iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

🍏There’s still time for K–12 schools to register for MassDEP’s Green Team. This free program gives students and educators hands-on ways to make a difference through recycling, composting, waste reduction, energy conservation, pollution prevention & more. thegreenteam.org

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

MassDEP’s AFFF Takeback Program reduces potential PFAS exposure and protects our communities. In partnership with @massdfs.bsky.social, we have collected and destroyed more than 420,000 pounds - over 49,400 gallons - of AFFF from 166 fire departments and facilities across Massachusetts.

A firefighter spraying foam. Text on the image reads, "Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Takeback Program."

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

📢 Grant Opportunity: The Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area grant is available to Cape Cod communities - projects must address excess nitrogen pollution from wastewater and other sources. Applications due: October 26, 2026. bit.ly/4jyGsSC

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Last week, our central regional team attended back-to-back career fairs at @wpiedu.bsky.social and @clarkuniversity.bsky.social. A big thank you to WPI alum Kevin and Clark alum Sarah for helping us connect with future talent. It was great talking to so many students about opportunities at MassDEP.

MassDEP's Kevin Daoust standing at a booth and talking to a student at the WPI career fair.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

MassDEP is making approximately $7.2M available to fund the development and construction of nitrogen reduction solutions for wastewater treatment plants in the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Thames River Watersheds. Applications Due: December 21

A map highlighting areas around Long Island Sound, including parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts, is shown on the left. The right side features text about the Long Island Sound Partnership Nitrogen Reduction Infrastructure Grant, with applications due on December 21.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

It’s getting colder, have you had your heating oil delivered yet? Accidents happen and proper environmental cleanup is expensive, so call your insurance company today to make sure you’re covered if an accidental leak or spill happens.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

MassDEP had a fantastic time connecting with students at the Engineering, Science and Technology College and Internship Fair @wneuniversity.bsky.social. It was great to meet so many students eager to learn how their scientific and technical skills can help protect our environment. 🌱🔬

Sarah Showalter standing next to a table draped with a MassDEP tablecloth. Behind them is a display board with various informational materials.

Elizabeth Cardona standing next to a table draped with a MassDEP tablecloth. Behind them is a display board with various informational materials.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

🎉 Congrats to MassDEP’s Deneen Simpson, Director of Environmental Justice, on receiving the 2026 LSPA Environmental Justice Award! 👏 Thank you for your leadership in advancing equitable engagement, public participation and environmental protection across Massachusetts.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

In partnership with UMass, MassDEP developed a free, self-paced online course for water and wastewater systems in Massachusetts to learn more about basic cybersecurity measures, incident response, system resilience and more! Enroll today! classes.wateroperator.org/courses/cybe...

classes.wateroperator.org

Basic Cybersecurity Measures for Water and Wastewater Systems in Massachusetts

This self-paced course on water and wastewater system cybersecurity addresses the growing importance of protecting these essential services from evolving threats and vulnerabilities.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

♻️ @massgovernor.bsky.social and @massltgovernor.bsky.social awarded $1.7+M in Recycling and Reuse Business Development Grants today. These investments will help 16 businesses expand collection and processing capacity, strengthen our recycling infrastructure, and support a more sustainable future.

Three images of an empty delivery van, a stack of pallets, and text announcing the awarding of $1.7+ million for recycling and reuse businesses. The bottom text highlights the grants' support for waste reduction and sustainable business practices.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

MassDEP’s Chapter 91 Waterways Program - the nation’s oldest of its kind - protects public rights to Massachusetts tidelands and waterways. Our new License Viewer makes it easier to explore our history and access important records. youtu.be/xAU03pRaYB4

youtu.be

MassDEP Chapter 91 Waterways Regulation Program License Viewer

YouTube video by MassDEP

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

On Tuesday, MassDEP and @masseea.bsky.social connected with students to share career and internship opportunities in the environmental field. Thank you to @salemstate.bsky.social for the chance to connect with the next generation of environmental professionals! 🍃

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

MassDEP is now accepting MS4 grants applications to help Massachusetts municipalities strengthen stormwater management and reduce pollution. We're hosting a virtual pre-application meeting on September 17 at 1pm. Applications due: October 9, 2026 by 5pm. bit.ly/4A0Hj4p

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

MassDEP monitors air quality across Massachusetts and provides daily updates and forecasts to help you stay informed. 📊 Check out our recently published 2025 Annual Air Quality Report to learn more. www.mass.gov/doc/2025-ann...

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

As cyber threats become more sophisticated and frequent, MassDEP is committed to ensuring water systems of every size have the resources they need to safeguard our water that communities rely on every day. Learn more: bit.ly/4yhyvWh

storymaps.arcgis.com

Cybersecurity Resource Hub for MA Public Water Systems (PWS)

Resources for PWS to improve cybersecurity defenses, mitigate cyber-attack risks, and enhance overall resiliency and compliance.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

#TBT 🦉 MassDEP gave a hoot at Brockton’s “Give a Hoot About the Park” spring celebration to connect with the community, meet live owls, and share information about local environmental issues and park revitalization efforts.

MassDEP's Debbie Marshall-Hewlitt posing next to an owl perched on a gloved hand.

Southeast and Boston EJ team standing behind a table with a MassDEP green tablecloth.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Since 2022, MassDEP has worked closely with State Representative Adrian Madaro and the East Boston community to expand local air quality monitoring. youtube.com/shorts/oBCrh...

youtube.com

East Boston Air Sensors Program

YouTube video by MassDEP

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

🎒 Our Western Regional team attended the Athol & Royalston Regional School District Back to School Celebration to help students prepare for the new school year while connecting them with valuable community resources, including information about MassDEP programs and services.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

It’s Back-to-School Time! 📚🖍️🎒✏️ MassDEP's Worcester team collected classroom essentials for the Department of Children and Families - thank you to everyone who donated and helped make sure local students have the supplies they need to start the school year ready to succeed.

MassDEP's Amy, Tim and Andrea holding the school supplies

school supplies, including backpacks, markers, crayons, pencils, etc.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

MassDEP awarded $1.1M to 13 businesses and organizations to support new technologies created by businesses, start-ups, and non-profits to better manage big and bulky waste, improve waste reduction efficiencies, and strengthen recycling markets across Massachusetts.

Orange recycling symbol with icons of gears, hands, and a bolt inside it. Below, text reads: "Waste Reduction Innovation Grant - $1.1 Million Awarded To Expand Recycling And Reuse." On the right, there's a pile of clothes.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

MassDEP interns visited the Blackburn & Union Privileges Superfund Site in Walpole, giving them a firsthand look at environmental remediation and the work involved in restoring land for future use. #InternExperience #EnvironmentalRemediation #Superfund #EnvironmentalCareers

MassDEP interns and staff standing outdoors on grassy area.

MassDEP interns and staff stand on a stone bridge surrounded by lush trees.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

MassDEP's Central Regional team joined local, state & federal partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of a future public roadway at GreenTech Park in Worcester. The 51-acre brownfields redevelopment project is transforming a former manufacturing site into a new community asset.

Local, state and federal officials participating in a groundbreaking ceremony. They are holding shovels and standing in front of a mound of dirt, with orange traffic cones marking the area.

Aerial view of an architectural site plan titled "Main Street Northborough Business Park." layout includes public roadways, buildings and public spaces.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

MassDEP’s Western Regional team was thrilled to join Strong Young Minds to share real-world examples of our work. We connected with more than 50 young people and introduced the next generation to our mission to protect and enhance our natural resources - air, water, and land.

MassDEP's Elizabeth Cardona, Director of Strong Young Minds Teka Jones, MassDEP Environmental Analyst Tim Strezepa, and youth Eliaz Corbbin.

Tim Strzepa, Environmental Analyst presenting an "Overview of MassDEP"

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

💧 MassDEP is accepting grant proposals for projects that help MA communities manage, conserve, and protect water resources. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to strengthen local water planning and resilience efforts. 📅 Responses due: 9/21/26 bit.ly/4bZMeZ3

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

MassDEP’s updated Ecological Restoration regulations will accelerate wetland restoration across Massachusetts, especially in vulnerable coastal areas, helping communities and ecosystems become more resilient. 📣 Public comments Due August 20 at 5 p.m. bit.ly/45whbAE

mass.gov

310 CMR 10.00: Wetlands Protection Act Regulations

These regulations establish procedures for conservation commissions and MassDEP to follow in issuing permits for work in areas protected under the Wetlands Protection Act.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Through the State Revolving Fund, MassDEP offers grants of up to $50,000 to help Public Water Systems address Operational Technology cybersecurity risks. To date, 38 water utilities have received more than $1.3 million to strengthen their cyber resilience. bit.ly/4g7JKJl

A blue graphic displaying the MassDEP Public Water Suppliers Cybersecurity Improvements Grant Program. Central emblem features a shield with a lock, surrounded by circuitry patterns.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

MassDEP is making it easier to restore wetlands and salt marshes. 🌿 Proposed updates to the Ecological Restoration regulations would streamline approvals, helping beneficial restoration projects move forward faster. 📣 Public comments are due Thursday, August 20 at 5 p.m.

Belle Isle Marsh with text "Ecological Restoration Regulations"

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

🌿🌊 MassDEP recently took part in Neponset Day 2026! Thank you to @neprwa.bsky.social for bringing together families, community members, and visitors to connect and learn more about the Neponset River!

Nishaila Porter sitting behind a table covered with a green MassDEP cloth. The table has informational brochures, buttons, and a container with lollipops. Trees and people relaxing in a park setting are visible in the background.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

MassDEP is proposing updates to streamline permitting by allowing the review for a Chapter 91 Waterways application to occur during the MEPA process. We are hosting public hearings on September 9 at 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM. Link to register in the Public Notice. bit.ly/45UbjkA

A scenic waterfront view with modern buildings and moored boats, overlaid with text: "Same Environmental Standards. Faster Review." Below, in a blue box, text reads, "Public Hearing: Wednesday, September 9, 1:00 PM & 6:00 PM via Zoom."

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Earlier this week, MassDEP joined fellow state agencies and community partners for Worcester’s annual National Night Out! 🎉 It was a great evening connecting with residents, sharing resources, and coming together with the community!

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

MassDEP published draft regulations to allow MEPA and Chapter 91 Waterways reviews to happen at the same time! The changes will help streamline the permitting process and cut down on wait times. www.mass.gov/regulations/310-CMR-90…

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

MassDEP’s Wetlands Analyst and Community Engagement Manager from the western region provided a fun and interactive lesson about water quality at the @grayhousepringfield in Springfield! 💧🌎 #NationalWaterQualityMonth

Wetland Analyst Thomas Gruszkos shows a slide pointing to where WERO is located.

MassDEP’s Wetlands Analyst and Community Engagement Manager

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Earlier this summer, MassDEP's southeast team joined community leaders at the Cape Cod Community Leadership Meeting to discuss environmental justice priorities and strengthen partnerships across the region. 🌎🤝

Representatives from organizations including MassDEP, the Cape Cod Commission, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, Mashpee Public Schools, WIC of Cape Cod, Outer Cape Health Services, the Cape Cod Council of Churches, Cape Cod Community College, and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

MassDEP is hosting a virtual public information session to provide an overview of the draft ecological restoration regulations intended to streamline permitting for beneficial wetland restoration and other projects on July 29, 12-1pm. Register: bit.ly/3RXVGW0

A marsh with text overlay: "Ecological Restoration Regulations Virtual Information Meeting, Wednesday, July 29, 12:00 – 1:00 PM."

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

As we head into #NationalParentsDay this Sunday, we're looking back at our northeast team's Mother’s Day Care Package Drive. MassDEP came together to support Rosie’s Place, donating more than 270 essential items for mothers and women in need. #StongerCommunities #FlashbackFriday

Kayla from MassDEP's northeast team holding a care package.

donated supplies, such as soap and toothpaste.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Meet Srikar! Srikar is a senior at @umassamherst.bsky.social majoring in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science and is interning with our Enterprise Information Office. Srikar’s especially interested in using data and technology to drive real-world environmental solutions.

"Intern Spotlight" featuring "Srikar Setty" and "University of Massachusetts Amherst" written beside them. The background is a gradient of blue to green.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Ecological Restoration regulations will help restore salt marshes faster, creating homes for wildlife and reducing flood risks for nearby neighbors. We're hosting 2 public hearings on August 10 at 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm via Zoom. Register in public notice: bit.ly/4pwSVr3

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Air Quality Alert: #MassDEP has posted a statewide Air Quality Alert for sensitive populations, effective 12:00 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. on SATURDAY, July 18, 2026. mass.gov/dep/massair

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

💧 Our western regional staff teamed up with the City of Pittsfield's Summer Playground Program to bring hands-on water quality education to youth in Pittsfield! Kids learned practical ways to protect our water resources in their own community. 💙🌱

A child is playing with a model landscape set on a table, using a spray bottle.

A group of young children stand in a semi-circle under a park shelter, listening to a person speaking to them.

Omaree Scipio, Program Counselor, Elizabeth Cardona, Community Engagement Manager, and Jaelynn Rogriguez, Program Counselor

Kathy Fournier, Acting Audit Chief, setting up Environscape Model.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

MassDEP filed new proposed regulations to make it easier to restore wetlands. Wetlands help reduce flooding, improve water quality, provide habitat for fish and wildlife and make communities more resilient to severe weather events. bit.ly/4py9P8U

mass.gov

Healey-Driscoll Administration Streamlines Wetlands Projects to Protect Communities and Wildlife

Draft regulations will streamline permitting for ecological restoration projects

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Air Quality Alert: #MassDEP has extended the statewide Air Quality Alert for sensitive populations, effective until 11:59pm, Thursday, July 16 mass.gov/dep/massair

Air Quality Map of Massachusetts for 7/16

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Building stronger partnerships for environmental justice! 🌿 MassDEP's Southeast Regional Environmental Justice team recently met with the Town of Nantucket’s Sustainability Programs Manager to discuss ongoing environmental justice initiatives and projects across the island.

SERO EJ Coordinator and the Nantucket EJ Lead, Vince Murphy, at a 3d depiction of a sperm whale, in downtown Nantucket. Nantucket was formerly a major whaling port in North America in the mid to late-1700s and early 1800s.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Air Quality Alert: #MassDEP has posted a statewide Air Quality Alert for sensitive populations, effective now until 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026. mass.gov/dep/massair

Air Quality Map of Massachusetts for 7/15

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Meet Lily! A @tufts.edu graduate student focused on environmental policy and planning - Lily is spending the summer interning with our Municipal Waste Reduction team. Lily is eager to understand how grant proposals for are evaluated across diverse municipal contexts. 🌱♻️

This is an "Intern Spotlight" graphic featuring Lily Sandholm at Tufts University.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Air Quality Alert: #MassDEP has posted an Air Quality Alert for sensitive populations, effective today from 11am to 11pm for five counties across Southeastern Massachusetts. mass.gov/dep/massair

Map of Massachusetts displaying air quality levels on 7/14/2026. The map shows various colored markers: green for good, yellow for moderate, orange for unhealthy for sensitive groups, and red for unhealthy. Cities like Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Boston, and Providence are marked with different air quality levels. A color-coded key is present in the bottom left corner.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

MassDEP’s Environmental Justice team was proud to participate in the Holbrook Public Library’s Annual Pride Festival last month. We’re grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Pride, connect with the community and share information about EJ and environmental protection. 🌈💚

Two people stand outdoors on grass, next to a tree. MassDEP EJ team standing with balloon artist.

A group of people is sitting under a white canopy tent playing drums in an outdoor setting. An American flag is visible above the tent. They are seated in a semi-circle on the grass with various percussion instruments.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

🌱Transforming abandoned & underutilized properties into community assets starts with collaboration. In partnership with federal, state & local organizations, MassDEP has hosted 3 Brownfields Roundtables. And we're hosting 2 more in September! www.mass.gov/info-details/brownfiel…

A group of seven people stand in a hall with a presentation screen behind them, at the central regional brownfields roundtable.

A group of eight people stand in a hall with a presentation screen behind them, at the northeast regional brownfields roundtable.

A group of five people stand in a hall with a presentation screen behind them, at the southeast regional brownfields roundtable.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Meet Ashley! Ashley, a senior at the College of the Holy Cross, is interning with our Environmental Justice program in Lakeville. Ashley is eager to learn how to work alongside environmental justice communities to help create lasting, positive change. 🌎🏡🌱🤝⚖️💚

This is an "Intern Spotlight" graphic featuring Ashley Dibenedetto at the College of the Holy Cross.

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Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection @massdep.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

💯🎉 We're celebrating a major milestone! Massachusetts has officially reached its 100th PFAS treatment system. The Tri-Town Regional Water Treatment Facility—a state-of-the-art surface water treatment plant serving Braintree, Randolph, and Holbrook—is now online!

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