Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
proponent documents their mitigation commitment for each identified impact.
All state entities are then obligated to include and enforce the commitments
in actions they take (e.g., issuing a discharge permit or approving a highway
connection). This goes a step beyond the ROD and has proven to be an effec-
tive environmental protection measure.
MEPA institutionalizes the concept of enhanced scoping and public outreach
(see Section 4.3.3) with the establishment of a Special Review Procedure. Under
this procedure, there is a project-specific schedule with interim submittals, pub-
lic hearings, review procedures, public participation program, and final submit-
tals. The procedure also mandates a citizens advisory committee (CAC) with
assigned roles and responsibilities. The intent of a mandated CAC is involve-
ment of the critical stakeholders at every decision point and critical juncture of
project development and environmental analysis. With the concurrence of the
CAC, the normal requirements of MEPA can be waived and project-speciic
requirements adopted for such items as: submittal of final documents, only a
single ruling by the Secretary of Environmental and Energy Affairs, review
time constraints, etc. The Special Review Procedure is designed for large, com-
plex, and potentially controversial projects. It allows the proponent and key
stakeholders to reach an agreement on interim decisions before time, money,
and energy are wasted in pursuing and analyzing an option or project element
that has no public support. It also creates an environment of cooperation and
can result in a project that is jointly designed and supported by the community
and the proponent. The downside of the Special Review Procedure is the time
and resources that must be committed by both proponent and stakeholders
to achieve the benefits, so the pluses and minuses must be weighed carefully
before embarking on this expanded and enhanced public outreach procedure.
The redevelopment of the closed Weymouth Naval Air Station southeast of
Boston, Massachusetts is an example of both the Special Review Procedure and
the interaction of state and federal environmental programs. The station was one
of the last large tracts of undeveloped land in metropolitan Boston that was not
designated for permanent open space preservation, and it was closed during a
period of high demand for residential housing. Also, the infrastructure (includ-
ing transportation, water, and sewer) in the surrounding area was already over
capacity, so additional development created added pressure and much public
concern. Thus, the situation was ripe for controversy with the competing inter-
ests of the pro-development community and the citizens of Weymouth, who
were concerned about crowding, traffic, and a drain on municipal services.
A Special Review Procedure and establishment of a CAC under MEPA were
keys to addressing the potential for controversy before public opposition totally
derailed the project. It also contributed to what ended up as a project with sig-
nificant benefits to the community as well as the proponent, including:
r Enhanced and expanded commuter rail transportation
r Procurement of potable water from the excess capacity in the adja-
cent regional water purveyor
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