MAEPA-AdministeredSWPPP Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not have its own NPDES authorization; EPA Region 1 directly administers the Construction General Permit. However, the MA Wetlands Protection Act requires a separate Order of Conditions from the local Conservation Commission for any work within 100 feet of a wetland or 200 feet of a perennial stream. Coastal projects may also require MA CZM review.
Massachusetts SWPPP Key Facts
- ✓EPA CGP administered by EPA Region 1 — no state NPDES permit
- ✓$0 NOI fee under EPA CGP
- ✓MA Wetlands Protection Act Order of Conditions required separately for wetland proximity
- ✓Local Conservation Commissions issue Orders of Conditions
- ✓MA CZM review required for coastal construction projects
Administering Agency
- Agency
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 (EPA Region 1)
- Phone
- 617-918-1111
- r1-npdes@epa.gov
Permit Details
- Permit Name
- EPA 2022 Construction General Permit (CGP)
- Permit Number
- CTR100000
- Effective Date
- 2022-02-17
- Expiration Date
- 2027-02-16
- Permit Document
- View Current Permit
SWPPP Thresholds & Triggers
- Acreage Threshold
- 1 acre or more; less than 1 acre if part of a larger common plan of development
MA Wetlands Protection Act (310 CMR 10.00) requires Order of Conditions from local Conservation Commission for work near wetlands, separately from NPDES. MA CZM review required for coastal projects.
Inspection Requirements
- Inspection Frequency
- At least every 7 days and within 24 hours of a 0.5-inch or greater storm event (per EPA CGP)
- Rain Event Threshold
- 0.5 inches within 24 hours
- Certified Inspector
- Not required by state
Massachusetts does not have NPDES authorization; EPA Region 1 administers CGP directly. MA Wetlands Protection Act permits (Order of Conditions) are separate and issued by local Conservation Commissions.
Penalties & Enforcement
- Max Civil Penalty (Per Day)
- $25,000 per day per violation (federal CGP)
- Criminal Penalties
- Up to $50,000/day and imprisonment for knowing violations under CWA
EPA Region 1 enforces NPDES requirements. MA DEP enforces Wetlands Protection Act separately. Both can take concurrent enforcement action.
Permit Fees
- NOI Filing Fee
- $0 (EPA CGP)
- NOT Filing Fee
- $0
- Other Fees
- Order of Conditions filing fee paid to local Conservation Commission (typically $25–$200)
How Massachusetts Differs from Federal Requirements
- ⚠MA has no NPDES authorization — EPA CGP applies directly
- ⚠MA Wetlands Protection Act adds a local Conservation Commission permit layer not present in federal CGP
- ⚠No state fee for NPDES coverage
- ⚠MA DEP Stormwater Management Standards may impose additional post-construction requirements
SWPPP Tips for Massachusetts
- ➤File Notice of Intent with local Conservation Commission well in advance — hearings can take 60–90 days
- ➤Obtain Order of Conditions before filing EPA CGP NOI to avoid permit conflicts
- ➤Include MA DEP Stormwater Management Standards compliance documentation in your SWPPP
Massachusetts SWPPP FAQs
Does Massachusetts have its own SWPPP requirements?+
No state NPDES SWPPP requirement exists. The EPA CGP SWPPP applies. However, the Order of Conditions under the Wetlands Protection Act may impose additional erosion control requirements.
What is the MA Wetlands Protection Act buffer zone?+
100-foot buffer zone from wetland resource areas; 200-foot riparian zone from perennial streams. Work within these zones requires an Order of Conditions from the local Conservation Commission.
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