Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA)

The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office is part of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), an agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If a project meets or exceeds a MEPA review threshold specified in the MEPA regulations and requires a state agency action, the project is required to undertake a MEPA review of the environmental consequences and take all feasible measures to avoid or minimize and mitigate damage to the environment. The project proposed at 605 Chelsea Street filed an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) in 2017 because the project involved the demolition of historic exterior parts of a historic structure (a MEPA review threshold) and required a nonwater-dependent Chapter 91 License (a state agency action). Since 2017, the project design continued to be assessed and refined based on building and market conditions. The project slightly changed since the ENF and will soon file a Notice of Project Change (NPC) reflecting the elements of the project that have changed and their environmental impact. Changes include a shift from industrial to light industrial and associated building construction, repairs to stabilize the seawall, and a pier and walkways along the water’s edge for public access. A 20-day public comment period begins when the project is published in the Environmental Monitor. Within 10 days of the close of the comment period, the EEA Secretary will issue a Certificate on the NPC and whether the project change warrants further MEPA review.

The Environmental Justice Screening Form provides contact information for the project team, further details about the project, anticipated permits, and potential benefits and impacts of the project.

Maps showing Environmental Justice populations and characteristics within 1-mile and 5-miles of the Project Site.