Citizens' Guide to State Services:
Environment

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1000
Fax: 617-626-4900
E-mail: env.internet@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-energy-and-environmental-affairs

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs serves as the principal agency for improving the quality of the environment and protecting the natural resources of the Commonwealth. It is an administrative office which is responsible for the management and policy decisions of the Departments of: Agricultural Resources, Conservation and Recreation, Energy Resources, Environmental Protection, Fish and Game, and the Department of Public Utilities. These departments and the divisions within serve to protect and promote all the natural resources and energy used in the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR)

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114-2104-2151
Phone: 617-626-1700
Fax: 617-626-1850
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-department-of-agricultural-resources
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:45-5:00

The Massachusetts Department of Agriculture is a regulatory agency whose purpose is to ensure the quality of certain agricultural products and to prevent disease through the inspection of poultry and livestock and through the control of plant pests and diseases. It also inspects all dairy farms, which produce fluid milk for sale in the state. The department, through its agricultural development programs, serves as a promotional agent for Massachusetts-grown products, encouraging their sale at farmer's markets, agricultural fairs, roadside stands, and supermarkets. In addition, the department maintains the Rabies Control Program and the following boards, commissions and divisions: Agricultural Lands Preservation Committee; Board of Agriculture; Farm Technology Review Commission; Pesticide Board; Dairy Promotion Board; State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board; Division of Agricultural Markets; Division of Animal Health; Division of Crop and Pest Services and the Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance. Additional agricultural information available from the UMass Extension Service. Their regional office located in Amherst is open by appointment only. Call: 413-548-1900.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
1 Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
Main Number: 617-292-5500
Toll Free: 1-800-462-0444 (within Mass. only)
Fax: 617-556-1049
E-mail: dep.infoline@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-department-of-environmental-protection

To Report a Hazardous Spill:   617-626-1665, or 1-888-304-1133
To Report an Environmental Crime:   1-888-VIOLATE (846-5283)

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection administers the Commonwealth's environmental regulatory programs for air, water, solid waste, and land use controls. Through its bureaus, department and divisions it has the authority and responsibility for the management and control of air quality, regulation of the activities affecting wetlands, oversight and regulation of the quality of drinking water, management of water quality, control of pollution of all waters of the Commonwealth including ground water, control of aquatic vegetation, regulation of the disposal of all solid wastes, the storage and transportation of hazardous wastes, protection of offshore resources, regulation of billboards, and assurance of the sanitary quality of shellfish harvesting areas. DEP regulates more than 13,000 facilities across Massachusetts, including factories, commercial establishments, gas stations, power plants, landfills, incinerators, and wastewater treatment facilities. Under the "Community Right-to-Know Law" (MGL Ch. 111F), Massachusetts citizens have the right to find out what toxic or hazardous substances are being used or stored by employers in their communities, if they believe that the substances may endanger public health or safety.

Regional Offices

Lakeville
20 Riverside Drive
Lakeville, MA 02347
Phone: 508 946-2700

Springfield
436 Dwight Street
Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: 413 784-1100

Wilmington
205 B Lowell Street
Wilmington, MA 01887
Phone: 978 694-3200

Worcester
8 New Bond Street
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508 792-7650

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)

Charlestown Navy Yard
100 First Avenue, Building 39
Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone: 617-242-6000
TTY: 617-788-4971
www.mwra.com

24/7 Emergency TTY:   617-371-1903
24/7 MWRA Drinking Water Quality:   617-242-5323
24/7 Deer Island Odor Control:   617-660-7633
24/7 To Report a MWRA Water Leak:   617-305-5950
24/7 To Report a MWRA Sewer Leak:   617-305-5940

On July 1, 1985, an independent Massachusetts Water Resources Authority assumed the responsibility for the sewer and waterworks system of the Energy and former  MDC. (The Water Division and the Sewer Division of the MDC were abolished and a new Watershed Management Division of the MDC was created to manage the watershed lands, including the Quabbin and other state reservoirs.) It is also the agency primarily responsible for the Boston Harbor cleanup. The MWRA has two main divisions, the Sewerage Division and the Waterworks Division, which operate the sewer and water delivery systems for the metropolitan area. The MWRA also has the authority to rebuild sewage treatment plants and water supply pipelines. Other divisions include administration and finance, construction, engineering, law, and support. The MWRA is administratively placed within but not subject to the control of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

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Division of Water Supply Protection

Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-4987
Well Drillers Registration Program: 617-292-5681
www.mass.gov/orgs/dcr-office-of-watershed-management

The Division of Water Supply Protection was established under Ch. 372 of the Acts of 1984 at the time the independent Massachusetts Water Resources Authority was created. It is responsible for the quantity and quality of the drinking water supplied to over two million people in the Boston metropolitan area. The division, through its offices of Watershed Management and Water Resources, manages the Quabbin, Wachusett, and Sudbury reservoirs and more than 100,000 acres of watershed land which surrounds these water supplies. The division is responsible for forestry and wildlife management throughout the watershed areas. It administers a visitors' center and programs to preserve the history and pristine quality of these areas.

Quabbin Visitor Center
100 Windsor Dam Road
Mailing Address: 485 Ware Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Phone: 413-323-7221
Emergency/Violations: 413-323-7561

Wachusett and Sudbury Reservoirs
180 Beaman Street
West Boylston, MA 01583
Phone: 508-792-7806
Emergency/Violations: 978-365-3800

Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM)

Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, Suite 800
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1200
Boston Harbor Region: 617-626-1064
Coastal Zone Information Line: 617-626-1212
Fax: 617-626-1204
E-mail: czm@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-office-of-coastal-zone-management

Massachusetts Bays Program: 617-626-1230
www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/mass-bays-program/

The Coastal Zone Management Office implements state policy concerning the protection, development, and revitalization of resources of the Massachusetts coastal zones. It helps coastal communities implement CZM grants and reviews all federal activities that affect Massachusetts coastal areas. CZM also administers the Massachusetts Bay National Estuary Program.

Regional Offices

Superior Court House
Mailing address: P.O. Box 220
Barnstable, MA 02630-0220
Phone: 508-375-6856

East Wareham
2870 Cranberry Highway
East Wareham, MA 02538
Phone: 508-291-3625, ext. 12

Gloucester
2 State Fish Pier
Gloucester, MA 01930-3016
Phone: 978-281-3972

Scituate
175 Edward Foster Road
Scituate, MA 02066
Phone: 781-546-6012

Office of Dam Safety

Department of Conservation and Recreation
John Augustus Hall
180 Beaman Street
West Boylston, MA 01583
Phone: 508-792-7716, ext. 600
E-mail: dam.safety@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/office-of-dam-safety

The Office of Dam Safety regulates for public safety over 2,900 public and privately-owned dams across Massachusetts through mandated safety inspections, operation and construction permitting, and managing the repair of identified deficient municipally owned dams.

Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA)

Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1060
Fax: 617-626-1095
Email: maota@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-technical-assistance-and-technology

The Office of Technical Assistance and Technology, a branch of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, is a non-regulatory state agency whose mission is to assist industry in reducing the use of toxic substances and/or the generation of toxic byproducts. OTA can also assist companies with energy, water and resource conservation. The Office was established by the 1989 Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA).

Boat and Recreation Vehicle Registration and Titling Bureau

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Massachusetts Environmental Police
251 Causeway Street, Suite 101
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1610
Fax: 617-626-1630
www.mass.gov/orgs/boat-and-recreation-vehicle-registration-and-titling-bureau
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00

The Boat, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV), and Snowmobile Registration and Titling Bureau is responsible for registering motorboats, snowmobiles, and recreation vehicles in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There are five regional offices within the state. If you are registering a boat, off-highway vehicle, or snowmobile for the first time, check with this office for the documentation that you need to bring to the Registration Office. While cash is not accepted, personal checks or money orders are. There is also an online option for registration, please call or visit their website for further information, hours and forms as well as information on the safety programs offered.

Regional Offices

Fall River
218 South Main Street, 3rd Floor
Fall River, MA 02721
Phone: 508-679-8287

Hyannis
60 Perseverance Way
Hyannis, MA 026011
Phone: 508-771-8382

Springfield
1 Federal Street, Building 101
Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: 413-733-1642

Worcester
67 Millbrook Street, Suite 350, 3rd Floor
Worcester, MA 01606
Phone: 508-753-0603

Massachusetts Environmental Police

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, Suite 101
Boston, MA 02114-2153
Phone: 617-626-1650
24/7 Emergergy Phone: 1-800-632-8075 (within Massachusetts only)
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-environmental-police

The Office of Law Enforcement enforces all the rules and regulations promulgated by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, including those relating to pollution, hunting, littering, shellfishing, lobstering, and hazardous waste. The office has been organized into the Coastal, Inland, Environmental Crimes, and Marine Theft Bureaus, (see below).

Coastal Enforcement Bureau

Inland Enforcement Bureau

Environmental Crimes Bureau

Marine Theft Bureau

Gloucester Regioanl Office

Environmental Strike Force

Department of Environmental Protection
1 Winter Street, 3rd. Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-556-1000
E-mail: ESF.Hotline@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/how-to/environmental-violations

Environmental Emergencies (spills) Toll Free: 1-888-304-1133 (within Mass. only)
Environmental Crimes Toll Free: 1-888-846-5283 (within Mass. only)

The Environmental Strike Force is an inter-agency environmental law enforcement unit comprised of experienced scientific, technical, and legal staff from MassDEP; environmental police officers and state police; and prosecutors from the Office of the Attorney General. Citizens are encouraged to call their local fire department first, then the Strike Force when they see or suspect illegal dumping or other environmental violations. All calls are handled confidentially.

Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Unit (MEPA)

Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1031
Fax: 617-626-1181
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-environmental-policy-act-office

MEPA is the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, MG.L. C.30, Ss.61-62H. The current statute was enacted in 1977. Current MEPA regulations, 301 CMR 11.00, were promulgated in 1998. The statute requires that all agencies of the Commonwealth determine the impact on the natural environment of all works, projects, or activities conducted by them and use all practicable means and measures to avoid or minimize the environmental harm that has been identified. It also provides the procedure (using the Environmental Impact Reports or, EIRs) by which that obligation will be satisfied and authorizes the Secretary of Environmental Affairs to oversee the review process. MEPA applies to projects directly undertaken by state agencies and to private projects for which state permits are sought or in which state funding or land transfer is involved; the MEPA regulations set up project review thresholds. MEPA does not apply to projects needing only local approvals. MEPA also publishes the Environmental Monitor.

Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1500
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-fish-and-game
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:45-5:00

The Department Fish and Game is charged with stewardship responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants and natural communities. The Department, through its Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Division of Marine Fisheries, Division of Ecological Restoration and Office of Fishing and Boating Access maintains and improves the state's rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, coastal waters and wild lands through programs of research, restoration development and land acquisition. It also enforces all environmental laws relating to fishing, hunting, hazardous waste, illegal dumping, boating and recreational vehicles. The Department supports recreational uses of the state's wildlife lands consistent with the agency's mission.

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Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife)

Department of Fish and Game
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: 508-389-6300
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife
E-mail: mass.wildlife@state.ma.us

Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program
Phone: 508-389-6360
www.mass.gov/orgs/masswildlifes-natural-heritage-endangered-species-program
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is responsible for protecting and enhancing the state's inland fish, wildlife and plant resources for the benefit and enjoyment of its citizens. Among its many programs are the acquisition and management of more than 100 thousand acres of wildlife lands, research and regulatory authority over the use of the state’s renewable fish and wildlife resources, inventory, mapping and restoration of rare species and habitats, environmental review under the state Endangered Species and Wetlands Protection Act, propagation and stocking of more than 600 thousand trout annually, hunter education, information and outreach services and wildlife-oriented curriculums schools. MassWildlife’s five regional offices provide technical assistance to the public regarding wildlife questions and problems, outdoor recreation, and regional wildlife lands. The division is responsible for the issuance of rules and regulations pertaining to fishing, hunting, and sporting, and also issues state licenses and permits for these activities at its wildlife district offices. These licenses are also available at most local city or town halls, and many sporting goods stores. The division also issues special permits for research, salvage, exhibits, propagation, rehabilitation, problem animal control permits and taxidermy.

Regional Offices

Ayer
85 Fitchburg Road
Ayer, MA 01432
Phone: 978-772-2145

Belchertown
341 East Street
Belchertown, MA 01007
Phone: 413-323-7632

Buzzards Bay
195 Bournedale Road
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
Phone: 508-759-3406

Dalton
88 Old Winsor Road
Dalton, MA 01226
Phone: 413-684-1646

West Boylston
211 Temple Street
West Boylston, MA 01583
Phone: 508-835-3607

Division of Marine Fisheries

Department of Fish and Game
251 Causeway Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114-2152
Phone: 617-626-1520
Fax: 617-626-1509
E-mail: marine.fish@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-marine-fisheries

The programs of this division include biological investigations and inventories of the state's marine resources, investigations into the causes and effects of fish kills and pollution, assessment of the impact of coastal alteration and power plant siting and generation, and the provision of basic information and guidelines for the effective management and development of marine resources and marine recreational fisheries in the Commonwealth. The division also has many biologists to aid recreational fishermen. Its Commercial Fisheries Bureau's activities encompass extensive services to commercial fishermen, processors, and dealers; technical assistance to those involved in shellfish propagation management and harvest; and the administration of state aid funds to municipalities for local shellfish management and enforcement programs. It issues licenses for lobstering, commercial shellfishing, and commercial finfishing; also, anyone engaged in the wholesale or retail trade of raw fish, shellfish, lobsters, and raw bait must obtain a dealer permit from the division. Non-commercial (family) lobster and crab permits are issued by the division. All licenses are issued at the Boston office and may be purchased by mail. Shellfish permits are required by each local jurisdiction. 

Regional Offices

Annisquam River Marine Fisheries Station
30 Emerson Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: 978-282-0308

New Bedford
1213 Purchase St. - 3rd Floor
New Bedford, MA 02740
Phone: 508-990-2860

Shellfish Purification Plant
84 82nd Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-4323
Phone: 978-465-3553
(no permits at this location)

Martha's Vineyard Field Station
51 Shirley Avenue
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Phone: 508-693-0060
(no permits at this location)

MassGIS

Executive Office of Technology Services and Security
1 Ashburton Place, Room 819
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-619-5611
Email: massgismail@mass.gov
www.mass.gov/orgs/massgis-bureau-of-geographic-information

MassGIS is the Commonwealth's Bureau of Geographic Information, within the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (formerly MassIT) of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. Through MassGIS, the Commonwealth has created a comprehensive, statewide database of geospatial information. The state legislature has established MassGIS as the official state agency assigned to the collection, storage and dissemination of geographic data. MassGIS promotes and guides spatial data development, supports GIS users throughout a variety of state agencies, departments and offices, sets standards, supports the Commonwealth's web mapping services, coordinates GIS activity with other state and regional agencies, and provides communities with assistance in GIS development. MassGIS distributes data from its database via free download from their web site.

Division of Environmental Analysis

Department of Environmental Protection
Senator William X. Wall Experiment Station
37 Shattuck Street
Lawrence, MA 01843-1398
Phone: 978-682-5237
Air Assessment Branch: 978-975-1138
Fax: 978-688-0352
www.mass.gov/locations/william-x-wall-experiment-station-massdep
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:45-5:00 (except holidays)

The Division of Environmental Analysis includes the state environmental reference laboratory and the state principal drinking water laboratory. The division's primary mission is to provide technical and laboratory support to all DEP programs. Environmental monitoring data generated by the division is used for all DEP programs to: 1) make operational and programmatic decisions; 2) directly support major criminal and civil enforcement actions; 3) support investigations which result in the identification of pollution sources that then become the subject of enforcement; and 4) measure the success and environmental impact of protection efforts. The division's Laboratory Certification Program certifies commercial and municipal environmental laboratories in Massachusetts and other states for chemical and microbiological analyses of potable and non-potable water.

Board of Registration of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals

Department of Environmental Protection
1 Winter Street, 3rd floor
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-556-1091
Email: LSP.Board@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-hazardous-waste-site-cleanup-professionals

This board determines whether applicants meet the criteria to obtain a license as a Licensed Site Professional (commonly referred to as LSPs). Chapter 21A: 19-19J of the Massachusetts General Laws required the establishment of this board and the licensure of LSPs, who issue Waste Site Cleanup Activity Opinions. These opinions, filed with the Department of Environmental Protection, describe whether contamination is present at a particular site, the work needed for site cleanup, and whether that work has been completed. Other professionals in the field of waste site cleanup may continue to provide their services without a license, particularly in assessing properties which may or may not become chosen as sites targeted for cleanup by the state. However, when the Department of Environmental Protection requires a Waste Site Cleanup Activity Opinion, it must be prepared by an LSP.

Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR)

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Office of Coastal Zone Management
251 Causeway Street, Suite 800
Boston, MA 02114-2199
Phone: 617-626-1141
E-mail: victor.mastone@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/czm/buar/

Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 6, sections 179-180, and Chapter 91, section 63, the Board is charged with the responsibility of encouraging the discovery and reporting, as well as the preservation and protection, of underwater archaeological resources. Generally, those resources are defined as abandoned property, artifacts, treasure troves, and shipwrecks which have remained unclaimed for over 100 years, or exceed a value of $5,000, or are judged by the Board to be of historical value. The Commonwealth holds title to these resources and retains regulatory authority over their use. The Board's jurisdiction extends over the inland and coastal waters of the state.

Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114-2104
Phone: 617-626-1250
Fax: 617-626-1351
E-mail: mass.parks@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation

The Department of Conservation and Recreation responsibility includes the management of the forests and parks and roadway system with over a quarter of a million acres of public land and the management of water resources, waterways, and dams. The Division of MassParks is primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the state parks, pools and paths and trails for biking and hiking. Other divisions and offices include Water Supply Protection, Water Supply Protection, Office of Watershed Management, Office of Water Resources, Division of Engineering, and the Bureau of Planning, Design & Resource Protection. There are many Regional Offices, please call or visit their website.

MassParks

Department of Conservation and Recreation
251 Causeway Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2104
Phone: 617-626-1250
Toll Free: 1-800-831-0569
TTY: 1-877-620-0833
Campground Reservations Toll Free: 1-877-422-6762
Fax: 617-626-1351
E-mail: mass.parks@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/visit-Massachusetts-state-parks
www.mass.gov/find-dcr-rail-trails-and-other-shared-use-paths

There are many facilities for swimming, camping, hiking, walking and bike riding at MassParks but they also offer fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, sailing, wind surfing, rock climbing, skiing, golfing, and other recreational activities. There are opportunities for picnics, outdoor performances, areas to rent for company or family gatherings, historic sites, skating rinks, playgrounds, athletic fields, interpretive programs and much more. Telephone reservations may be made at a state park or forest, up to 120 days in advance for a seven-night stay or more, or up to 2 days in advance for a shorter stay, by calling the individual site. Call the toll free number listed above for further details. Discount passes for seniors and the handicapped are available.

Pesticide Program

Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114-2104
Phone: 617-626-1784
www.mass.gov/pesticide-examination-and-licensing

This office controls the use and application of pesticides and also investigates alleged misuse of pesticides. It licenses exterminators and those who use pesticides on the land of another.

State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board

Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1723
www.mass.gov/state-reclamation-and-mosquito-control-board-srmcb

The board, which has the statutory responsibility to oversee mosquito control activities in the Commonwealth, administers funds and provides technical assistance to the nine regional mosquito control projects. It also gives technical assistance to communities that have or wish to establish mosquito control programs.

Office of the Attorney General

Energy and Environmental Bureau
1 Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-2200
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-attorney-general-maura-healey

The Attorney General's office, as a public service, has put together a helpful brochure to assist people in understanding the law regarding the right to beach access, to the extent that it has been settled. It provides simple answers to commonly asked questions about the ownership of the coast. In particular, it highlights ways that coastal property owners who want to let the public gain access through or along their property can do so while avoiding liability and at the same time preserve their own rights.

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Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management

Coastal Zone Management
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, Suite 800
Boston, MA 02114-2138
Phone: 617-626-1200
Fax: 617-626-1240
E-mail: czm@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/public-access-and-coast-guide-program

The Coastal Zone Management offers information in print and mobile app designed to assist the citizen understand and access the areas along our coastline. The office publishes “The Massachusetts Coast Guide: to Boston Harbor and the North Shore”, and posts “Public Rights along the Shoreline” as well as Coast Guide Online showing federal, state, municipal and non-profit ownership. It also has helpful online historical background on public rights to coastal access in Massachusetts.

Waterways Regulation Program

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Department of Environmental Protection
1 Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-292-5929
www.mass.gov/guides/chapter-91-the-Massachusetts-public-waterfront-act

The public rights to access to filled tidelands, which are protected by a state law commonly known as “Chapter 91”. Contact the DEP’s  or Information Line for further information.

Office of Fishing and Boating Access (OFBA)

Department of Fish and Game
1 Rabbit Hill Road
Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: 508-389-7810
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-fishing-and-boating-access
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-4:30

The Office of Fishing and Boating Access provides boat and canoe access sites, shore fishing areas, and sport fishing piers at more than 275 locations on coastal waters, great ponds and rivers throughout Massachusetts. The Department of Fish & Game, in conjunction with the Public Access Board, acquires property and easements for the purpose of providing access; and, through the FBA, designs, constructs, manages, and improves facilities statewide.

Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management

Department of Public Health
Radiation Control Program
529 Main Street, Suite 1M2A
Charlestown, MA 02129
Phone: 617-242-3035
www.mass.gov/radiation-control-program

The Radiation Control Program is responsible for controlling low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) storage, treatment, and disposal in any centralized facilities that may be developed for those purposes within the Commonwealth, or may be arranged outside Massachusetts. This office is charged with the task of negotiating with other states and regional groupings of states (called compacts) for access to their existing and newly developing LLRW facilities. It also manages the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Rebate Trust Fund, which collects assessments against persons licensed to receive, possess, use, transfer or acquire radioactive material in the state.