Code of Massachusetts Regulations
301 CMR - EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Title 301 CMR 12.00 - Areas of critical environmental concern
Section 12.03 - Definitions and Abbreviations

As used in 301 CMR 12.00, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Action. A project undertaken directly by an agency, the granting of a permit by an agency, or the granting of financial assistance by an agency.

Area of Critical Environmental Concern. An area designated by the Secretary pursuant to 301 CMR 12.00.

Agency. Any board, body, commission, corps, council, department, division, office, or administrative unit of the Commonwealth, however labeled, and any authority of any political subdivision which is specifically created as an authority under special or general law. In cases of doubt as to whether a body is an "agency" for purposes of 301 CMR 12.00, an opinion of the Secretary should be sought under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 8.

Environmental Monitor. Semi-monthly publication of actions and projects published by the Secretary pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30, §§ 62 through 62H and 301 CMR 11.15: ENF Preparation and Filing.

EOEEA Agency. Any agency, as defined above, created by, falling under, or falling within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The agency created by M.G.L. c. 21A.

Financial Assistance. Any direct or indirect financial aid provided by any agency, which shall include but not be limited to mortgage assistance, special taxing arrangements, grants, loans, loan guarantees, debt or equity assistance, and the allocation of state or federal funds.

Heritage Landscape. Heritage landscapes embody connections between natural landscapes and human history and are often cited as special places that define the character of communities.

Permit. A permit determination, order, or other action, including the issuance of a lease, deed, license, permit, certificate, variance, approval, or other entitlement to use, granted to any person, firm, or corporation, including trusts, voluntary associations, or other forms of business organization by an agency for or by reason of a project. Permit does not include a general entitlement to a person to carry on a trade or profession or to operate mechanical equipment which does not depend upon the location of such trade, profession, or operation.

Project. Work, activity, or use directly undertaken by an agency or, if undertaken by a person, which seeks financial assistance from an agency or requires a permit by an agency. Project does not include a grant in aid for medical services or personal support, such as welfare or unemployment funds, to an individual or a third party on behalf of an individual.

Secretary. The Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

(2) Abbreviations: The following abbreviations for agency names and other terms are used in 301 CMR 12.00:

ACEC Area of Critical Environmental Concern

EOEEA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

USGS United States Geological Survey