What is the Wetlands Protection Act?

The purpose of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) is the protection of Massachusetts wetlands by preventing pollution, reducing the effects of potential flooding, preventing storm damage, protecting groundwater supplies, maintaining habitats for plants and wildlife, and protecting public and private water supplies.

The Massachusetts WPA identifies eight public interests that wetlands serve.

1. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC & PRIVATE DRINKING WATER SUPPLIES – Wetlands contribute to both the quality and quantity of public and private drinking water supplies by contributing to the ground water supply, protecting against storm damage, and prevention of pollution.

2. POLLUTION PREVENTION – Wetland plants and soils slow down the flow of water, allowing suspended sediments to settle out. The plants in a wetland also trap, remove, and/or dissolve pollutants in the water such as phosphates, nitrates, and heavy metals.

3. GROUNDWATER SUPPLY – Not only does groundwater contribute to drinking water supplies, as mentioned above, it is also very important in maintaining water levels in many rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. Finally, groundwater provides a vital source of water to plants between rainstorms.

4. FLOOD CONTROL – Wetlands help control flooding by slowing down and storing floodwaters. The plants and soils in the wetland absorb much of the water. The remainder is released at a slower, steadier rate.

5. STORM DAMAGE PREVENTION – During a storm, wetland vegetation stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion from wind, ice, and fast-moving water. Friction from the plants found in wetlands also slows down the velocity of potentially damaging storm waters.

6. PROTECTION OF FISHERIES – In addition to preventing contamination, wetlands provide a valuable food source and habitat to many fish species.

7. WILDLIFE HABITAT – Wetlands provide habitat for various animals.  Birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians use wetlands for food, shelter, breeding and nesting.  Wetlands are also valuable migratory areas. 

8. PROTECTION OF LAND CONTAINING SHELLFISH – In coastal areas, wetlands provide habitat and protection against pollution for shellfish such as mussels, clams, and oysters. (Lynnfield does not have coastal wetlands.)

The Act gives local communities and the Department of Environmental Protection the authority to regulate work and to enforce regulations near Resource Areas.