MassDEP is proposing updates to streamline permitting by allowing the review for a Chapter 91 Waterways application to occur during the MEPA process. We are hosting public hearings on September 9 at 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM. Link to register in the Public Notice. https://bit.ly/45UbjkA

MassDEP created the Cybersecurity Resource Hub, a one-stop destination, to help Public Water Systems strengthen their cyber resilience and protect critical drinking water infrastructure across Massachusetts. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/35e7dc3a317445d09feb3f8c6a3d1aeb

Cybersecurity Resource Hub for MA Public Water Systems (PWS)

Resources for PWS to improve cybersecurity defenses, mitigate cyber-attack risks, and enhance overall resiliency and compliance.

storymaps.arcgis.com

Earlier this week, MassDEP joined fellow state agencies and community partners for Worcester’s annual National Night Out! 🎉 It was a great evening connecting with residents, sharing resources, and coming together with the community!

MassDEP published draft regulations to allow MEPA and Chapter 91 Waterways reviews to happen at the same time! The changes will help streamline the permitting process and cut down on wait times. https://www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-900-the-massachusetts-waterways-regulation

MassDEP’s Wetlands Analyst and Community Engagement Manager from the western region provided a fun and interactive lesson about water quality at the @grayhousepringfield in Springfield! 💧🌎 #NationalWaterQualityMonth

Earlier this summer, MassDEP's southeast team joined community leaders at the Cape Cod Community Leadership Meeting to discuss environmental justice priorities and strengthen partnerships across the region. 🌎🤝

MassDEP is hosting a virtual public information session to provide an overview of the draft ecological restoration regulations intended to streamline permitting for beneficial wetland restoration and other projects on July 29, 12-1pm. Register: https://bit.ly/3RXVGW0

As we head into #NationalParentsDay this Sunday, we're looking back at our northeast team's Mother’s Day Care Package Drive. MassDEP came together to support Rosie’s Place, donating more than 270 essential items for mothers and women in need. #StongerCommunities #FlashbackFriday

Meet Srikar! Srikar is a senior at @umassamherst.bsky.social majoring in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science and is interning with our Enterprise Information Office. Srikar’s especially interested in using data and technology to drive real-world environmental solutions.

Ecological Restoration regulations will help restore salt marshes faster, creating homes for wildlife and reducing flood risks for nearby neighbors. We're hosting 2 public hearings on August 10 at 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm via Zoom. Register in public notice: https://bit.ly/4pwSVr3

Air Quality Alert: #MassDEP has posted a statewide Air Quality Alert for sensitive populations, effective 12:00 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. on SATURDAY, July 18, 2026. https://mass.gov/dep/massair

💧 Our western regional staff teamed up with the City of Pittsfield's Summer Playground Program to bring hands-on water quality education to youth in Pittsfield! Kids learned practical ways to protect our water resources in their own community. 💙🌱

MassDEP filed new proposed regulations to make it easier to restore wetlands. Wetlands help reduce flooding, improve water quality, provide habitat for fish and wildlife and make communities more resilient to severe weather events. https://bit.ly/4py9P8U

Air Quality Alert: #MassDEP has extended the statewide Air Quality Alert for sensitive populations, effective until 11:59pm, Thursday, July 16 https://mass.gov/dep/massair

Building stronger partnerships for environmental justice! 🌿 MassDEP's Southeast Regional Environmental Justice team recently met with the Town of Nantucket’s Sustainability Programs Manager to discuss ongoing environmental justice initiatives and projects across the island.

Air Quality Alert: #MassDEP has posted a statewide Air Quality Alert for sensitive populations, effective now until 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026. https://mass.gov/dep/massair

Meet Lily! A @tufts.edu graduate student focused on environmental policy and planning - Lily is spending the summer interning with our Municipal Waste Reduction team. Lily is eager to understand how grant proposals for are evaluated across diverse municipal contexts. 🌱♻️

Air Quality Alert: #MassDEP has posted an Air Quality Alert for sensitive populations, effective today from 11am to 11pm for five counties across Southeastern Massachusetts. https://mass.gov/dep/massair

MassDEP’s Environmental Justice team was proud to participate in the Holbrook Public Library’s Annual Pride Festival last month. We’re grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Pride, connect with the community and share information about EJ and environmental protection. 🌈💚

🌱Transforming abandoned & underutilized properties into community assets starts with collaboration. In partnership with federal, state & local organizations, MassDEP has hosted 3 Brownfields Roundtables. And we're hosting 2 more in September! https://www.mass.gov/info-details/brownfields-roundtables

Meet Ashley! Ashley, a senior at the College of the Holy Cross, is interning with our Environmental Justice program in Lakeville. Ashley is eager to learn how to work alongside environmental justice communities to help create lasting, positive change. 🌎🏡🌱🤝⚖️💚

💯🎉 We're celebrating a major milestone! Massachusetts has officially reached its 100th PFAS treatment system. The Tri-Town Regional Water Treatment Facility—a state-of-the-art surface water treatment plant serving Braintree, Randolph, and Holbrook—is now online!

🌍 Happy International Plastic Bag Free Day! ♻️

Air Quality Alert: #MassDEP has posted an Air Quality Alert for sensitive populations, effective today from 11am to 11pm for Southeastern Massachusetts. https://mass.gov/dep/massair

Meet Hadas! While pursuing a master’s degree at @clarkuniversity.bsky.social, Hadas is interning with our team in Worcester and is eager to contribute to geospatial mapping, data analysis and limnology (the science of inland aquatic ecosystems, such as lakes and ponds). Welcome, Hadas! 📊 🔬

Our Worcester team recently donated 260+ books to benefit Worcester Public Schools! A huge thank you to everyone who contributed & helped give these books a new life. Together, we're reducing waste, supporting our local community, & promoting sustainability—one book at a time. 📚

🌿The MassMarsh Program is advancing a statewide effort to monitor, assess & restore our salt marshes. Recently, participants received hands-on training in monitoring methods & restoration planning. Together, we're building the tools needed to protect our salt marshes. @umassamherst.bsky.social

#FBF to when our western regional team joined the @STCCSpringfield 2026 Sustainathon! Our interactive Aquifer Model engaged 75 participants in learning about groundwater systems. Thanks to everyone who helped inspire environmental awareness & a more sustainable future! 🌱

MassDEP has helped install 5,596 EV charging ports across Massachusetts. By making EV charging more accessible, we are helping more drivers switch to electric vehicles—reducing operating & maintenance costs while creating a cleaner, healthier environment. #WorldDecarbonizationDay

Meet Delaney from Pepperell, MA! Delaney is interning with our Watershed Planning Program in Worcester. Currently pursuing a master’s degree at @umasspress.bsky.social, Delaney is excited to gain hands-on experience and see how environmental data is collected, analyzed, and reported in the field.