The Department of Environmental Protection asked for public comments on proposals that it said would streamline permitting requirements under the NPDES Post-Construction Stormwater Permit Program.

Comments on the proposals are due December 4.

DEP said the “complicated and complex permit applications have unwittingly” resulted in a more lengthy Department review of the permit application, especially as applied to permits for sites of less than five acres, but greater than one acre.

To address these issues, the Department is considering four initiatives:

· Encourage the Use of a Simultaneous Review Process for Erosion and Sediment Control and Post-Construction Stormwater Plan Review;

· Expedited Permit Review where applicants have Municipal or County Conservation District Approval of the PCSM Plan and that the Plan has been sealed by a Professional Engineer who has attended Best Management Practices Manual training and has demonstrated knowledge and experience in preparing PCSM Plans;

· Development of New General Permits and Clarification of Existing General Permits; and

· Third-Party Service Providers--Development of a Solicitation for Engineering Services (SFES).

11/3/2006