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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Majority Policy Committee Explores Steps to Make DEP Permitting Process More Timely, Efficient Harrisburg – The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), held a public hearing today on improving the Department of Environmental Protection's permitting process. The committee looked into possible causes of delays in the DEP permitting process and discussed possible solutions to make the process more "user friendly." As one testifier stated, the regulated community in Pennsylvania -- including water service providers, farmers and others -- is seeking uniformity, consistency, and responsiveness in DEP's permitting actions. "DEP faces the dual challenge of ensuring the protection of our natural resources through a process that is applied in a consistent manner statewide, without causing undue delays that impede community development and job creation," said Erickson. Some examples of DEP permits include NPDES – National Pollution Discharge Elimination System -- air permitting and solid waste permitting. In addition to DEP Secretary John Hanger, testifiers included an environmental lawyer, Aqua America, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania, Country View Family Farms based in Lancaster, and the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association. The committee heard concerns about the length of time for DEP permit reviews and approvals, and that regional offices are not always consistent in interpreting laws and regulations when reviewing and granting the permits. Some ask for inconsequential information, are not timely in requesting additional information from the applicant, or take too long to say that the application is incomplete. Testifiers shared some suggestions on improving the process, such as an increased use of pre-application conferences between applicants and the department, and the use of third-party reviews. One testifier stressed the need for increased cooperation and coordination by DEP with other state and local agencies, such as County Conservation Districts, the Fish and Boat Commission, and the Game Commission. Another testifier suggested that in the case of a complex project, DEP could designate an ombudsman who would serve as a point of contact for an applicant, as well as coordinate the department's staff. One possible solution is electronic permitting, making the application process computerized and standardized, the senator said. "It's my hope that DEP, stakeholders and the Legislature can work together to bring the application and permitting process into the 21st century. By implementing some of the suggestions made today and streamlining the process, more effort can go into environmental protection and economic development, and less into paperwork," said Erickson. CONTACT: Michele Hansarick
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