DEP Now Accepting Qualified Professional Bids As Part Of SPEED Permit Review Program

On October 22, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it is now accepting Qualified Professional bids through the Pennsylvania eMarketplace for reviewers of four DEP permit applications under the new SPEED [Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion And Development] Permit Review Program.

DEP is accepting bids for reviewing--

-- State-Only Air Quality Plan Approvals;

-- Earth Disturbance; 

-- Dam Safety; and

-- Individual Water Obstruction and Encroachment applications.

Bids are due December 31, 2024.  Please note contract conditions, in particular the no-conflicts requirement, in bid supporting documents for each permit.

The SPEED program offers increased flexibility, allowing permit applicants to have a DEP-verified and qualified professional conduct the initial review of the application, with DEP making its decision based on the qualified professional’s recommendation. 

Applicants for eligible permits will agree to pay any review fees incurred by the qualified professional, in addition to permit application fees.

The SPEED program, which was included in the 2024-25 Budget signed by Gov. Shapiro.

Visit the SPEED [Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion And Development] Permit Review Program webpage.  Questions should be directed to Brian Franklin: bfranklin@pa.gov or calling 717-787-2471.

Click Here for a copy of DEP’s announcement.

DEP also noted it has reduced its permit backlog by 67% since November 2023 and has processed more than 40,000 permit applications without having to refund a single application fee.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Report Emergencies, Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; visit DEP’s Blog,  Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: October 22, 2024]  PA Environment Digest