MA Department of Environmental Protection

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) is the lead agency for protection of the state’s environment. This agency enforces environmental laws and monitors Toxics and Hazards as well as Clean Up of sites and spills throughout the state. Records of contamination of properties can be found at their website as well as information on hazardous substances. The MA DEP works closely with the membership of the Local Emergency Planning Committee during a chemical emergency in a community and will monitor clean up efforts and contamination during and after the emergency.

The MA DEP also administers part of the federal Superfund Amendment Reauthorization Act (SARA Title III) called Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). (See the link for Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act for more information about SARA Title III) Toxic Release Inventory is considered to be normal or regular releases of chemicals into the environment as a result of normal manufacturing operations or processes. Toxic Release Inventory must be reported to the MA DEP annually. This data is available for the public.