How MassDEP's Proposed Noise Policy Update Could Affect Renewable Energy Developers

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is poised to revise its Noise Policyfor the first time since the Policy's adoption in 1990. The Policy often plays a critical role in the assessment of operational noise in the Commonwealth, including in siting and permitting renewable energy projects.

MassDEP is revising the Policy based on:

• MassDEP's own experience in administering the Policy over the past few decades;
• Input MassDEP has received from developers and noise professionals regarding more effective ways to regulate noise;
• Requests from local health officials for greater clarity; and
• An explicit recommendation by the Clean Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting Commission that the Policy be updated "to address the disparity of treatment of projects proposed in rural versus urban areas."