Conservation CommissionThe Conservation Commission protects water resources including public and private water supplies, ground water, fisheries, endangered species, wildlife and wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. The commission holds hearings on development and other activities that may effect these natural resources for granting or withholding permission for these activities. It also maintains detailed maps of wetlands and flood plains within the city. The commission consists of a chairman and six members. All are appointed by the mayor and serve overlapping three-year terms. Public hearings are held at 5:00 on second and fourth Tuesdays at 70 Tapley Street. Our Mission:The City of Springfield takes an active role in protecting its water resources. Through the implementation and adminstration of the Masschusetts Wetlands Protection Act, as well as the Springfield Wetlands Protection Bylaws, the City oversees the sustainable development and redevelopment of areas critical to the health of our lakes, streams and wetlands. Protecting these resources not only serves to benefit natural habitats and the quality of Springfield's water but can have indirect benefits on property values and the overall health of the City. To find out if your project is near any wetland resources and needs review from the Conservation Commission, please visit the sites below or contact our office. Some Important Links: Springfield's Wetlands Protection Ordinance (Title 10.20 in City Ordinances) Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations Official MA Department of Environmental Protection Permit Applications Stormwater Pollution: Why you are a key factor in tackling our nation's greatest impairment to water quality.When rain or snow melt (stormwater) flows over our driveways, roofs and parking lots it can pick up anything from sediment to oil to trash. In most of the City, that water travels into the storm grates you see in roadways and then out to a water body. This water DOES NOT go to Bondies Island for treatment.
 This is why stormwater is currently the greatest contributor to water quality degradation in the United States. The City of Springfield alone has about 15,000 storm grates! That means water flowing into these grates and what it is carrying, eventually finds its way out to our streams, lakes, wetlands, and ponds. Whether your interest is in nature, fishing, health or property values, your efforts to help prevent stormwater pollution are essential in keeping Springfield's water clean. Please visit the following links to learn more about what you can do to help:
Conservation Commission Members: Full Time Staff: |
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Page last updated: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 11:34 am