BSC was recently selected for MassDEP’s Feasibility of Permit Streamlining and Recommendations for New Multi-Agency Review and Approval Project.
In a state as ecologically, historically, and environmentally complex as Massachusetts, the permitting process is vital to safeguarding ecosystems, protecting coastal areas, and maintaining historical standards. From climate resilience to population growth, and to technological and societal changes, Massachusetts faces unique environmental challenges that make a well-structured permitting process essential to sustainable development and environmental protection. By streamlining the wetland and water resources permitting process, Massachusetts can enhance its ability to meet these challenges effectively.
Permitting pathways that are efficient, clear, and transparent will support environmental protections and support environmentally beneficial projects, all while allowing agencies to focus resources on high-risk applications. Streamlining will allow Massachusetts to maintain its commitment to climate resilience, historical preservation, and ecological sensitivity without compromising the thoroughness needed to uphold high environmental standards. Proponents of projects requiring wetland and water resources related permits will also benefit from the streamlining since clarity and efficiency improve the process for all.
BSC will assist by performing a deep dive into the existing regulations, assessing effective permitting models from other states, developing new regulatory language, and outlining streamlined pathways. We will explore technological improvements for permit submissions and incorporate collaboration with internal and external working groups into the process. In addition, BSC will identify permitting mechanisms and approaches that can serve to enhance ecological restoration and climate resilience efforts in Massachusetts.
BSC commends MassDEP’s initiative to address potential inefficiencies, redundancies, and inconsistencies in permitting pathways. We look forward to participating in this important effort to streamline the state wetland and water resources permitting process and develop potential regulatory and approval process changes.
Stay tuned for more updates on this project.