Opportunity:
The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays) is seeking candidates to serve on the Massachusetts Science and Monitoring Advisory Panel (MassSMAP).
Background:
The Massachusetts Science and Monitoring Advisory Panel (MassSMAP, also referred to here as the Panel) is established to provide expert input for management of discharges to Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Cod Bay. The Panel, consisting of experts in multiple disciplines, will assess results of ambient water quality and biological monitoring carried out by wastewater treatment plants pursuant to National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, along with other verified and reliable data sources. The work of MassSMAP will support permitting agencies’ efforts to protect human and environmental health from adverse impacts of existing and future discharges into the coastal and ocean environment. The Panel will share their findings with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the public. MassSMAP is the successor to the Outfall Monitoring Science Advisory Panel, which advised EPA Region 1 regarding the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s ambient monitoring program and findings from 1998 to 2024.
The Panel’s work will be coordinated by the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays), a non-regulatory entity charged under Clean Water Act Section 320 with documenting and reporting on environmental conditions and trends in Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Cod Bay. MassBays is a Center within the School for the Environment at University of Massachusetts Boston.
Role of the Massachusetts Science and Monitoring Advisory Panel:
- Identify research questions regarding coastal and marine water and habitat quality that can be addressed with ambient monitoring data collected by NPDES-permitted wastewater treatment plant dischargers.
- During public comment periods, review proposed ambient monitoring programs developed by NPDES permittee(s) for wastewater treatment plants that discharge to Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Cod Bay; provide recommendations to ensure that proposed programs can detect adverse trends or potential impacts on public health, the marine environment, and its biota.
- Review the results of other ambient monitoring conducted within Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts Bay, and Cape Cod Bay that are submitted or otherwise made available to MassDEP or MassBays. With the outcomes of their review, the Panel will make suggestions to permitting agencies and other entities on future steps.
- Advise on and review technical and summary materials regarding the Panel’s research findings and recommendations prepared by MassBays for public communications.
Expected commitment:
- Participate in three (3) initial panel formation meetings (between 1 and 2 hours each) to review and finalize MassSMAP Charter.
- Participate in two (2) initial panel formation meetings (between 1 and 2 hours each) to determine research priorities and questions.
- Long term commitment is to attend annual MassSMAP meetings to review and discuss the monitoring data provided by permittee(s) and other sources.
- Members are required to attest to compliance annually via signing a Conflict-of-Interest statement.
Composition of MassSMAP:
We are seeking applicants in the areas of expertise listed below:
- Biological oceanography (including phytoplankton and zooplankton)
- Macrobiology (including fish, benthic biology, and marine mammals)
- Microbiology
- Chemistry (with special emphasis on emerging contaminants, e.g., PFAS and microplastics)
- Biogeochemistry/nutrient dynamics
- Physical Oceanography (with special emphasis on coastal/estuarine environments)
- Systems Modeling
- Biostatistics
- Public health
- Public policy
Terms of Membership: Membership to the panel will be reviewed by MassBays and a subcommittee of MassSMAP every three (3) years. Members of the Panel will annually attest to compliance (by signing an acknowledgement) with a Conflict-of-Interest Agreement.
Submission Instructions: The applicant should provide:
1. A personal statement justifying nomination, including relevant areas of expertise (no more than 500 words).
2. A professional CV or resumé.
All applications should be emailed to Prassede Vella (prassede.vella@umb.edu) by May 23, 2025. Please put “MassSMAP candidate response” in the subject line.
Questions about MassSMAP or the application process should be directed to Prassede Vella (prassede.vella@umb.edu) or Kayla Bradley (kayla.bradley001@umb.edu).
Download MassSMAP RFR here.