ProgramsEnvironmental Dispute Resolution Program
Since 1985, MODR has provided conflict resolution services for over 250 environmental disputes in Massachusetts including hazardous waste clean-up and cost allocation cases, wetlands development cases, facility siting controversies, and other land use disputes. In addition to mediating individual disputes, MODR has designed and operated Environmental Mediation Programs for the Department of Environmental Protection Office of General Counsel (OGC) and Bureau of Waste Site Clean-Up (BWSC). MODR’s environmental programs and projects have involved the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (formerly the Department of Environmental Management), and other state agencies, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal agencies, municipalities, citizen groups, businesses and non-profit organizations. To meet the growing demand, MODR contracts with a panel of professional neutrals with expertise in environmental issues. Environmental conflict resolution services provided by MODR have enhanced intergovernmental collaboration and public/private partnerships.
Examples of MODR’s Work:
Chapter 61A Working Group Facilitation: MODR facilitated a consensus agreement among stakeholders on the definition of agriculture for revisions to agricultural and conservation legislation affecting assessment and taxation of land used for horticultural purposes. Stakeholders included EOEA, MDAR, state legislators, municipal officials, farming membership organizations, and environmental groups.
Coonamessett River Conflict Assessment: MODR conducted a conflict assessment for a potential mediation process regarding the renewal of a lease of state-owned cranberry bogs to a private commercial concern. Issues involved farming practices and environmental impacts to the river. Stakeholders included state legislators, town officials, business owners, fishermen, environmental groups, political action groups and neighborhood associations.
South Weymouth Naval Air Station: Since 1997, MODR has been facilitating meetings of the South Weymouth Naval Air Station Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) whose purpose is to promote community awareness and provide public input on the environmental clean up of the former Navel Air Station. The RAB is comprised of citizen representatives from the five surrounding towns -- Quincy, Hingham, Weymouth, Abington, Rockland – and representatives from the MA DEP, U.S. EPA, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Environmental Program contact:
Susan Jeghelian, Executive Director
MODR at UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Boulevard, M-1-627
Boston, MA 02125
Telephone: (617) 287-4047; Fax: (617) 287-4049
susan.jeghelian@umb.edu