Wetlands Protection Permits

If you enjoy boating, canoeing, fishing or swimming in Massachusetts, you may want to thank a wetland. Wetland plants and soils work around the clock to cleanse both surface and groundwater which helps to protect public health. How do they do it? Scientists are still discovering how these valuable natural resources work.

Wetlands contain certain soils that are formed in response to, and plants that are adapted to, wet conditions. These areas have water at or near the ground's surface for a significant period of time each year. Wetlands are most often found along inland and coastal waterbodies, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. Wetlands act as natural buffers and serve to protect the quality of our water. They also play an important role in the life of many species of wildlife.

Wetlands act as a natural sponge and filter by removing pollutants from water. Some pollutants are held for years in the roots of plants such as arrowhead, cattails, or reed canary grass. Other pollutants are removed by wetland soils that have beneficial bacteria and remove nitrates from water. Sometimes these pollutants are later released by the plants and soil in the winter months when impacts to water quality will be greatly reduced.

Wetland plants also filter sediments from water and help to stabilize the land around them. Moving water passing through wetlands is slowed down, which results in sediments settling out of the water. Since the water flow is reduced, erosion of sediments is also reduced.

Wetlands are important to wildlife as well. They provide food and shelter for a variety of animals. They offer breeding and nesting areas for many birds and mammals such as osprey, black duck and otter. They also serve as migration corridors for birds such as Great Blue Herons and Canada Geese. Many types of salamanders, frogs and turtles rely on wetlands for their survival.

So the next time you drink a glass of clean water from the tap, catch a good sized fish at Millvale Reservoir or canoe or boat on a scenic waterway such as the Merrimack River - you can thank the wetlands in your area and the role of wetland plants in maintaining wildlife, fish and water quality.

Because wetlands provide so many public benefits, federal, state and some local laws have been enacted to protect them. You can learn more about wetlands and how to protect them in Haverhill by contacting the Conservation Commission. Your Conservation Commission is the steward of wetlands in your community because it administers the state wetland protection laws in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Your commission also preserves local open space which includes wetlands. By working with your Conservation Community you can do your part in preserving this valuable natural heritage for generations to come.

The Haverhill Conservation Commission ("HCC") administers and enforces state laws and regulations associated with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, Rivers Protection Act, and Stormwater Management Standards, as well as the City's wetlands protection ordinance.  The following links access information further detailing these rules and regulations.  Please contact our office should you require further assistance.

State

1. Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40
2. Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations, 310 CMR 10.00
3. Related Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Policies and Guidance Information
4. Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook and Standards

Local

1. City of Haverhill Wetlands Protection Ordinance, City Code Chapter 253
2. City of Haverhill Stormwater Management Permit Requirements
3. HCC Rules for Hiring Outside Consultants (Peer Review)
4. HCC Policy #1: Deadlines for Information Submittal
5. HCC Policy #2: Wetland Awareness Statements

Resources

Stormwater Solutions for Homeowners - The Stormwater Solutions for Homeowners Fact Sheets—developed by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) as part of the Coastal Water Quality Program—give property owners a variety of options to effectively reduce runoff pollution and other stormwater impacts to help protect local waters.

Water Conservation - This page contains information about some simple measures you can take to reduce water consumption and help conserve the City’s water supply.

MA Fisheries & Wildlife, Education and Events - Sign up to receive "MassWildlife Email News" for the latest news in fishing, hunting, and wildlife from the Commonwealth's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.  Learn more about Outdoor Skills & Safety programs.  Check out the opportunities for Educators and Volunteers.

Fish, Wildlife, and Plants - What species of fish may I find in Massachusetts?  How big is the average bobcat?  What can I do about bats living in my attic?  For answers to these and many more questions, visit this MassWildlife website.

Nature and Wildlife - What is happening in nature today?  How do I keep that pesky groundhog out of my garden?  What do I if my pet is sprayed by a skunk?  For answers to these and many more questions, visit this MassAudubon website.

Black Bears in Massachusetts - Black Bears are becoming increasingly common in Massachusetts and are moving further to the east.  Visit this MassWildlife website to learn more.

Hunting, Freshwater Fishing, and Trapping - Get the latest regulations from MassWildlife.

Saltwater Fishing - Get the latest regulations from the MA Department of Fish and Game's Division of Marine Fisheries.

Septic System Care & Maintenance - Information from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

United States Environmental Protection Agency - Connect with EPA to learn more about wetlands, watersheds, and groundwater.

MA Department of Environmental Protection - Connect with MassDEP to learn more about the protection of wetlands, water ways, and watersheds in Massachusetts.

MA Clean Water Toolkit - A website that is designed to be the Commonwealth's primary public education resource on nonpoint source pollution.

Education in Pollution Prevention - Learn tips on how you might help to protect our rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds.

Video Resources

Wetlands - Our Valuable Resource
This video introduces the viewer to the importance of protecting wetland resource areas - our "Common Wealth".  (Posted 04.15.14; Produced by MassDEP, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Program, & the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs ©1996; Runtime: 9:32)

Wetlands - Our "Common Wealth"
This MassDEP document provides support information to the video: Wetlands - Our Valuable Resource.  (Posted 04.15.14; Updated 01.31.22)