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The MassDEP DWM/WPP watershed delineations are based on the MassGIS Major Basins layer; modified to reflect surface drainage areas for use with the MassDEP Integrated List of Waters report by the WPP. For example, a portion of the Cape Cod Watershed Area was changed to reflect its drainage into Buzzards Bay, resulting in shape changes for both the Cape Cod and Buzzards Bay watershed delineations. In general, the watershed name is based on the Massachusetts Stream and River Inventory System (SARIS) that includes all Massachusetts river basins and coastal drainage areas (Halliwell et al., 1982). The WPP watershed name Boston Harbor (Proper) does not appear in the MassGIS Major Basins layer or the SARIS list of watersheds; it refers to the harbor itself. Three drainage area types are further described in SARIS as follows: River Basin: Major inland river basin. River Basin and Coastal Drainage Area: Major inland river basin coupled with smaller areas draining directly to coastal waters within the general geographic area of the associated river basin. Coastal Drainage Area: Subdivisions of the coastal drainage system that have been partitioned into specific geographic areas. These areas all drain to coastal waters but may have multiple small-scale drainages. Reference: Halliwell, D.B., W.A. Kimball and A.J. Screpetis. 1982. Massachusetts Stream Classification Program Part I: Inventory of Rivers and Streams. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Recreational Vehicles and Massachusetts Division of Water Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Quality Engineering. Westborough, MA. |