What is the purpose of the Conservation Commission?

In 1972, Conservation Commissions were given the responsibility of administering the Wetlands Protection Act (G.L. Ch. 131 §40). This allowed the Conservation Commissions to serve their communities in a regulatory as well as a conservation capacity.

The Essex Conservation Commission reviews applications for permits to do work in and near wetlands, flood plains, banks, riverfront areas, beaches and surface waters. At this time, Essex does not have any non-zoning bylaws or ordinances giving the Commission further power to protect the wetlands. Although the Commission does review plans which must be approved by other regulatory boards, the sole responsibility of the Commission is to determine if a project will have significant impact upon environmental resources and if it falls within the scope of the Wetlands Protection Act.

If a project falls outside the scope of the Wetlands Protection Act, no other action will be taken by the Conservation Commission. In Essex, it is required that most building permit applications for work being performed outside be reviewed by the Commission to determine if the project is covered under the Wetlands Protection Act.