DEP Works Thru Pandemic: 597 More Permits, 1,402 More Inspections Since Last Week

From March 16 to July 7, Department of Environmental Protection employees have been teleworking and using COVID-19 mitigation measures to continue to fulfill its mission.  DEP staff have--

-- Conducted 22,285 inspections - 1,402 more than last week;

-- Processed 9,641 permit applications and authorizations - 597 more than last week;

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

-- Responded to 103 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 42 entities so they may continue operating during the pandemic, four 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 8, 2020] PA Envirnoment Digest