The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it has launched electronic permits for well drilling and erosion and sediment control at oil and gas sites to provide operators a more efficient and convenient permitting process and faster response from DEP.
This follows an announcement 2 weeks ago launching an electronic permitting initiative to begin accepting Chapter 105 General Permit applications online.
“As part of Gov. Wolf’s commitment to improve the permitting process, DEP is employing the best technologies we can to meet industry needs while protecting our environment,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Our new e-permits for well-drilling and erosion and sediment control follow the recent launch of electronic document submission for operators and an inspections mobile app for our field staff, as we work to streamline the regulatory process.”
The permit review process will take less time because operators can pay permit fees online; DEP data entry duplication is eliminated; and the e-permit system ensures applications are administratively complete when submitted, which has been a challenge in permitting across regulated communities.
The well-drilling e-permit covers new applications, renewals, and alterations. It replaces an older, less robust electronic tool, called eWell.
The new electronic Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit 3 (ESCGP-3) covers five or more acres of earth disturbance and is a key development permit. It replaces the ESCGP-2, which was a paper form.
Operators can access the new e-permits through DEP GreenPort (registration is required for first-time users).
Paper ESCGP-3 applications and eWell applications will continue to be accepted during a testing period of the new e-permits, which is expected to last until the end of December.
Operators who’d like to provide feedback on the new e-permits can call the Office of Oil and Gas Management at 717-783-9438.
The well-drilling and ESCGP-3 e-permits are the latest electronic tools in DEP’s continuing efforts to use technology solutions to improve customer service, reduce paper-driven processes, and further protect the environment.
Stakeholders can now use online tools to file permit applications for surface coal mining, storage tank renewals, radiation protection renewal, and other regulated activities.
In addition, DEP has developed online processes to digitize grants systems, modernize facility inspection processes, and archive content for access by both staff and the public.
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