MassDEP launches Office of Permitting Partnership and Performance to speed complex permits

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on May 11 launched a new Office of Permitting Partnership and Performance, known as D3, to centralize support for complex permitting and increase transparency around timelines for priority projects.

Assistant Commissioner Millie Garcia Serrano, who opened the Wayside Cleanup Advisory Committee meeting, said D3 "will ensure that there's improved coordination and staff accessibility for guiding complex permitting projects while also increasing the transparency around timelines and permitting pathways, especially for ... housing and economic development." She said Deputy Commissioner Gary Moran will spearhead the office, which is housed in the commissioner's office.

Department staff described D3 as intended for large, multi-pronged projects that cut across regulatory programs — for example, projects involving wetlands, Chapter 91 waterways, and drinking- or wastewater infrastructure — and as complementing existing fast-track permitting. Staff also said D3 will help braid funding and technical support across bureaus.

During Q&A, advisers and attendees sought clarification about the appropriate point of contact. The bureau advised that 21E-specific timeline or consent-order questions should continue to be handled by the office that issued the instrument, while prospective large-scale projects that meet D3 criteria may be routed to the new office.

MassDEP posted information about D3 in its slide materials and encouraged stakeholders to consult the D3 website for details on eligibility and timelines.