What is the purpose of the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act?
In 1996 the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act, more formally known as “An Act Providing Protection For the Rivers of the Commonwealth”. This important law amends the Wetland Protection Act, MGL Chapter 131 Section 40, and provides protection to rivers by regulating activities within a newly established wetland resource area known as the Riverfront Area. This Act identifies eight purposes, which are the same as the Wetlands Protection Act’s interests: protection of private or public water supply, protection of groundwater, flood control, prevention of storm damage, prevention of pollution, protection of land containing shellfish, protection of wildlife habitat, and protection of fisheries. The Rivers Protection Act establishes a state policy for protecting the natural integrity of the Commonwealth’s rivers and to establish open space along rivers. Copies of the Rivers Protection Act Regulations may be obtained from the State House Bookstores or dow
