DEP Works Thru Pandemic: 475 More Permits, 1,656 More Inspections Since Last Week

From March 16 to June 30, Department of Environmental Protection employees have been teleworking and using COVID-19 mitigation measures to continue to fulfill its mission.  DEP staff have--

-- Conducted 20,883 inspections - 1,656 more than last week;

-- Processed 9,044 permit applications and authorizations - 475 more than last week;

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

-- Responded to 98 environmental emergencies, five more than last week.

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 suspend a regulatory or permit condition to 38 entities so they may continue operating during the pandemic, one more than last week.

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: July 1, 2020]  PA Environment Digest