Businesses
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection reviews permit applications and conducts inspections for regulated activities. DEP staff are constantly reviewing applications, communicating with businesses, and ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania’s environmental laws and regulations.
For the week ending April 14, 2024, DEP has:
- Conducted 1,779 inspections
- Taken 879 actions on permits
- Processed 94% of Permit Decision Guarantee (PDG) applications on time
- Responded to 10 environmental emergencies
Since January 1, 2024, DEP has:
- Conducted 30,261 inspections
- Taken 12,825 actions on permits
- Processed 94% of Permit Decision Guarantee (PDG) applications on time
- Responded to 149 environmental emergencies
Accordion [2]
Expand AllClick here for a more accessible version30 new positions for FY-23-24 to enhance permitting process. DEP will continue to evaluate staffing needs to meet a goal of improving permit review times.
Small, select team of experienced, highly-qualified permitting specialists to work on agreed upon, identified projects.
Use new operations system and Key Performance Indicators to drive operational goals. Apply private-sector management principles to quarterly operations reviews, and make the data available to the public. Issue Annual Report that shows year over year progress.
Researching options for expedited permitting track for select projects that meet certain criteria.
Formalize pre-application meeting process to better inform potential applicants of processes and needed permits as well as drive down permit application deficiencies.
Engage outside permit expertise to review permit forms and processes to identify areas of improvement with a focus on user experience.
Explore and create mechanism to reduce annual backlog of permit reviews.
Update systems to modernize consolidate permit review programs and enhance security.
Ensure staff are trained on latest technology and programs to ensure efficiency.
Work with Governor's Office of Transformation & Opportunity and legislature to engage stakeholders and identify opportunities for improvement and continuous learning.