Improve Input to Permitting

[Charlie Atherton <charlie@structurex.net>]

The public usually finds out about a permit when it is advertised in the newspaper, a mailout, or some other public notification.  In order for the public to participate meaningfully in the permitting process, it has been suggested that the following information be included in the initial permit notification to the public.  This will help the public understand the complete permitting process from the beginning.

What are your thoughts on this suggestion?

Public Permit Notices should contain:

* The name of the permitting authority.

* The name, address, and toll free phone number of a permitting person who can be contacted for additional information, such as a copy of the draft permit, copy of any current permit, enforcement records, emergency releases, fugitive releases, offsite impacts, health and safety records, terrorist management plan, RMP information, the statement of basis, the application, relevant supporting information, and other materials available to the permitting authority that are relevant to the permitting decision. 

* The location where the permitting agency's review and analysis of the activity/permit can be inspected. 

* Explain if a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) is available, or if technical or legal assistance help is available to the public free of charge.

* The Web site address of the agency permit information.

* An explanation of the entire permit public participation process, including the appeals process.

* The name and address of the permittee, facility, owner, operator, etc..

* The location of the proposed facility, or facility being modified, or permit renewal, etc.

* A brief description of the business conducted at the facility. 

* An explanation of the activities that are the subject of the activity notice/permit action.

* The new emissions from the new activity.

* The current emissions from the current activity by permittee.

* The name, address and toll free phone number of a permittee individual who can be contacted for further information on the activity.

* The location of the permanent repository where all of the permittee permit information and administrative records are kept for the life of the facility, and times information it is available to the public.

* The Web site address of the permittee information.   

* An explanation of the public comment process and procedures. (different from the public participation process, public comment is one part of the process).

* An explanation of the criteria by which a permit may be denied.

* An explanation of the real time monitoring, in the communities, of the air, land, and water, that will take place to prove permit compliance, and how the public can access the real time data.

* An explanation of the procedures of how to request a public hearing.

* The dates and times of any public hearings.

* The opening and closing dates and times for public comment periods.

* The name, address, and email address of who and where to send comments.

* An explanation of the appeals process.

Charlie Atherton