Project Organizational Profile and Staff Information
BBNEP Staff
Identity: A state advisory and technical assistance unit within the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (MCZM), with a mission to protect and restore the environment of Buzzards Bay and its watershed.
Principal Customers: Municipal Boards of Health, Conservation Commissions, Planning Boards, Boards of Selectman, citizens, nonprofits.
Services: Financial support, GIS support and analysis, project development, stormwater mapping and monitoring, plan review, permitting assistance, technical evaluations, planning, environmental analysis.
Cost: Free!
Who can help you at the Program?
Dr. Joe Costa, the Executive Director of the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, retired in October 2025 after 36 years. His position will be filled in the future.
Alicia Grimaldi is the EPA Project Officer for the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, and is responsible for administering EPA’s side of things. Alicia is a Physical Scientist at EPA, and is also the Coordinator for the Beach Monitoring Program, burial at sea, and aquatic invasive species.
Kevin Bartsch is one of the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program’s Stormwater Specialists. He has a master’s degree in Watershed Science and over 30 years of experience in GIS and natural resources. Kevin has a wealth of knowledge in MS4, public utility infrastructure, asset management, soil erosion, natural resource management, and open space protection. At the Buzzards Bay NEP, he works with municipalities and the Buzzards Bay Stormwater Collaborative to document and manage stormwater structures, maintains water quality data collected for stormwater monitoring, and provides NEP project support.
Email: Kevin.Bartsch@mass.gov
774-377-6003
Bernadette Taber is one of the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program’s Stormwater Specialists. A long-time former employee of the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service detailed to the Buzzards Bay NEP office since 1991, Bernie re-joined the Buzzards Bay NEP after leaving federal service in 2015. Bernie evaluates and develops engineering solutions for stormwater remediation in both agricultural and urban environments. Bernie has reviewed many engineering plans at the request of Buzzards Bay municipalities, and has also developed the preliminary stormwater and habitat restoration designs identified in collaboration with Buzzards Bay municipalities and their contractors.
Email: Bernadette.Taber@mass.gov
774-377-6004
Sarah Williams is the BBNEP’s Regional Planner. She aids municipalities and program partners on land use and watershed planning, land conservation, build out analysis, habitat restoration, and mapping. She is also responsible for the administration of the Program’s Municipal Grant Programs. Sarah was also a former member of the Fairhaven-Acushnet Land preservation Trust.
Email: Sarah.Williams@mass.gov
774-377-6002