MassDEP requires that submissions related to 401 WQC permit applications be submitted through ePLACE now.
Per the Clean Water Act Section 401 Rule (40 CFR 121.4), a 401 WQC Pre-Filing Meeting is required for a proponent to request a Pre-Filing Meeting with MassDEP at least 30 days prior to submitting a request for WQC; MassDEP is not required to hold such a meeting. While MassDEP's WQC Program administering 314 CMR 9.00 does not plan to waive or shorten this requirement as a general rule, applicants can request and MassDEP can agree to shorten or waive the timeframe on a case-by-case basis.