Understanding environmental laws and which permits are required for a particular business can be a daunting task. We believe early discussions with all permitting programs help both DEQ and businesses come to a mutual understanding of facility operations, permit needs, and timelines for obtaining the permits. To facilitate this understanding, DEQ has established a Permitting Assistance & Public Outreach Team (PAPOT) of permit experts from each DEQ permitting program.
When requested, PAPOT will coordinate meetings of business representatives, allowing those representatives to meet directly with the DEQ permit managers and staff who will be reviewing the permit application. For general information regarding permit process for your facility contact Owen Mills, Division Director. See also, our Permit Assistance Guide full of valuable resources.
Permit Assistance Team
Each DEQ division with permitting authority has at least one representative on the Permit Assistance Team.
| Division | Permit Assistance Team Members |
|---|---|
|
Air Quality |
Phillip Fielder, Engineering Manager Phil Martin, Engineering Manager |
|
Environmental Complaints & Local Services |
Bruce VandeLune, Environmental Programs Manager |
|
Land Protection |
Hillary Young, LPD Chief Engineer |
|
Water Quality |
Patrick Rosch, Engineering Manager |
|
Executive Offices |
Owen Mills, Division Director |
|
Legal |
Jonathan Allen, General Counsel |
Understanding DEQ's Tiered Permit Application Process
Under the Oklahoma Uniform Environmental Permitting Act (27A O.S. § 2-14-101, et seq) all DEQ permits fit into an application category, or Tier, established by the Environmental Permit Process rules of OAC 252:4-7.
- Tier I applications are those in which administrative decisions are made by a technical supervisor. There is no public participation, except notification to the landowner and for certain Tier I Air Quality Permits See OAC252:4-7-13(g).
- Tier II applications are those with some public participation. The administrative decision is made by the Division Director.
- Tier III applications have extensive public participation. The administrative decision is made by DEQ’s Executive Director.
| Typical Permit Steps | Tier1 | Tier II | Tier III |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Meet with DEQ’s Permit Assistance Team (if desired). |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Filing: Applicant files application, pays any required fee, and provides landowner notice. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Notice of filing: Applicant publishes notice in one newspaper local to site. |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Process meeting – Notice: 30-day opportunity is published with notice of filing. DEQ holds meeting if requested and sufficient interest is shown. |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Administrative completeness review: DEQ reviews application and asks applicant to supply any missing information. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Technical review: DEQ reviews application for technical compliance and requests applicant to cure any deficiencies. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Draft permit or draft denial: DEQ prepares this after completing review. |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Notice of draft permit, public comment period and public meeting request opportunity: Applicant publishes this in one newspaper local to site (DEQ publishes notice of draft denial). |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Public comment period: 30 days (45 days for hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal draft permits). |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Public meeting: Conducted by DEQ if held. |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Review of comments: DEQ provides written response to any comments received. |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Proposed permit: DEQ prepares in response to draft permit comments |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Notice of proposed permit: Applicant publishes, in one newspaper local to site, notice of 20-day opportunity to review permit and request administrative hearing. |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Administrative permit hearing: Conducted by DEQ if held. Results in final order. |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Final DEQ decision to issue or deny permit. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
**NEW** Note for Clean Air Act Permits: In order to meet the minimum federal public participation requirements for state air pollution control programs, certain additional steps apply to the AQD permitting process. See OAC 252:4-7-13(g)
We encourage the public to participate in our permitting process by providing comments on proposed permits.
Click here for a list of permits that are currently open for public review.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:
Owen Mills, Director
Permitting Assistance & Public Outreach Team
office: (405) 702-7105
