Environmental Laws & Regulations
Wetland Laws & Regulations
- Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 31 § 40)
- This is a Massachusetts state law, adopted in 1972 for the protection of wetlands and waterways, and administered by local Conservation Commissions.
- Massachusetts Wetlands Regulations (310 CMR 10.00)
- These are the Wetlands Protection Act regulations, which were promulgated to support and provide detailed guidance on the administration of the law, for example by including definitions and performance standards for specific wetland resource areas.
- Holbrook Wetlands Protection By-Law (Section 11-7)
- This a Holbrook by-law, adopted in 1994 for the protection of wetlands, related water resources, and adjoining land areas, and administered by the Holbrook Conservation Commission.
Other Important Environmental Laws & Regulations
- MA Endangered Species Act
- MESA, enacted in December 1990, protected rare species and their habitats by; prohibiting removal of any plant or animal species listed as Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern; establishing procedures for protection; and requiring projects to file and meet certain requirements when located within certain habitats.
- MA General Law: Conservation Commissions
- General law, Section 8C, describes the Conservation Commission, its establishment, and its powers and duties.
- MA Water Resources Laws & Regulations
- Learn more about state and federal water statutes, the MassDEP regulations and standards implementing them, and policy and guidance documents detailing how to comply.
- MA Air & Climate Laws/Regulations
- Learn more about state and federal air quality and greenhouse gas mitigation statutes, the MassDEP regulations and standards implementing them, and policy and guidance documents detailing how to comply.