DEP Claims to Reduce Permit Backlog by 75% 

The state Department of Environmental Protection claims it has reduced its permit backlog by 75% in the last year, along with eliminating the backlog for oil and gas permits. DEP states that it reviews more than 45,000 permit applications annually, from land clearing activities for construction projects, air quality permits, to permits to upgrade drinking water system.  

On November 1, 2023, DEP identified 2,400 permit applications that required action. By November 15, 2025, this number dropped by 73%. DEP states it has hired staff to improve operational efficiency and added more 225 employes to carry out critical safety inspections and permit application reviews.  

Townships often run into significant delays with Chapter 102 Individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit applications. DEP launched a pilot program to streamline NPDES permit application reviews in 10 counties and claims that the new program is showing results.  

PSATS would love to hear if your township has had an NPDES permit, or any other DEP permit, approved in the last year and how long the review process took and if the application was returned for corrections more than once. Please contact Brian Rengert, Deputy Director of Government Relations, at brengert@psats.org or 717-763-0930 ext. 127. For the press release, click here.