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MWRA Permit Information and Applications
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

"Digsafe" Subsurface Utility and Easement Encroachment Requests

Please contact the MWRA Permitting Department, Field Operations (617) 305-5956

Industrial Sewer Users/SIUs
Please visit MWRA's TRAC Permits page
8(m) Permit

PLEASE READ:

At this time, TRAC is only accepting permit applications electronically.

  • Please email permit applications for work within our wastewater easements to Kevin.McKenna@mwra.com
  • Please email permit applications for work within our water easements to Ralph.Francesconi@mwra.com
  • Please include your contact information in the email.

This application, when completed and submitted, requests the MWRA to issue an 8(m) Permit. Section 8(m) of chapter 372 of the Acts of 1984 enables the Authority to issue permits to other entities to build, construct, excavate, or cross within an easement or other property interest held by the Authority. More information

8M Application 2020 (.pdf) | (.doc)

Application for 8(m) Permit: Public Access to Aqueduct Trails (.pdf)

Direct Master "Direct Connect" Permit

PLEASE READ:

At this time, TRAC is only accepting Direct Connection applications electronically.

This application, when completed and submitted, requests the MWRA to issue an 8(m) Permit. Section 8(m) of chapter 372 of the Acts of 1984 enables the Authority to issue permits to other entities to build, construct, excavate, or cross within an easement or other property interest held by the Authority. More information

Direct Master Application (pdf)

 

ABOUT 8(m) PERMITS

What is this application and why is it necessary?

This application, when completed and submitted, requests the MWRA to issue an 8(m) Permit. Section 8(m) of chapter 372 of the Acts of 1984 enables the Authority to issue permits to other entities to build, construct, excavate, or cross within an easement or other property interest held by the Authority.

How to complete and submit this application?

Please print legibly in black or dark blue ink or type all responses. Answer all questions: if a question does not apply to your project, write “Not Applicable” or “N/A”. Include all necessary documents. Keep a copy of the completed application for your records.

Send a $100.00 non-refundable check for the administrative processing fee, the original and five (5) copies of the completed application and any other required documents to either:

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Wastewater 8(m) Permitting Unit
2 Griffin Way
Chelsea, MA 02150
Attn: Kevin McKenna

Or

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Waterworks 8(m) Permitting Unit
2 Griffin Way
Chelsea, MA 02150
Attn: Ralph A. Francesconi

Permit Process:

  • MWRA staff will review the application to determine if your request can be approved. If MWRA cannot issue the requested permit, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for denying the request.
  • If the permit application is approved, MWRA staff will send you three original 8(m) Permits for your signature. Additionally, a completed 8(m) Permit Assessment Fee Form noting any additional charges beyond the administrative processing fee (if required) will be sent.
  • Upon receipt of all signed originals and payment for any additional fees, MWRA will execute the document.
  • MWRA will mail the executed documents with a Notice to Proceed.
  • All plans submitted shall be stamped by a Professional Engineer or Professional Land Surveyor licensed in the State of Massachusetts.

Questions and answers:

For answers to questions about this application and MWRA 8(m) Permits, contact MWRA’s Wastewater 8(m) Permitting Unit at (617) 305-5956 or MWRA’s Waterworks 8(m) Permitting Unit at (617) 305-5827.

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ABOUT DIRECT MASTER ("DIRECT CONNECT") PERMITS

What is the Direct Master application and why is it necessary?

This application, when completed and submitted, requests Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) to issue a direct connection permit. Any person wishing to make a direct connection to an MWRA sewer or to modify or reconnect an existing direct connection to an MWRA sewer must have a direct connection permit issued by the MWRA for such connection, modification, or reconnection. No person, without authorization from MWRA, may uncover, make any connection with or opening into, modify, or disturb in any way an MWRA sewer, including a sewer manhole.

When is the Direct Master application not necessary?

Do not use this application if you are connecting to a municipal sewer. Contact the municipality instead. This application is only necessary for a direct connection, modification, or reconnection to an MWRA sewer or manhole.

How to complete and submit the Direct Master application:

  • Please print legibly in black or dark blue ink or type your answers. Answer all the questions. If a question does not apply to your project, write "not applicable" or "n/a" and explain why it is not applicable.
  • Include all the necessary documents. Make sure you have obtained the required municipal recommendation and signature. Keep a copy of the completed application for your records.
  • Send the original and five copies of the signed and completed application and required documents to: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Wastewater 8(m) Permitting Unit, 2 Griffin Way, Chelsea, MA 02150

Contact Info:

If you have questions about the Direct Master Permit or application, pleae contact: MWRA Permitting Department, Field Operations: (617) 305-5956.

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Updated May 5, 2022