MEPA Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions for Developers and Consultants

MEPA Key Terms & Definitions

Agency Action: Any activity undertaken by an agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that may cause significant environmental impacts, including granting permits, providing financial assistance, or transferring property. Defined in 301 CMR 11.02(2).

Certificate: A written document issued by the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) stating that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) adequately and properly complies with MEPA. Defined in 301 CMR 11.02(3).

Critical Environmental Area: An area designated by the Secretary of EEA due to its unique environmental characteristics or resources, such as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) or habitats of rare or endangered species. Projects within these areas may be subject to additional MEPA review thresholds or requirements.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR): A detailed document that analyzes the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project, considers alternatives, and proposes mitigation measures. An EIR is required for projects that exceed certain MEPA review thresholds. Defined in 301 CMR 11.02(7).

Environmental Justice (EJ) Community: A neighborhood or community that meets certain demographic criteria, such as having a high percentage of low-income or minority residents, and may be disproportionately affected by environmental impacts. MEPA requires special outreach and engagement with EJ communities during the environmental review process.

Environmental Monitor: A semi-monthly publication of the MEPA Office that provides public notice of projects undergoing MEPA review, including the availability of Environmental Notification Forms (ENFs) and EIRs for public comment.

Environmental Notification Form (ENF): A concise document that provides an initial description of a proposed project and its potential environmental impacts. An ENF is used to determine whether an EIR is required based on MEPA review thresholds. Defined in 301 CMR 11.02(9).

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA): The state agency responsible for administering MEPA and overseeing the environmental review process. The Secretary of EEA makes key determinations regarding the adequacy of ENFs and EIRs.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions: The release of gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that contribute to climate change. MEPA requires an analysis of a project's GHG emissions and potential mitigation measures as part of the environmental review process.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP): The state agency responsible for implementing and enforcing various environmental regulations, including those related to air quality, water resources, and waste management. MassDEP often provides comments and guidance during the MEPA review process.

MEPA Analyst: A staff member of the MEPA Office who is assigned to review and provide guidance on specific projects undergoing MEPA review.

MEPA Office: The division of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) responsible for administering the MEPA review process and ensuring compliance with MEPA regulations.

MEPA Regulations: The set of rules and procedures that govern the MEPA environmental review process, codified in 301 CMR 11.00.

MEPA Review Thresholds: The criteria used to determine whether a project requires the preparation of an ENF or EIR under MEPA. Thresholds are based on factors such as project size, location, and potential environmental impacts. Defined in 301 CMR 11.03.

Mitigation: Actions taken to avoid, minimize, or compensate for the adverse environmental impacts of a project. MEPA requires project proponents to propose and implement appropriate mitigation measures as part of the environmental review process.

Permit: Any permit, license, certificate, variance, approval, or other entitlement for use, granted to any person by an agency for or by reason of a project. Defined in 301 CMR 11.02(12).

Project: Any work, project, physical activity, or alteration that may cause significant environmental impacts, and that is undertaken by an agency, requires a permit, receives financial assistance, or involves the transfer of property. Defined in 301 CMR 11.02(15).

Project Proponent: Any agency or person, including a public or private entity, that undertakes, initiates, or otherwise has a role in the planning or implementation of a project. Defined in 301 CMR 11.02(16).

Public Comment Period: A designated timeframe during which members of the public may submit written comments on an ENF or EIR. MEPA requires public comment periods to allow for meaningful public participation in the environmental review process.

Scope: A written document issued by the Secretary of EEA that outlines the issues, alternatives, and potential impacts that must be addressed in an EIR. The scope is based on the ENF and any public comments received. Defined in 301 CMR 11.02(20).

Section 61 Findings: A written determination by an agency that describes the environmental impacts of a project and the measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate those impacts, as required by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30, Section 61.

Secretary: The Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), who is responsible for administering MEPA and making key determinations regarding the adequacy of ENFs and EIRs. Defined in 301 CMR 11.02(19).

Single EIR: A streamlined EIR process that may be allowed for certain projects that do not require an extensive analysis of alternatives or have limited potential environmental impacts. The Secretary of EEA determines whether a project is eligible for a Single EIR based on the ENF and any public comments received.

Special Review Procedure: A modified MEPA review process that may be established by the Secretary of EEA for certain projects or categories of projects, such as those that involve multiple agencies or jurisdictions or require coordinated review with other environmental regulations. Defined in 301 CMR 11.09.

Supplemental EIR: An additional EIR that may be required by the Secretary of EEA if the original EIR is found to be inadequate or if significant changes are made to a project after the completion of the initial MEPA review process.

Waiver: A written decision by the Secretary of EEA that waives the requirement for an EIR or modifies the scope of an EIR for a specific project, based on certain criteria such as the project's potential environmental impacts and the adequacy of other environmental review processes. Defined in 301 CMR 11.11.