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How to Submit Permit Applications and Authorizations

There are three options for submitting applications, authorizations, registrations and approvals for Chapter 105, Chapter 106, and 401 Water Quality Certification (List in order of preference and review speed):

  • 1. DEP’s e-permitting system
    • An online form-based and whole-permit-life system
  • 2. DEP’s OnBase Electronic Forms Upload system
    • An online upload portal to upload completed digital PDF forms and submissions to DEP only
  • 3. Traditional Mail

These options are explained further below.

e-permitting

Chapter 105 e-permitting is currently only available for Chapter 105 general permits. See the Chapter 105 e-permitting webpages for detailed overview, help, and explanation of resources.

An analysis of DEP General Permit decisions for calendar years 2020 through 2022 revealed that General Permits which needed corrections due to deficiencies made decisions in e-permitting an average of 28 business days (30%) faster than other submission methods.

General permit registrations for Chapter 105 can be submitted to DEP or delegated county conservation districts through the e-permitting system. The system uses its own forms, not the standard registration form on eLibrary. The best organized list of forms can be found on the Forms, Publications, and Guidance webpage. Although some supplemental forms are still utilized at this time, such as the fee worksheet.

e-permitting is the most efficient submission and fastest review method. It streamlines communication, responses, data entry, etc. All submissions and acknowledged permits are maintained in e-permitting, and all communications occur through the e-permitting system and the applicant’s e-permitting account.

OnBase Form Upload

DEP’s OnBase Electronic Forms Upload system allows users to upload the application and registration forms directly to DEP for submission. Submissions to delegated county conservation districts cannot be made through this OnBase submission.

All Chapter 105 and Chapter 106 permits and approvals, and 401 water quality certification requests are handled through this system for submissions to DEP.

The OnBase Electronic Forms Upload is not as efficient as e-permitting since DEP database entry and communications must still occur manually and are not as streamlined. However, it is more efficient for applicants than mail-in submissions.

All submitters must know the correct DEP office the form must be submitted to and select the correct submission form. The best organized list of forms can be found on the Forms, Publications, and Guidance webpage. All forms on eLibrary are still used. More information can be found on the OnBase Electronic Forms Uploads page.

Mail

While not the preferred submission method, traditional mail-in submissions are still accepted by DEP offices and delegated county conservation districts. Applications and authorizations are submitted on forms provided by the Department using the forms available on eLibrary. The best organized list of forms can be found on the Forms, Publications, and Guidance webpage. Mail-in submissions are the least efficient method for review and communication.


Where to Send My Application or Submission

Chapter 105, 106 and 401 water quality certification submissions are delegated to some county conservation districts and multiple DEP program areas. See the Contact webpage for more info on each reviewing entity identified below.

Submissions made in e-permitting has screening questions to ensure submissions are routed to the correct offices.

Mining and Oil and Gas: Applications and submissions involving a mining operation or are regulated by DEP’s Oil and Gas Program are reviewed by DEP’s Mining Program or Oil and Gas Program respectively. If you are uncertain if this applies, contact these programs.

Dams and Flood Protection Projects: Projects which are or are part of a state regulated dam are reviewed by DEP’s Dam Safety Program. Projects which are part of a state owned flood control project are reviewed by DEP’s Flood Protection Program. If you are uncertain if this applies, contact these programs.

Regional Permit Coordination Office: Projects involving 3 or more counties and 2 or more regions, or which involve Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Interstate Natural Gas Act Projects re reviewed by DEP’s Regional Permit Coordination Office. If you are uncertain if this applies, contact the Regional permit Coordination Office.

All Others: All other projects are reviewed by either DEP’s 6 Regional Offices or a Delegated County Conservation District.

Delegated County Conservation Districts: Delegated county conservation districts are delegated to review only General Permits 1 through 9. Delegated county conservation district map.

DEP Regional Offices: DEP’s regional offices review all submissions not covered by other DEP offices or programs, all general permits in non-delegated county conservation districts, and general permits 10, 11, and 15 in delegated and non-delegated county conservation districts.