DEP Recommends Increase In Noncoal Mining Permit Fees To Offset Deficit

The Department of Environmental Protection reported to the Environmental Quality Board Wednesday current permit and administrative fee collection revenue in the noncoal mining program has dropped significantly and by FY 2017-18 the deficit in revenue will equal about 26 percent of program costs-- about $900,000.

In a written report to the EQB, DEP said fees were last increased in October of 2012, but almost immediately revenue from the fee increases did not meet projections, down about $600,000 in FY 2013-14 with deficits increasing in later years.
The fees were increased in 2012 to offset cuts in DEP's budget.

As a result, DEP was recommending an increase in the permit and administrative fees, with the addition of a new fee for permit renewals.

A copy of the fee report given to the EQB is available online.