Bill > S656

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for large-scale soil reclamation projects involving quarries, sand pits, and gravel pits, specifically those receiving over 100,000 cubic yards of soil. The legislation requires the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to issue a site-specific administrative consent order for each covered project, which must include detailed plans for soil management, sampling, transportation, stormwater control, wetlands protection, public communication, and third-party environmental oversight. To be approved, the soil must contain only minimal amounts of solid waste, and any soil containing oil or hazardous materials would be considered a "reportable release" requiring assessment and remediation. The bill mandates that projects must certify that the soil reuse poses no significant risk to public health, safety, or the environment, and projects not complying with these requirements can be subject to enforcement actions. The legislation aims to create a structured approach to soil reuse in reclamation projects while protecting environmental and public safety, and it does not override existing local, state, or federal requirements for soil management and project approvals.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S656