MassDEP steps up APAM certification outreach as more sites reach permanent solutions

MassDEP officials told the Wayside Cleanup Advisory Committee they have intensified compliance outreach for active pathway mitigation measures (APAMs) as more sites achieve permanent-solution status requiring system operation and telemetry registration.

Sarah Hughes, audit and enforcement assistant, said roughly 200 sites have registered telemetry for APAMs. "We mailed out 85 letters to property owners on March 12th, 2026 asking them to complete the annual certification form," Hughes said, adding that the initial deadline was April 27. For sites that missed the deadline the bureau followed up by certified mail with 26 interim-deadline letters on May 12 and has issued notices of noncompliance and, in some cases, administrative consent orders for repeat non-responders.

Hughes outlined what annual certification requires: confirmation that systems are operated and maintained; financial readiness to repair or replace systems; occupant notification if systems are down for 30 days or more; and completion of shutdown/restart telemetry checks. She said the bureau plans additional compliance assistance for smaller property owners, including fact sheets and direct phone and email support to walk owners through completing the forms and the required system tests.

Committee members asked about enforcement escalation and responsibility when a PRP is not the current property owner; staff said noncompliance notices are directed to the current property owner and that enforcement can escalate for sites that repeatedly fail to certify.