. PGP Stream Crossing Standards  22.3.4.5. Interaction of Section 404 with State Wetlands Laws  22.3.5: Clean Water Act Section 401: Water Quality Certification  22.3.5. Clean Water Act Section 401: Water Quality Certification  22.3.5.1. Section 401 Water Quality Certification: An Introduction  22.3.5.2. Section 401 Water Quality Certification Program: Criteria  22.3.6: Surface Water Quality Standards and Outstanding Resource Waters  22.3.6. Surface Water Quality Standards and Outstanding Resource Waters  22.3.6.1. Surface Water Quality Standards  22.3.6.2. Outstanding Resource Waters  22.3.7. The State Clean Water Act  22.4: Drinking Water Supply Protection  22.4. Drinking Water Supply Protection  22.4.1: Aquifer and Wellhead Protection  22.4.1. Aquifer and Wellhead Protection  22.4.1.1. Aquifer and Wellhead Protection: Introduction  22.4.1.2. Private Wells  22.4.1.3. Public Wells  22.4.1.4. Local Bylaws/Ordinances for Aquifer and Wellhead Protection  22.4.1.5. Commission’s Authority re Aquifer and Wellhead Protection  22.4.2. Drinking Water and Title 5  22.4.3. Protection of Reservoirs and Public Water Supplies  22.4.4. Watershed Protection Act: Quabbin Res., Wachusett Res., Ware River  22.4.5. Federal Safe Drinking Water Act  22.5: Water Use Regulation  22.5. Water Use Regulation  22.5.1. Interbasin Transfer Act  22.5.2. Water Management Act  22.6: Rivers, Waterways, and Ponds  22.6. Rivers, Waterways, and Ponds  22.6.1. Rivers Protection Act  22.6.2: Chapter 91 Waterways Licensing Program  22.6.2. Chapter 91 Waterways Licensing Program  22.6.2.1. Chapter 91 History  22.6.2.2. Chapter 91 Objectives  22.6.2.3. Chapter 91 Jurisdiction  22.6.2.4. Chapter 91 Regulations  22.6.2.5. Chapter 91 Regulations and the Local Conservation Commission  22.6.2.6. Chapter 91 Regulations and the Local Zoning Controls  22.6.3: Wild and Scenic Rivers  22.6.3. Wild and Scenic Rivers  22.6.3.1. State Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act  22.6.3.2. Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act  22.6.4: Great Ponds  22.6.4. Great Ponds  22.6.4.1. Great Pond Ownership  22.6.4.2. Great Pond Access and Regulation  22.6.4.3. Great Ponds: Conservation Commission Involvement  22.7: Dams  22.7. Dams  22.7.1. Office of Dam Safety and Dam Regulations  22.7.2. Conservation Commissions and Dam Regulation  22.8: Coastal Areas  22.8. Coastal Areas  22.8.1. Coastal Zone Management  22.8.2. MGL Chapter 91: The Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act  22.8.3. Title 5 and Coastal V-Zones  22.8.4. Ocean Sanctuaries  22.8.5. Coastal Mining  22.8.6. Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard Commissions  22.8.7. Coastal Barriers Resources Act (CBRA)  22.9: Areas of Critical Environmental Concern  22.9. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern  22.9.1. ACEC Introduction  22.9.2. ACEC Regulation  22.10: Protection of Plants and Animals  22.10. Protection of Plants and Animals  22.10.1. Federal Endangered Species Act  22.10.2: Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA)  22.10.2. Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA)  22.10.2.1. MESA: An Introduction  22.10.2.2. MESA: Determining Status and Priority Habitats  22.10.2.3. Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP)  22.10.2.4. MESA and the Wetlands Protection Act  22.10.2.5. MESA and Other Laws  22.10.3. Further Protection of Plants  22.10.4. Chapter 131 §80A, “Beaver Nuisance Abatement Law”  22.11: Forest Management  22.11. Forest Management  22.11.1. Forest Cutting Practices Act (FCPA)  22.11.2. FCPA Forestry Standards and the Wetlands Protection Act  22.11.3 Exemptions and “Limited Projects” under the Wetlands Protection Act  22.11.4. FCPA and Riverfront Areas  22.11.5. Cutting Standards  22.11.6. FCPA: The Role of the Conservation Commission  22.11.7. Management of State Forests and Parks  22.12: Agriculture  22.12. Agriculture  22.12.1. Agricultural Activities: Definition and Regulation  22.12.1 Agricultural Activities: Definition and Regulation  22.12.1.1. State Agriculture Regulation  22.12.1.2. Agriculture (including Forestry) and the Wetlands Protection Act and Regulations  22.12.1.3. Agriculture: Local Zoning and Other Local Regulation  22.12.2. Conservation Districts and the NRCS  22.13: Herbicides and Pesticides  22.13. Herbicides and Pesticides  22.13.1. Regulation of Use  22.13.2: Pesticides and the Conservation Commission  22.13.2. Pesticides and the Conservation Commission  22.13.2.1. Using Pesticides on Municipal Land  22.13.2.2. Regulating Pesticide Use in General  22.13.2.3. Pesticides in Vegetation Management on Utility Rights of Way: Introduction  22.13.2.4. Vegetation Management Plans  22.13.2.5. Yearly Operating Plans  22.13.2.6. Wetlands Boundary Delineation  22.13.2.7. Sensitive Areas  22.13.3: Government Insecticide Programs  22.13.3. Government Insecticide Programs  22.13.3.1. Mosquito Control  22.13.3.2. Tree Pests, etc.  22.13.4. Herbicide Treatment in Lakes and Ponds  22.14: Zoning for Improved Development  22.14. Zoning for Improved Development  22.14.1. Park Land Acquisition  22.14.2. Requirements for Open Space, Water, Sewerage, Drainage, etc.  22.15: Subdivisions: The Comprehensive Permit Law (“Chapter 40B”)  22.15. Subdivisions: The Comprehensive Permit Law (“Chapter 40B”)  22.15.1. “40B”: An Overview  22.15.2. Projects that Qualify for 40B Status  22.15.3: The 40B Process  22.15.3. Pesticides and the Conservation Commission  22.15.3.1. The Role of the ZBA  22.15.3.2. ZBA Considerations  22.15.3.3. The Order of Permit Applications  22.15.3.4. Timeline  22.15.4. Appeals of ZBA Decisions  22.15.5. The Conservation Commission’s Role in 40B Reviews  22.15.6: Affordable Housing Solutions  22.15.6. Affordable Housing Solutions  22.15.6.1. The Benefits and Challenges of Affordable Housing  22.15.6.2. Planning for Affordable Housing  22.15.6.3. Strategies for Creating Affordable Housing  22.16: Sewage Treatment and Disposal  22.16. Sewage Treatment and Disposal  22.16.1. Title 5 and Board of Health Regulations  22.16.2. Larger Sewage Treatment Facilities  22.16.3. Sewers and their Environmental Impacts  22.17: Solid and Hazardous Waste  22.17. Solid and Hazardous Waste  22.17.1. Solid Waste  22.17.2. Hazardous Materials  22.17.3. Recycling  22.18: Roads  22.18. Roads  22.18.1. Public and Private Ways  22.18.2. Road Design, Planning and Funding  22.18.3. Road Salt  22.19. Energy and Communications Facilities  22.20: Environmental Impact Statement Laws  22.20. Environmental Impact Statement Laws  22.20.1. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and EISs  22.20.2: Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA)  22.20.2. Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA)  22.20.2.1. Applicability  22.20.2.2. Process  22.20.2.3. Generic EIRs (GEIRs)  22.20.2.4. Reviewing and Commenting on MEPA Projects  22.20.2.5. MEPA and Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs)  22.20.3. More on Impact Statement Laws  22.21: Citizens’ Right of Action Laws  22.21. Citizens’ Right of Action Laws  22.21.1. “Damage to the Environment”  22.21.2. “Adjudicatory Proceedings”  22.22: Special Resources: Protection through Zoning  22.22. Special Resources: Protection through Zoning  22.22.1. Introduction to Zoning for Natural Resource Protection  22.22.2. Earth Removal (Zoning and Non-Zoning Controls)  22.22.3: Historic Areas  22.22.3. Historic Areas  22.22.3.1. Local Historic Control  22.22.3.2. State and Federal Historic Control  22.22.4. Scenic Roads  22.22.5. Public Shade Trees  22.23: Other Issues Conservation Commission Face  22.23 Other Issues Conservation Commission Face  22.23.1. Defacing Natural Scenery  22.23.2. Billboard and Sign Control  22.23.3. Motorized Recreational Vehicles  22.23.4. Junk Yards and Abandoned Vehicles  22.23.5. 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