MassDEP

ATTN: MassDEP's State Revolving Fund (SRF) Project Solicitation for new drinking water (DWSRF) and clean water (CWSRF) projects is now open! We are accepting Project Evaluation Forms (PEFs) for construction projects, asset management planning, and Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants (OSG) until 12:00 PM on July 26, 2024, for consideration in the 2025 calendar year funding cycle. We are also accepting loan/grant applications for new projects, on a rolling basis, while funding is available, for the following: • Lead Service Lines (LSL) planning grants – MassDEP is accepting grant applications for planning activities that assist public water suppliers (PWS) to complete LSL inventories and to develop LSL replacement programs. It is recommended that PWS apply as soon as possible as funding will be provided at a first come, first served basis. • LSL replacement project loans - To expedite replacements of Lead Service Lines, MassDEP is accepting loan applications from Public Water Suppliers that have MassDEP approved LSL replacement programs. Projects must be implemented in compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and all SRF program requirements. Priority for financing will be given to systems with documented lead levels, particularly those exceeding the 90th percentile, and PWS serving disadvantaged communities or small systems. MassDEP will review applications monthly while funding is available. • Loans for eligible planning activities for both CWSRF and DWSRF. • Community Management Septic Loans – SRF loans are available to fund Communities Septic Management Programs. Communities that implement a Septic Management Program that offers an interest rate reduction to homeowners based on Area Median income threshold may be eligible for 0% interest loans, subject to review and an affirmative vote by the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust’s Board of Trustees. For details on eligibility, guidelines and applications, visit: https://lnkd.in/eNmuuKZc #water #drinkingwater #cleanwater #watersupply #publicwatersupply #wastewater #MassDEPgrants #loans #SRF #Massachusetts #seweroverflow #stormwater #municipalgrants #leadservicelinereplacement

We’re excited to announce that Massachusetts, in collaboration with our New England neighbors, has secured a $450 million award from the EPA! The New England Heat Pump Accelerator will make heating and cooling more affordable and efficient, driving down costs and emissions. Proud to be part of this transformative initiative! 

Additional highlights (in pictures) of yesterday's US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Program event in the Town of Montague, MA. Visit EPA Region 1 online for more information about their Brownfields funding to the Town and to MassDEP: https://lnkd.in/ebW5ST9Q 📷 David Foss (MassDEP) #InvestingInAmerica #Brownfields #redevelopment #revitalization #Massachusetts

What's new in the Town of Montague, MA? Commissioner Heiple and MassDEP team joined US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Cash, U.S. Senator Ed Markey and others at Turner Falls to celebrate nearly $5M in EPA Brownfields grant funding (via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) for the cleanup of the former #StrathmoreMill complex. Also celebrated was the $2M Community-Wide Assessment grant awarded to MassDEP. This grant will assist the Department in supporting a greater range of #Brownfields assessment and redevelopment by providing technical and financial resources to make Brownfields assessment a statewide priority. 📷 David Foss (MassDEP) #InvestingInAmerica #BipartisanInfrastructureLaw #Brownfields #redevelopment #revitalization #Massachusetts

Was that MassDEP at Coast Guard Base Boston? Yes, it was! Assistant Commissioner Millie Garcia-Serrano (BWSC) and MOSPRA Coordinator Julie Hutcheson were among the guests in attendance for the U.S. Coast Guard's recent change of command ceremony, in which Captain Kailie J. Benson transferred command of the Coast Guard Base Boston to Captain Jaime C. Frederick. Captain Benson was also honored for 31 remarkable years of service, which included protecting Massachusetts’ marine ecosystem and coastal natural resources. Many thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard for the opportunity to celebrate this time-honored military tradition right here in Boston, the birthplace of the U. S. Coast Guard. 📷 MassDEP/BWSC #semperparatus #USCG #USCGBoston #protectourwater #massachusetts #Boston #birthplace #USCG #coastguard #captain #BWSC

The deadline to submit State Revolving Fund project evaluation forms for new and eligible clean water and drinking water projects is fast approaching. July 26 (by 12pm) is less than two weeks away! 🚿 🚰 🏞

Hey, residents of the Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, have you seen or received the new recycling cart? The Town recently launched their new single-stream recycling program, which allows residents to put all recyclable materials in one large bin for collection. The new recycling program was supported by the Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) under MassDEP's Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (#SMRP). ♻️ If you would like more information about Shrewsbury’s recycling program, follow and visit them online: https://lnkd.in/eCGtE6aT For application and eligibility details about MassDEP’s SMRP program, visit: https://lnkd.in/eDgzebte 📷 MassDEP/RecycleSmart #recycling #singlestream #sustainability #shrewsburyma #MassDEPgrants #recyclable #singlestreamrecycling #RecycleSmartMA

Sensitive groups are most impacted by unhealthy or poor air quality. They include people with heart or lung disease (like asthma), older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to air pollution. Let’s not forget our pets; although they are not officially listed among sensitive groups, their respiratory health can be impacted by poor air quality. What can you do when outside to deal with unhealthy air quality? Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans, and keep quick relief medicine handy. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. But before you head outside, check MassAir online for air quality forecasts: https://lnkd.in/emjcEfPh #airquality #sensitive #unhealthy #lungdisease #heartdisease #children #teenagers #outdoor #outdooractivities #elders #activeseniors #workoutdoors #youngadults #olderadults #lunghealth #health

Let's talk about one of the #Big3 of indoor water conservation: Fixing leaks. #DYK: Leaking toilets, if left unfixed, can waste thousands of gallons of water each month and can negatively impact your health. These leaks are often silent and difficult to see. If you suspect a leak but don't know for sure, try the dye test in three simple steps: 1. Remove the tank cover 2. Add approximately five (5) drops of food coloring or one dye tablet to the tank 3. Wait 15–30 minutes (or wait overnight to check for slower leaks), but don't flush the toilet If any trace of color appears in the toilet bowl within that time, there is a leak and it will need to be repaired. A properly functioning toilet should store water in the tank indefinitely without any water running into the bowl. #waterconservation #conservewater #waterbill #leak #leakdetection #plumbing #dyetest #health #respiratoryhealth

Investments in land conservation are critical to strengthening climate resilience in our communities. Today we awarded over $3 million in grants to conserve 1,000 acres of land across Massachusetts through the Landscape Partnership Program. The 3 grantees chosen will implement land conservation measures to expand public recreational opportunities, improve water supply protection, support agriculture, and promote healthy ecosystems.