DEP Works Thru Pandemic: 770 More Permits, 1,560 More Inspections Since Last Week

From March 16 to July 14, Department of Environmental Protection employees have been teleworking and using COVID-19 mitigation measures to continue to fulfill its mission.  DEP staff have--

-- Conducted 23,845 inspections - 1,560 more than last week;

-- Processed 10,411 permit applications and authorizations - 770 more than last week;

-- Processed 93 percent of Permit Decision Guarantee applications and authorizations, down 1 percent from last week; and

-- Responded to 112 environmental emergencies, nine 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 43 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 15, 2020]  PA Environment Digest