Review of DEQ’s Permit Programs

Related Links

Permit Programs Review Report

Supplementary information to report

List of 2006 Priority Tasks

Implementation Plans

Air Permitting

Solid and Hazardous Waste

VPDES

VWP

DEQ recently undertook a review of the permit programs to identify areas for improving the long-term effectiveness and efficiency of its programs. The review helps ensure that maximum value is being achieved from the funding for environmental programs. DEQ utilized the expertise of the consulting firm ERM to conduct this review.

Three stakeholder groups, called Peer Review Teams, were formed to assist with conducting this review on the following permit programs:

The Peer Review Teams were comprised of representatives of the regulated community experienced with the permitting process, the environmental community and DEQ program staff. After meeting multiple times with the Peer Review Teams, a list of opportunities for improvement were identified and discussed with team members.  The full list of the opportunities identified can be found in the report. The opportunities identified covered many areas, from changes in how DEQ and facilities exchange information to changes in how DEQ structures and processes permits.

Both cross-program opportunities and program-specific opportunities were identified. Cross-program opportunities are ideas for improving parts of the permit programs that can be applied to multiple programs. Electronic submission of information was identified as an area in which the exchange of information between the regulated community and DEQ could be streamlined and improved. Other examples of cross-program opportunities include improving the regulatory rule making process, improving the permit review process, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of inspection, improving public participation, and improved training of staff. Cross-program opportunities have been tailored to specific media and incorporated into the program-specific opportunities. Program-specific opportunities relate to specific program requirements and identify specific changes that have been identified to improve a specific element of a program.  Program-specific opportunities are also identified in the report. 

DEQ has reviewed the list of suggested opportunities for improving the permit programs and has identified tasks that need to be completed to implement the suggestions. The agency has developed a list of priority items for 2006. 

The agency is also developing a tracking system that will allow the public to view progress towards completing tasks to improve the permit programs. More information will be provided through this web page in the future.