Wetland Grants Database - WGD
Logout
Guest Home
>
Pilot Grant
>
Grant Information
Grant Information
Grant Type
         
EPA Region
         
Fiscal Year
         
Project Location
Grant Number
                       
Project Title
MA DEP Wetland Information Resource (WIRE) Project
Project Description
The Wetland Information Resource (WIRE) Project conducted under this 3-year Wetland Demonstration Pilot Grant (WDPG) from EPA was initiated to accomplish the integration of MassDEP’s permitting, enforcement, and wetland loss databases. The goal of this effort is to redesign the Wetland Program data collection and management system to allow staff to more easily determine whether a loss site is permitted, the extent of wetland alteration/loss, the history of enforcement actions on the site, and to better systematically record and calculate data received through permitting and enforcement actions. The new information system will also improve MassDEP's ability to determine whether wetland losses are permitted or illegal, to prioritize enforcement actions, and to quickly take corrective action to address the loss. Prompt action is more likely to result in successful wetland restoration where wetlands were illegally filled, or successful wetland replication, when constructed areas fail or are never built. Improving the wetland data management system will allow MassDEP to reduce wetland loss by deterring illegal filling, simplifying review of permitted activities, and developing more effective compliance strategies. 1)New web-based forms for use by applicants and Conservation Commissions. Note that Conservation Commissions are the issuing authority for the majority of wetland permits in Massachusetts, while MassDEP plays a role in reviewing and commenting on all applications and deciding on appeals. Improvements in these forms, combined with a major outreach campaign conducted through the Circuit Rider program will result in improved data collection on permitted wetland loss and gain (“External Permitting Module”). 2)New internal system for MassDEP staff to track permit information and more efficiently interact with applicants (“Internal Permitting Module”). 3)New internal system for MassDEP to comprehensively track the status of wetland loss polygons identified from aerial photography (Appendix C) (“Internal Wetland Loss Module”). 4)New internal system for MassDEP to track enforcement information and more efficiently monitor enforcement actions (Appendix D) (“Internal C&E Module”). 5)A new Map Viewer that will allow applicants and Conservation Commissions to easily locate the latitude and longitude of projects. The Map Viewer will also allow MassDEP to view projects and enforcement actions geographically for more efficient follow up action and strategic planning. Also, the Map Viewer will allow MassDEP to look at wetland loss polygons, and other GIS overlays (such as rare species mapping) in context with project and enforcement data (Appendix E). Note that the new map viewer is integrated into these four modules and thus, is not a separate module.
Partners
Award Date
     
Close Date
       
Grant Dollars
       
Grant Match
     
Total Dollars
  (Grant Dollar + Grant Match)
Project Category
Core Element
Project Category
Regulation
Enforcement and Compliance
Project Category Definitions
Project Deliverables
EPA or
Peer Reviewed?
Final Report
Report Attachment(s)
   
MA DEP EPA Wetland Demonstration Pilot Grant.2.2.09.doc
Grantee Contact Information
Grantee Classification
Grantee Name
Contact
Address
City
     
State
     
ZIP
Phone
Email
EPA Officer Contact Information
EPA Officer
Region
Address
City
     
State
     
Zip
Phone
     
Email
Environmental and Other Project Outcomes
Actual or expected outcomes description
nobody
en-us