Permit Assistance & Public Outreach Team

The Permitting Assistance & Public Outreach Team (PAPOT) serves as DEQ’s central hub for helping businesses, communities, and local governments navigate environmental permits and compliance, streamlining processes across air, water, land, hazardous waste, and other programs. PAPOT coordinates meetings between permit applicants and DEQ technical staff, clarifies regulatory requirements, and facilitates early stakeholder involvement, while also providing public education, technical assistance, and connecting citizens with reporting and advisory opportunities.

PAPOT’s mission is to provide environmental stewardship. We strive to improve access and communication between Oklahoma DEQ, citizens, regulated communities, and local, state, tribal, and federal governments.

PAPOT can provide technical assistance and resources to help navigate the permitting process for business, communities and nonprofits with the following:

• Business and Regulatory Assistance
• Permit Assistance
• Compliance & Technical Assistance
• Grant & Financial Assistance
• Site Assistance Visits

Owen Mills, Division Director
Permitting Assistance & Public Outreach Team
Office: (405) 702-7105
Email: owen.mills@deq.ok.gov