Typical Permitting Questions
What are the types of permit applications processed by EPD?
The Environmental Permits Division (EPD) is responsible for evaluating and processing permit applications for air, wastewater, and storm water permits. EPD also issues Section 401 Water Quality Certifications. These permits are subdivided into various categories as follows:
- Air Permits
- Construction Permits
- PSD Construction Permits
- State Operating Permits
- Title V Operating Permits
- Water Permits
- NPDES Individual Permits
- NPDES General Permits (e.g., Construction Storm Water, Industrial Storm Water)
- Pretreatment Permits
- State Operating Permits
- Federal Facilities
- Commercial Wastewater Permits
- Municipal Wastewater Permits
Typical permitting procedures and timeframes:
- Pre-Application Meetings
- (This optional step may occur 270 to 30 days before the submittal of a permit application)Site selection and evaluation.
- Application requirements and Performance Pact are established.
- Receive Application (This officially starts the permitting process.)
- The applicant is issued a letter acknowledging receipt of application.(Day 2)
- The public is notified monthly via newspaper public notice of all applications received by EPD.(This occurs monthly.) This information is also available from EPD’s website.
- The application is reviewed for completeness and accuracy.(Day 2 – 45)
- All application deficiencies are resolved. (Dependent on Applicant’s response)
- The applicant is issued a notice of completeness letter. (Day 45)
- Draft Permit Preparation
- A site inspection is conducted. (Day 45 – 90)
- A draft permit is prepared based on the application and any applicable regulations.(Day 45 – 90)
- The draft permit is sent to the applicant for comments.(~Day 90)
- Public Notice Comment Period
- Public Notices are published and invite comments from the public on the proposed permit.(Day 90-120)
- Public Notice ends.(Day 150)
- All public comments received during the public notice period are evaluated. (Day 150-180)
- Permit Decision
- The final permit is prepared based on all relevant information obtained during the permitting process. (Day 150-180)
- The permit is signed by the Division Chief of EPD.(Day 170-180)
- The final permit is transmitted to the facility.(Day 170-180)
What are the estimated timeframes for obtaining the different permit types?
- Air Permits
- PSD Construction Permit – 150 to 180 days
- State Construction Permit – 150 to 180 days
- State Operating Permit – 150 to 180 days
- Title V Operating Permit – 150 to 180 days
- General Permit Coverages
- 15 to 90 days
- Water Permits
- NPDES Permit – 120 to 180 days
- State Operating No Discharge Permit – 45 to 90 days
- Storm Water Coverage – 15 to 90 days
What are some of the other permit applications processed by MDEQ/OPC?
- Air Division of the Office of Pollution Control
- Acid Rain Permit
- Lead Certification
- Asbestos Certification
- Groundwater Assessment and Remediation Division of the Office of Pollution Control
- CERCLA Remediation Approvals
- Brownfields
- Uncontrolled Site Remediation Approvals
- Waste Division
- Hazardous Waste Generator Notification IDs
- RCRA Permits for Treatment, Storage and Disposal Activities
- Municipal Landfills, Rubbish Sites, and Transfer Stations
- Industrial Landfills (Individual Permits and Coverages)
- Solid Waste Management Plan Approvals
- UST Certifications
- Surface Water Division of the Office of Pollution Control
- 401 Water Quality Certifications
- Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loans
- Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loans
- Wastewater Operator Certifications
- Office of Geology
- Mining Permit
- Office of Land and Water
- Water Withdrawal Permit
- Dams
