September 10, 2004

The Department of Environmental Quality has redesigned and improved its air quality Permit to Install application review process, in conjunction with industry representatives, using a process called “value stream mapping.” Effective immediately, all new applications will be evaluated using the redesigned process. The review process was reengineered to address the needs of the modern fast-paced economy, while preserving and improving environmental protections. The new process emphasizes earlier face-to-face meetings between permit applicants and DEQ staff, clear communication of application requirements, early identification of any outstanding permit-related issues, and will allow the DEQ to encourage early public involvement. The new process enables applicants to submit high-quality permit applications, which in turn allows the DEQ’s Air Quality Division to perform technical analyses quickly and efficiently, eliminating unnecessary delays and wasted efforts. Adherence to these simple principles will ensure that all applications will be reviewed and acted upon in less than six calendar months.

The new process is the result of the value stream mapping effort, where each task performed during an application evaluation was analyzed. For each step, the amount of time spent performing the task and time spent waiting for action was identified. Once these parameters were identified, a team of air quality professionals from the DEQ and regulated industries redesigned the process to reduce wait time and increase the amount of time dedicated to scientific review, while adding an additional opportunity to identify projects that will benefit from enhanced public outreach.

“I am extremely pleased with and impressed by the collaborative effort between DEQ and industry staff to redefine the air permit process,” stated DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “Without compromising our technical reviews or the quality of public participation, we have eliminated waste and emphasized efficiencies in our permit process that will enable us to make permit decisions in a more timely manner.”

Director Chester also indicated he is considering applying this value stream mapping process to other DEQ processes.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised September 10, 2004 by Pat Watson