| Land use data indicate that unplanned development seriously threatens the quality and quantity of natural resources in the MAPC region. Undeveloped land was lost to development steadily throughout the last decade, at an average rate of 7.6 acres per day between 1991 and 1999. Yet MAPC's buildout analysis results point to significant capacity for additional residential, commercial and industrial growth, particularly in outlying areas along the I-495 corridor. As widespread urban growth looms on the horizon for many communities, it becomes increasingly important to plan proactively to preserve sensitive natural resources.
As the Regional Planning Agency for the Boston metropolitan region, MAPC provides technical assistance on a wide range of environmental issues, including:
Water Resources Planning
MAPC has provided technical assistance for water quality planning to numerous communities. MAPC has also produced technical manuals on aquifer protection, underground storage tanks, and stormwater management. In cooperation with DEP and MWRA, MAPC developed a model wellhead protection bylaw, and is working with DEP to develop a model stormwater management bylaw.
MAPC works in close cooperation with the Massachusetts Watershed Initiative, which has assigned multi-agency watershed teams for each of the state's 27 watersheds. Parts of 10 watersheds are in the MAPC region (see watershed map), and MAPC works with these watershed teams to identify key issues and determine project priorities.
Massachusetts Bays Program
MAPC administers the Massachusetts Bays Program's Local Governance Committee for the Metro Boston region, which provides technical assistance to coastal communities from Swampscott to Hingham. The program focuses on issues such as stormwater, wetlands restoration, shellfish bed restoration, and water quality. For more information contact Sam Cleaves, 617-451-2770 ext. 2013, e-mail: scleaves@mapc.org or see the Mass Bays Program web site.
Stormwater/Non-Point Source Pollution
MAPC produced regional projects for the management of stormwater in the Sudbury River basin and the Neponset River basin. MAPC also produced a non-point source management plan for nine South Shore communities, and is currently conducting a stormwater management plan for the Lake Cochituate watershed
Open Space Planning
MAPC works on open space issues at both the regional and local levels. As part of MAPC's regional plan, MetroPlan, a regional open space element was developed which analyzed open space needs and recommended guidelines for open space planning in the region. MAPC has also developed or updated local open space plans for several communities, including Dedham, Hanover, Holbrook and Norwell.
Climate Change Activities
CLIMB- Climate's Long-term Impacts on Metro Boston--is a three-year project aimed at studying the potential impacts of climate change on metropolitan Boston's infrastructure systems and recommending strategies to prevent, reduce or manage the risk. It is expected to produce a ground-breaking study of national importance.
The study looks at how potentially rising sea levels, higher summer peak temperatures, and more frequent and intense storms may affect our water supply and water quality, wastewater collection and treatment, drainage and flood management systems, transportation and communication,
public health, and energy systems. It also considers how these potential impacts relate to each other and what effects they might have on the economy, public budgets, and society
as a whole.
The scientific investigation is being conducted by a prestigious team of more than 20 scientists and experts from the Tufts University Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Maryland School of Public Affairs, and the Boston University Department of Geography. As a project partner, MAPC is helping to engage stakeholders and solicit input from infrastructure planners, decision-makers, and others.
To find out how local communities can join the Cities for Climate Protection campaign and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, visit www.iclei.org.
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