@MassDEP

The official feed of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

 Massachusetts
mass.gov/dep
Joined April 2011
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  • Followers10.6K
1.2KMedia
From rain gardens and bioswales to tree canopy and greener public spaces, green infrastructure can help manage stormwater while supporting cleaner waterways and healthier communities. Thank you to students at @WPI for collaborating on this important informational series.
Green infrastructure benefits for your neighborhood infographic, created by WPI students

ALT Green infrastructure benefits for your neighborhood infographic, created by WPI students

Green infrastructure benefits for your neighborhood infographic, created by WPI students in Spanish

ALT Green infrastructure benefits for your neighborhood infographic, created by WPI students in Spanish

Green infrastructure benefits for your neighborhood infographic, created by WPI students in Haitian Creole

ALT Green infrastructure benefits for your neighborhood infographic, created by WPI students in Haitian Creole

Green infrastructure benefits for your neighborhood infographic, created by WPI students in Portuguese

ALT Green infrastructure benefits for your neighborhood infographic, created by WPI students in Portuguese

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MassDEP’s Environmental Justice (EJ) team recently visited @tufts to speak with students in an Environmental Policy class! The best of our visit was hearing from our EJ intern, a current Tufts senior, who shared her experience working at MassDEP. 🌱
A group of people in a classroom setting are smiling at the camera. Some are seated while others stand.

ALT A group of people in a classroom setting are smiling at the camera. Some are seated while others stand.

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🚰 The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $12+M in grants to support 16 projects aimed at treating and removing contaminants like PFAS and manganese from drinking water - expanding access to clean, safe drinking water for Massachusetts residents. bit.ly/3WeZ0xJ
Blueprints of a building design are overlaid with text announcing "$12.4 Million to Address Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water." The MassDEP logo is in the upper right corner, and a ruler is placed across the plans. The bottom of the image lists Research - Planning - Design - Sampling - Construction - Pilot Testing.

ALT Blueprints of a building design are overlaid with text announcing "$12.4 Million to Address Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water." The MassDEP logo is in the upper right corner, and a ruler is placed across the plans. The bottom of the image lists Research - Planning - Design - Sampling - Construction - Pilot Testing.

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🌱💧 Part 2- @WPI students explore how green infrastructure helps reduce the risk of combined sewer overflows! Rain gardens, green roofs & permeable pavement absorb or slow stormwater runoff, easing pressure on sewer systems during heavy rain and helping protect local waterways.
This infographic titled "How Green Infrastructure Helps" illustrates the benefits of green infrastructure.

ALT This infographic titled "How Green Infrastructure Helps" illustrates the benefits of green infrastructure.

This infographic graphic in Spanish titled "Cómo ayuda la infraestructura verde".

ALT This infographic graphic in Spanish titled "Cómo ayuda la infraestructura verde".

This infographic in Haitian Creole illustrates the benefits of green infrastructure.

ALT This infographic in Haitian Creole illustrates the benefits of green infrastructure.

This infographic in Portuguese illustrates the benefits of green infrastructure.

ALT This infographic in Portuguese illustrates the benefits of green infrastructure.

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💧Commissioner Heiple joined the Clean Water Trust to celebrate $10 BILLION invested in water infrastructure across MA! Congratulations to the water systems recognized today for putting these funds to work to protect public health and strengthen communities.
SRF $10Billion Milestone Awardees

ALT SRF $10Billion Milestone Awardees

Commissioner Heiple speaking at the podium.

ALT Commissioner Heiple speaking at the podium.

Secretary Gorzkowicz at the podium

ALT Secretary Gorzkowicz at the podium

Worcester Mayor and city Manager with State Senators, Treasurer Goldburg and Commissioner Heiple

ALT Worcester Mayor and city Manager with State Senators, Treasurer Goldburg and Commissioner Heiple

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Created by @WPI students, this series helps residents understand combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and their impact on local waterways. As winter approaches, heavy rain and snowmelt can strain older sewer systems, increasing the risk of sewage overflows into waterways.
An infographic created by WPI explaining Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO).

ALT An infographic created by WPI explaining Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO).

An infographic created by WPI explaining Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) in Spanish.

ALT An infographic created by WPI explaining Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) in Spanish.

An infographic created by WPI explaining Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) in Haitian Creole.

ALT An infographic created by WPI explaining Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) in Haitian Creole.

An infographic created by WPI explaining Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) in Portuguese.

ALT An infographic created by WPI explaining Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) in Portuguese.

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🌿 The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded grants to support projects in Everett and Chelsea, that will help restore wetlands and shoreline habitat, improve water quality and strengthen community connections to the Mystic River watershed. @GreenRootsEJ @MysticMyRWA
This image is a flyer featuring the Mystic River Watershed Association, mentioning a $58,707 grant awarded for the Gateway Park Riverbank Restoration Project in Everett. The flyer includes logos of the Natural Resource Damages Program and MassDEP, and contains graphics of trees and flowers.

ALT This image is a flyer featuring the Mystic River Watershed Association, mentioning a $58,707 grant awarded for the Gateway Park Riverbank Restoration Project in Everett. The flyer includes logos of the Natural Resource Damages Program and MassDEP, and contains graphics of trees and flowers.

A graphic announcing GreenRoots' award of a $69,890 grant for the Mill Creek Restoration and Native Plantings Project in Chelsea. It features plant illustrations and logos for the Natural Resource Damages Program and MassDEP.

ALT A graphic announcing GreenRoots' award of a $69,890 grant for the Mill Creek Restoration and Native Plantings Project in Chelsea. It features plant illustrations and logos for the Natural Resource Damages Program and MassDEP.

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🎒✏️MassDEP’s Boston office donated school supplies to the Orchard Gardens Pilot School K–8. Thank you to our Director of Environmental Justice, Deneen Simpson, for organizing this effort and helping ensure students have the supplies they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
Two chairs with backpacks and Clorox disinfecting wipes. Below is an image of two boxes filled with school supplies like notebooks, crayons, and pencil cases.

ALT Two chairs with backpacks and Clorox disinfecting wipes. Below is an image of two boxes filled with school supplies like notebooks, crayons, and pencil cases.

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⚓ MassDEP joined hundreds of cadets and over 100 organizations at the @MMAAdvancement Career Fair in Buzzards Bay! MassDEP shared information about careers, internships, environmental justice, veteran outreach and how they can continue to make a difference in the public sector.
MassDEP's Debbie Marshall-Hewlitt and MMA Assistant Director of Career Services Kevin Glover are standing side by side in a room with two flags behind them, including the American flag.

ALT MassDEP's Debbie Marshall-Hewlitt and MMA Assistant Director of Career Services Kevin Glover are standing side by side in a room with two flags behind them, including the American flag.

MassDEP's Debbie Marshall-Hewlitt and Engineer Jon Hobill at the MassDEP booth. The table is covered with pamphlets, maps, and informational materials.

ALT MassDEP's Debbie Marshall-Hewlitt and Engineer Jon Hobill at the MassDEP booth. The table is covered with pamphlets, maps, and informational materials.

A bustling career fair in a gymnasium with multiple booths.

ALT A bustling career fair in a gymnasium with multiple booths.

A display table with a green tablecloth featuring the MassDEP logo, an oak leaf graphic, and the words "Environmental Justice."

ALT A display table with a green tablecloth featuring the MassDEP logo, an oak leaf graphic, and the words "Environmental Justice."

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If you want to help protect our rivers, lakes, ponds, and coastal waters, and are a non-profit organization, watershed group, lake & pond association, or a federally recognized Tribal nation with expertise in water quality monitoring, apply by October 29. bit.ly/4rSuqWr
A serene lakeside view with trees, under a blue sky. The text reads, "MassDEP Water Quality Monitoring Grant. Applications Due: October 29, 2026," accompanied by the MassDEP logo.

ALT A serene lakeside view with trees, under a blue sky. The text reads, "MassDEP Water Quality Monitoring Grant. Applications Due: October 29, 2026," accompanied by the MassDEP logo.

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Across Massachusetts, 263 communities have assessed and cleaned up brownfields, giving these properties new purpose and creating opportunities for productive reuse.
Solar array in Beverly, MA

ALT Solar array in Beverly, MA

Grassy Area in Walpole, MA

ALT Grassy Area in Walpole, MA

Park in Framingham, MA

ALT Park in Framingham, MA

Polar Park in Worcester, MA

ALT Polar Park in Worcester, MA

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🍏There’s still time for K–12 schools to register for MassDEP’s Green Team. This free program gives students and educators hands-on ways to make a difference through recycling, composting, waste reduction, energy conservation, pollution prevention & more. thegreenteam.org/
Multiple hands hold soil with a small plant. Text: "Helping Massachusetts K-12 Schools: Start A Composting Program, Reduce Cafeteria Food Waste, Promote Idle Reduction, Improve School Recycling." The Green Team logo is in the corner with the phrase "A Little Effort A Big Difference, Protecting Our Environment."

ALT Multiple hands hold soil with a small plant. Text: "Helping Massachusetts K-12 Schools: Start A Composting Program, Reduce Cafeteria Food Waste, Promote Idle Reduction, Improve School Recycling." The Green Team logo is in the corner with the phrase "A Little Effort A Big Difference, Protecting Our Environment."

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MassDEP’s AFFF Takeback Program reduces potential PFAS exposure and protects our communities. In partnership with @MassDFS, we have collected and destroyed more than 420,000 pounds - over 49,400 gallons - of AFFF from 166 fire departments and facilities across Massachusetts.
A firefighter spraying foam. Text on the image reads, "Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Takeback Program."

ALT A firefighter spraying foam. Text on the image reads, "Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Takeback Program."

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📢 Grant Opportunity: The Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area grant is available to Cape Cod communities - projects must address excess nitrogen pollution from wastewater and other sources. Applications due: October 26, 2026. bit.ly/4jyGsSC
A shoreline image features large rocks partially submerged in water. The text overlay includes the MassDEP logo and reads: "Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area (NRNSA) Grant. Applications Due: October 26, 2026."

ALT A shoreline image features large rocks partially submerged in water. The text overlay includes the MassDEP logo and reads: "Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area (NRNSA) Grant. Applications Due: October 26, 2026."

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Last week, our central regional team attended back-to-back career fairs at @wpi and @clarkuniversity. A big thank you to WPI alum Kevin and Clark alum Sarah for helping us connect with future talent. It was great talking to so many students about opportunities at MassDEP.
MassDEP's Sarah Hughes standing behind a table covered with a green cloth displaying the MassDEP logo at the Clark Career Fair.

ALT MassDEP's Sarah Hughes standing behind a table covered with a green cloth displaying the MassDEP logo at the Clark Career Fair.

MassDEP's Kevin Daoust standing at a booth and talking to a student at the WPI career fair.

ALT MassDEP's Kevin Daoust standing at a booth and talking to a student at the WPI career fair.

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MassDEP is making approximately $7.2M available to fund the development and construction of nitrogen reduction solutions for wastewater treatment plants in the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Thames River Watersheds. Applications Due: December 21
A map highlighting areas around Long Island Sound, including parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, is shown on the left. The right side features text about the Long Island Sound Partnership Nitrogen Reduction Infrastructure Grant, with applications due on December 21.

ALT A map highlighting areas around Long Island Sound, including parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, is shown on the left. The right side features text about the Long Island Sound Partnership Nitrogen Reduction Infrastructure Grant, with applications due on December 21.

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It’s getting colder, have you had your heating oil delivered yet? Accidents happen and proper environmental cleanup is expensive, so call your insurance company today to make sure you’re covered if an accidental leak or spill happens.
A poster showing an oil tank. The text at the top reads, "Are you covered?" Below, it says, "Call your insurance company today and add optional liquid fuel endorsement coverage." The bottom text reads, "Home Heating Oil Report," with the MassDEP logo in the bottom right corner.

ALT A poster showing an oil tank. The text at the top reads, "Are you covered?" Below, it says, "Call your insurance company today and add optional liquid fuel endorsement coverage." The bottom text reads, "Home Heating Oil Report," with the MassDEP logo in the bottom right corner.

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MassDEP had a fantastic time connecting with students at the Engineering, Science and Technology College and Internship Fair @WNEUniversity. It was great to meet so many students eager to learn how their scientific and technical skills can help protect our environment. 🌱🔬
Sarah Showalter standing next to a table draped with a MassDEP tablecloth. Behind them is a display board with various informational materials.

ALT Sarah Showalter standing next to a table draped with a MassDEP tablecloth. Behind them is a display board with various informational materials.

Elizabeth Cardona standing next to a table draped with a MassDEP tablecloth. Behind them is a display board with various informational materials.

ALT Elizabeth Cardona standing next to a table draped with a MassDEP tablecloth. Behind them is a display board with various informational materials.

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🎉 Congrats to MassDEP’s Deneen Simpson, Director of Environmental Justice, on receiving the 2026 LSPA Environmental Justice Award! 👏 Thank you for your leadership in advancing equitable engagement, public participation and environmental protection across Massachusetts.
Deneen speaking at a podium

ALT Deneen speaking at a podium

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In partnership with UMass, MassDEP developed a free, self-paced online course for water and wastewater systems in Massachusetts to learn more about basic cybersecurity measures, incident response, system resilience and more! Enroll today! classes.wateroperator.org/co…

Basic Cybersecurity Measures for Water and Wastewater Systems in Massachusetts

This self-paced course on water and wastewater system cybersecurity addresses the growing importance of protecting these essential services from evolving threats and vulnerabilities.

classes.wateroperator.org
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