Overview
On March 2, 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) released a discussion document proposing revisions to its 1990 Noise Policy (the Policy). As currently implemented, the Policy guides the agency’s evaluations of compliance with the Commonwealth’s noise regulations under 310 CMR 7.10. MassDEP’s highly anticipated revisions to the Policy seek comments and guidance on: baseline sound levels, noise measurement points, compliance evaluation for existing permitted sound sources, tonal sound definitions, and a revised approach to conducting sound studies. According to MassDEP, these revisions seek to increase clarity in the application of the Policy, reflect advances in acoustical measurement practices, and address stakeholder concerns regarding how the Policy affects projects in areas with very low background sound levels.
