PA Department of Environmental Protection launches two oil, gas electronic permits

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced that it launched electronic permits for well drilling and erosion and sediment control at oil and gas sites to improve the efficiency and convenience of the permitting process.

The electronic permits allow operators to pay permit fees online, help ensure applications are administratively complete when submitted and help reduce DEP data entry duplication.

“As part of Governor Wolf’s commitment to improve the permitting process, DEP is employing the best technologies we can to meet industry needs while protecting our environment,” DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said. “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 well-drilling e-permit covers new applications, renewals, and alterations. It replaces an older electronic tool called eWell.

The new electronic Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit 3 (ESCGP-3), a key development permit, covers five or more acres of earth disturbance. It replaces the ESCGP-2, which was a paper form.

The testing period for the new e-permits will continue through December, during which time DEP will still accept paper ESCGP-3 applications and eWell applications.