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MassDEP updates MCP implementation, posts risk chapters and addresses searchable-sites issues
Summary
MassDEP reported progress on MCP implementation: AUL guidance comment synthesis, chapters 6–10 of risk-characterization guidance posted for comment, technical-assistant grants open with Sept. 6 deadline, work on soils-reuse policy, and fixes to the searchable sites file viewer after an internal data-system upgrade.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection staff used the June 27 BWSC office hours to update stakeholders on MCP implementation, technical guidance and searchable-sites access.
Ken Mara said the AUL guidance comment period has closed and that Peggy Shaw is synthesizing comments ahead of the August advisory committee meeting. "The AUL guidance document was the number one priority policy document by the LSPA a couple years ago," Mara said, noting the office is "on the home stretch." The department also posted chapters 6–10 of the risk-characterization guidance with a three-month comment period and said subpart I Q&As and other Q&As will be posted soon after further review.
Mara noted internal work on a 21e soils reuse policy and flagged the technical-assistant grant cycle with applications due Sept. 6, 2024. "The next cycle has started and the applications are due on September 6, 2024," he said.
On access to public documents, the host and Brian Roden described that MassDEP adopted a new internal data system for staff that changed how forms are posted to the public file viewer and required searchable-sites upgrades. External users reported slowness and a small subset of documents that could not be opened; IT fixed a narrow issue within 24 hours and is working on additional updates. "We use the BWSC inbox (BWSC@mass.gov) for questions about the file viewer and we monitor that inbox multiple times a day," the host said, asking stakeholders to report problems.
Why it matters: MCP implementation materials and Q&As guide consultants, municipal staff and licensed site professionals through technical regulatory changes. Searchable-sites access affects the public and professionals who rely on posted forms and documentation.
Next steps: MassDEP will continue to post guidance, respond to comment letters (including a forthcoming response to LSPA) and work with EEA IT to update the searchable sites and file viewer.
Ending: Staff invited stakeholders to the advisory committee meeting on Aug. 15 for further discussion of MCP topics.
