MEPA Review

The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), established in the late 1970s, provides a uniform system for evaluating the environmental impacts of projects that involve state funding, land, or permits. Its purpose is to identify and address potential adverse impacts early in the planning process, ensuring that mitigation measures are developed and incorporated as enforceable permit conditions.

As the regional planning agency for Northern Middlesex, NMCOG reviews MEPA filings for projects that may have regional impacts. NMCOG evaluates proposals for consistency with the Regional Strategic Plan for Greater Lowell, NMCOG’s regional policy plan, and other relevant state, regional, and local plans related to transportation, land use, housing, open space and recreation, and economic development. Through formal comment letters, NMCOG provides a regional perspective, highlights cross-community impacts, encourages sustainable development practices, and recommends appropriate mitigation strategies.