Home Services Site Investigation Remedial System Design and Implementation Due Diligence services Geotechnical Engineering Services Environmental Compliance Litigation Support and Expert Testimony Water Supply Services Environmental and Human Risk Characterization Newletter Recruitment About Us Office Locations Links

GeoInsighter Winter/Spring 2007 Newsletter

MADEP ENTERS THE ELECTRONIC AGE WITH eDEP

Return to the Newsletter Index

In the spring of 2006, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) introduced eDEP, a secure site for electronically submitting environmental permits, transmittals, certifications, and reports to the MADEP. With eDEP, you currently have the option of submitting Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup (BWSC) transmittal forms to the MADEP either on paper or online electronically; however, the MADEP is moving to requiring all-electronic submittals in the near future. A similar electronic submittal program is currently in use by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE SUBMISSION

  • Many data fields on standard forms will automatically fill themselves in or pre-populate based upon prior submittals.
  • Site data will be confirmed more quickly as submittals are validated online, avoiding lost time for corrections.
  • A verified MADEP administrative review will ensure that the transmittal form is complete for the purpose of considering the submittal received within applicable deadlines.
  • Licensed Site Professionals (LSPs) and persons responsible for certifying submittals can complete and sign transmittal forms almost worldwide through standard Internet access.
  • Transmittal forms and attachments can be submitted on the same day.
  • There is a sharing function that allows documents to be shared, edited, and electronically signed by each party. Signatures on paper copies are not required if the submittal is made through eDEP. The electronic signature is the legal signature of the document.

WHO WILL USE eDEP?

The regulated community and LSPs are among those groups who will use eDEP for required submittals.

Using eDEP allows you to: 1) fill out MADEP forms online, 2) save your work and return to it later, 3) submit your forms to the MADEP electronically, 4) electronically "sign" your submittals, and 5) print receipts of your transactions. MADEP electronic forms are currently available for the following regulatory programs.

  • Air Quality
  • Recycling and Composting
  • Drinking Water
  • Toxics Use Reduction
  • Environmental Results Program
  • Waste Site Cleanup
  • Ground Water
  • Watershed Permitting
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Wetlands

HOW DO I ACCESS eDEP?

Both the consultant and the regulated entity making the submittal must register in eDEP at https://edep.dep.mass.gov/DEPHome.aspx. For the regulated entity, the registration process is similar to creating any online account with a username and password. For BWSC projects, the regulated entity does not need to submit the Proof of Identity form that the LSP is required to stamp and send to the MADEP.

The MADEP also encourages electronic submittal of the actual reports associated with the forms. eDEP can accept most standard file formats, including doc, txt, pdf, xls, and gif. While it is the MADEP's goal to move aggressively toward a completely electronic submission and document retrieval system, a few limitations still exist for the near term.

  • The current maximum file size allowed per attachment is 20 MB, and a paper copy (hardcopy) of the electronic attachment must still be submitted to the appropriate MADEP office.
  • "Grace periods," where applicable, for electronic filings are the same as for paper filings.
  • For filings that do not have a "grace period," supplementary paper filings must be submitted no later than the day after the deadline.
  • Updated or corrected information on filed documents must be emailed to the MADEP. The MADEP is working on making these changes and updating the database automatically.

    While there are still some bugs in the eDEP system, the MADEP is resolute in pursuing and implementing electronic submittal technology through eDEP. The MADEP recognizes that issues will arise during eDEP implementation and use, and it has created an eDEP email box for submitting questions on the program. You can also use the eDEP email box to notify the MADEP of database corrections to form data that is not editable in eDEP. You can contact the MADEP regarding e-filings at (617) 556 1100 or visit their website at http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/compliance/edeponlf.htm

    Joel J. Trifilo, P.G., L.S.P., L.E.P.

    info@geoinc.com

    Return to the Newsletter Index