Introduction and Purpose

(1) Introduction. 310 CMR 10.00 is promulgated by the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to the authority granted under The Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. c. 131, § 40. 310 CMR 10.00 shall complement M.G.L. c. 131, § 40, and shall have the force of law. 310 CMR 10.01 through 10.10 provide definitions and procedures. 310 CMR 10.01 through 10.10 pertains to both inland and coastal areas subject to protection under M.G.L. c. 131, § 40. 310 CMR 10.21 through 10.60 provide standards for work within those areas. 310 CMR 10.21 through 10.37 pertains only to coastal areas and 310 CMR 10.51 through 10.60 pertains only to inland areas. A project may be subject to regulation under 310 CMR 10.00 in which case compliance with all applicable regulations is required. (2) Purpose. M.G.L. c. 131, § 40 sets forth a public review and decision-making process by which activities affecting Areas Subject to Protection under M.G.L. c. 131, § 40 are to be regulated in order to contribute to the following interests: -protection of public and private water supply -protection of ground water supply -flood control -storm damage prevention -prevention of pollution -protection of land containing shellfish -protection of fisheries -protection of wildlife habitat The purpose of 310 CMR 10.00 is to define and clarify that process by establishing standard definitions and uniform procedures by which conservation commissions and the Department may carry out their responsibilities under M.G.L. c. 131, § 40. Applicants and issuing authorities shall use forms provided by the Department to implement 310 CMR 10.00. 310 CMR 10.00 is intended solely for use in administering M.G.L. c. 131, § 40; nothing contained in 310 CMR 10.00 should be construed as preempting or precluding more stringent protection of wetlands or other natural resource areas by local by-law, ordinance or regulation.