News & Events

Toxics Use Reduction Planning & Reporting Guidance During State of Emergency for COVID-19 Pandemic

Effective March 10, 2020, and until 90 days following the termination of the state of emergency, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is implementing the following Guidance resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and pertaining to Toxics Use Reduction Planning and Reporting.

MassDEP will treat as timely any 2019 Toxics Use Reduction Plan Summary and Report that is filed up to 90 days after the termination of the Massachusetts COVID-19 state of emergency.

MassDEP will coordinate with other agencies in situations where MassDEP shares jurisdiction over a regulated entity’s environmental compliance obligations. MassDEP will update this Guidance if MassDEP determines modifications are necessary.

All other toxics use reduction requirements under M.G.L. c. 21I and 310 CMR 50.000 are in effect and shall be complied with except for requirements extended under separate Guidance. MassDEP expects that all regulated entities will continue to operate in a manner that is safe and protects the public and the environment.

This document does not constitute “final agency action,” and is not “regulation” as that term is used in M.G.L. c.30A. It may not be relied upon to create rights, duties, obligations or defenses, implied or otherwise, enforceable by any party in any administrative proceeding with the Commonwealth. In addition, this Guidance does not exempt any person from complying with any other applicable local, state or federal law.

For more information, email: walter.hope@mass.gov