The Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) office issued a key approval for the USQ redevelopment project in Union Square this past week. The decision followed an extensive review of the project’s Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and examined all major potential environmental impacts associated with the revitalization program.

In her decision Kathleen A. Theoharides, Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Commonwealth concluded that “based on a review of the FEIR, comments, letters, and consultation with state agencies, I find that the FEIR adequately and properly complies with MEPA and its implementing regulations.” The Secretary went on to state that “No further MEPA review is required.”

The MEPA certification recognized USQ’s commitment to robust public transportation, traffic, sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction programs that will help to support key transportation improvements undertaken by the city, including the Green Line Extension. It also noted an increase of open and public space in the neighborhood, commitments to refine building plans that minimize energy use and GHG emissions through passive house residential construction.

The decision represents a major milestone in the renewal of Union Square. It affirms that the project complies with Massachusetts’ environmental laws and is ready to move forward with related permit approval processes. The MEPA certificate provides state and local permitting agencies with comfort that the project has adequately mitigated its environmental impacts.

Next up for the USQ project is a final public hearing before the Planning Board on Thursday, July 11 for the first project phase.