Case Study: Mass DEP

About

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state agency charged with proposing and enforcing environmental law.  The DEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

Challenge

The environment matters to all who live, work and play in Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts DEP relies heavily on the support and assistance of the community.  However, MassDEP was having difficulties interacting with the community efficiently.  They needed a way to:

• Keep the public informed about MassDEP initiatives and environmental matters in local communities
• Enable business to be conducted more quickly and efficiently
• Help the public get involved and participate directly in the DEP’s environmental protection work.

Solution

MassDEP contracted Neptune Web to help them overcome their operational struggles.  NW redesigned the MassDEP site from the ground up.  The new site is to serve as an informational gateway, providing pertinent information about MassDEP initiatives and local environmental matters to the Massachusetts community.  The redesign included:

• Re-architecting the existing MassDEP site, including over 7,000 files, for increased usability and work flow
• Re-mapping of all content to the new architecture, ensuring that no information was lost during the transition to the new site and to establish the site as the primary source of information regarding DEP projects and programs
• Utilization of state-of-the-art graphic design and visual technologies to keep visitors visually engaged and interested in all sections of the site
• Migration of five existing applications to the new site as well as adoption/installation of new business processes, workflows and supporting technologies

In redesigning the site, NW made the following online services available and more easily accessible to Mass DEP patrons:

• Directories and surveys for improved communication
• Database access to serve as reference and learning tools for the community
• eDEP online filing system for submitting environmental permits, transmittals, certifications, and reports electronically to MassDEP
• Access to maps relevant to DEP and community initiatives
• Download of permits and transmittal forms
• Registries to help the public locate professionals and services associated with MassDEP
• Online training tools for community volunteers

Success

The work was completed on time and under budget, and the end product has been universally well received by the users of the website.  Robert W. Golledge, Comissioner of the State of Massachusetts, offered the following endorsement:

“While I am very pleased with the final product, perhaps the greatest indicator of [Neptune Web’s] success with this project is that comments from the MassDEP staff that worked on the project have overwhelmingly indicated that [the NW] team’s collaborative and hands-on approach made for a very positive engagement… I was particularly impressed with [NW’s] ability to work productively with staff to develop technical and workflow solutions, and at the same time to clearly communicate project goals, milestones and issues to Senior Staff…MassDEP was very pleased with Neptune Web and we would welcome the opportunity to work with you again on future web development projects.”