StateImpact’s Susan Phillips reported the Department of Environmental Protection is developing guidance to evaluate requests from companies to waive permit conditions or other requirements when it is necessary for a response to the COVID-19 outbreak during the current emergency.

DEP said it is not considering a blanket waiver policy.

DEP also said it is prioritizing field inspections of critical infrastructure and inspections that are critical to public health and safety.

Other DEP staff are working from home as they are able and fulfilling the mission of the department.  This includes reviewing permits, responding to complaints and environmental emergencies, and other work. 

For general inquiries, please continue to contact DEP.

See Something?  Say Something

DEP is also emphasizing the need for citizens to report environmental emergencies and complaints to its toll-free 1-800-541-2050 number or through its online Environmental Complaints webpage.

With so many people using trails and outside during the pandemic, they could become the “eyes and ears” of DEP.

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NewsClips:

Susan Phillips: EPA Relaxes Enforcement Due To COVID-19, But State, Local Governments Do Most Oversight Of Major Federal Laws

DEP Denies Claim Responses To Natural Gas Field Contamination Nonessential

Rachel McDevitt: DEP Cancels Public Hearings Due To COVID-19

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PA Capitol & COVID-19 Report: PA Could See $4 Billion+ Deficit; Revenue Down $294.6M In March

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StateImpact: DEP Developing Guidance On Case-By-Case Enforcement Waivers; Prioritizing Inspections; Urges Citizens To Report Environmental Problems

[Posted: April 1, 2020]

4/6/2020