The Environment

Based on input from dozens of stakeholders, the Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs will determine the specific environmental issues to be addressed in the permitting program ahead.

The Corporation continues to make significant progress on many environmental remediation and permitting fronts. When all is said and done about 1009 acres of open space (riverfront areas, streams, forested and shrub swamp wetlands, vegetated wetlands, vernal pools, ponds, wet meadows, grasslands, upland forest and a small Atlantic white cedar swamp), and a golf course (about 200 acres) will be suitable for rare and common wildlife habitat (37 rare species known to date), and will be preserved for generations to come.

Environmentally Sensitive

With a solid permitting and environmental program in place, the Base will become even more environmentally friendly to areas residents and wildlife than it has been over the past 60 years. This will be one of the premier free outdoor family recreation areas in our state.

Technically Sound

State-of-the-art technology and Smart Growth initiatives will be utilized in all design concepts. Improvements to Rte. 18 and an east-west Parkway will mitigate traffic impacts.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

In phases over the next 14 years, the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station, renamed “SouthField,” will be transformed into a mixed-use “community within the communities” of Abington, Rockland and Weymouth.

Following filing of the Draft EIR in October, 2006, on December 15, the Mass. Secretary of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) issued a Certificate on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) – a document required in advance of large-scale development -- noting that it “adequately and properly complies” with the Mass. Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The Secretary commended SSTTDC and master developer LNR Property Corp. for designing a transit-oriented, smart growth plan. He also commended the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for their role in the progress reflected in the DEIR. The Certificate that was issued, based on CAC and public comment, gives SSTTDC and LNR their ‘marching orders’ for the Final EIR.