DEP Permit Application Consultation Tool

This is the most common question applicants ask the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) when they are considering locating a new project or expanding an existing operation in Pennsylvania. Given the diverse nature and scope of projects and environmental regulations in Pennsylvania, DEP developed the Permit Application Consultation Tool (tool). The tool is intended for potential applicants who are considering siting a new project in Pennsylvania, or expanding or relocating an existing operation. It allows potential applicants to quickly and easily determine which types of environmental permits, authorizations or notifications may be required for specific projects. The tool guides the user through a series of simple questions and provides information and links to permitting information for potential permits that may be required based on the user responses. When submitted to DEP, the tool may serve as the foundation for a Pre-Application Conference/Meeting to discuss and verify tool results and permit coordination. Such meetings often result in significant savings of both time and resources especially when multiple permits or authorizations are needed.

This is the second most commonly asked question DEP receives from applicants. The “Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee” policy establishes a standardized review process and processing times for all DEP permits and guaranteed timeframes for a subset of permits (outlined in Appendix A). Staff will follow this department-wide standard permit review process for receiving, prioritizing, accepting, reviewing, denying, and approving applications for permits or other authorizations. For more information, visit DEP’s website, https://www.dep.pa.gov Search: Permit Decision Guarantee.

Based on your responses to the following questions, the tool will generate a report that provides further information on permits, authorizations, or notifications that may be necessary. The report will also provide references that can be consulted for further information about the applicability of identified requirements, as well as links to application forms and relevant instructions.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a complete and technically competent permit application(s). The tool is an automated system that provides potential applicants a way to receive the most current information so they can determine which types of authorizations may be necessary from DEP. Applicants are also encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting through the Assistant Regional Director (ARD) in the appropriate DEP regional office prior to the completion and submission of permit applications. For mining projects or oil and gas projects, pre-application meetings should be scheduled with either the Chief of the Permitting Section in the appropriate DEP District Mining Office (DMO) or the District Oil and Gas Manager in the appropriate DEP District Oil and Gas Office (DOGO). For major linear projects that cross regional boundaries, such as FERC-regulated natural gas transmission pipelines and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission projects, potential applicants may consult with the Regional Permit Coordination Office or request a pre-application meeting.