Project Abstract.  USEPA guidance for the development of watershed-based plans is spelled out in the Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories (Oct. 23, 2003). A watershed-based plan meeting nine elements is a prerequisite for using 319 incremental funds in a watershed. Descriptions of the nine elements of a watershed-based plan and how these are being addressed by MassDEP can be accessed via the A through I links above.

A.  An identification of the causes and sources or groups of similar sources that will need to be controlled to achieve the load reductions estimated in this watershed-based plan. This watershed-based plan reports actual data where it is available, derived from DEP Water Quality Assessments, the Integrated List of Waters, or other credible sources. Where no data is available, the data gap is addressed by providing a modeled estimate of NPS causes (bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, suspended solids) based on land use. A detailed description of how the modeling is carried out and how other elements are addressed is found in the Technical Memorandum (not currently available)Technical Memorandum.

B.  An estimate of the load reductions expected for the management measures described in C. In general, the goal is to meet Massachusetts's Surface Water Quality Standards, and/or attain designated uses. The Clean Water Toolkit, Massachusetts's Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Manual, contains comprehensive information and guidance for developing appropriate and effective Best Management Practices to address nonpoint source pollution. BMP fact sheets and links found in the Toolkit provide information about the estimated pollutant removal capability of the BMP. BMPs should be selected for maximum pollutant load removal in order to meet water quality goals.

C.  A description of the NPS management measures that will need to be implemented to achieve the load reductions estimated under paragraph B. The Clean Water Toolkit, Massachusetts's Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Manual, provides a comprehensive resource for identifying and implementing appropriate Best Management Practices to achieve effective pollutant load reduction. Management measures should be selected to address the land-use-based sources in the surrounding watershed, identified on the previous 'sources' tab of this web site. For example, where urban land uses dominate the watershed, appropriate BMPs will be found in Chapter 4, "Urban Stormwater Runoff," in the Clean Water Toolkit.

D.  An estimate of the amounts of technical and financial assistance needed, associated costs, and/or the sources and authorities that will be relied upon, to implement this plan This is addressed in Volume I, Ch. 7 of the Massachusetts Nonpoint Source Management Plan as well as in several other publications outlined in the Technical MemorandumTechnical Memorandum prepared for each basin. In addition, each watershed project will specify technical details, identify partners, and provide an exact budget for implementation of the work, augmenting the general information that is already available. Further information about funding and technical resources is also available in the EOEA Watershed Actions Plans and other resources outlined in the Technical Memorandum prepared for each basin.

E.  An information/education component that will be used to enhance public understanding of the project. The importance of engaging watershed stakeholders at the grassroots level is a central theme of the Massachusetts Nonpoint Source Management Plan. Throughout, the Plan emphasizes the need to involve municipal officials, businesses, agencies, and residents in activities to enhance, protect, and restore watershed resources. In addition, each watershed-based implementation project includes a specific outreach and education component that will further educate stakeholders about the project and about nonpoint source pollution in the watershed. Education and outreach components are also included in EOEA Watershed Action Plans.

F.  A schedule for implementing the NPS management measures found in this plan. The Nonpoint Source Action Strategies, Volume IV of the Massachusetts Nonpoint Source Management Plan, outline specific actions to be taken to remediate nonpoint source pollution. In addition, each watershed-based implementation project contains a milestone schedule for completion of project tasks that will lead to pollutant load reduction and water quality improvement. EOEA Watershed Actions Plans and other resources outlined in the Technical Memorandums prepared for each basin also contain goals and priority actions for the basin.

G.  A description of interim, measurable milestones for determining whether NPS management measures or other control actions are being implemented The Nonpoint Source Action Strategies, Volume IV of the Massachusetts Nonpoint Source Management Plan, outline specific actions to be taken to remediate nonpoint source pollution in each basin. The strategies compile, segment by segment for each major watershed, the 303(d) impairments, other outstanding water quality issues, the data/information sources, and recommendations to address the water quality impairments. Consistent with assurances contained in the Management Plan, the Action Strategies are updated every two years. The update reports on actions that have been implemented as well as new recommendations that have been made in the interim.

H.  A set of criteria that can be used to determine whether loading reductions are being achieved over time. Following the Watershed Approach and the Water Quality Monitoring Strategy for Massachusetts, MassDEP conducts water quality sampling on a regular schedule encompassing rotating watershed monitoring cycles, continuous year-round sampling, and non-rotating priority-driven schedules. Results of the sampling program are used to determine whether water quality goals have been met and Massachusetts's Surface Water Quality Standards or designated uses have been attained.

I.  A monitoring component to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation efforts. Following the Watershed Approach and the Water Quality Monitoring Strategy for Massachusetts, MassDEP conducts water quality sampling on a regular schedule encompassing rotating watershed monitoring cycles, continuous year-round sampling, and non-rotating priority-driven schedules. Results of the sampling program are used to determine whether water quality goals have been met and Massachusetts's Surface Water Quality Standards or designated uses have been attained.