The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently launched an online permit application tool that will allow residents to submit permit applications electronically.
The OnBase-DEP Upload Form has numerous benefits, the agency said. It allows DEP staff to process applications without going into an office, and applications can be moved more easily between staff to prevent backlog. It also reduces the amount of paper as well as the cost of envelopes.
“Online permit applications will allow for faster processing and more focus on parts of the permit application that relate to the environment and public health,” DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said. “Paper applications will still be accepted, but applicants are strongly encouraged to use this new electronic permit application submission tool to improve the efficiency of the permit application submission and review processes as DEP employees continue to telework to help control the spread of COVID-19.”
The tool does not allow applicants to pay for their permits, so applicants will need to submit payments separately. In addition, permits that are included in DEP’s e-Permitting system should be submitted only via the system.
The e-Permitting system allows for several online permit applications and has reduced the backlog of permits under review by nearly 90 percent, DEP said.