DEP Works Through Pandemic: 506 More Permits, 1,576 More Inspections Over Last Week

From March 16 to May 5, Department of Environmental Protection employees have been teleworking and using COVID-19 mitigation measures to continue to fulfill its mission.  DEP staff have--

-- Conducted 7,101 inspections - 1,576 more than last week;

-- Processed 3,387 permit applications and authorizations - 506 more than last week;

-- Processed 94 percent of Permit Decision Guarantee applications and authorizations; and

-- Responded to 48 environmental emergencies.

DEP has also developed a process for companies to request suspension of regulatory or permit condition requirements to provide life-sustaining activities.

To date, DEP has granted requests to 24 entities-- 3 more than last week- so they may continue operating.

DEP is prioritizing field inspections that are critical to public health and safety. DEP staff are working remotely, and responding to complaints related to issues critical to public health and safety.

DEP will continue to respond in the field to environmental emergencies that present an immediate threat to public health and safety.

To report environmental emergencies, please call 1-800-541-2050.

Visit DEP’s Alert webpage for more information and updates.

[Posted: May 6, 2020]  PA Environment Digest