September 14, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality has announced that since completing the re-engineering of the complex air permitting program one year ago, the time needed to process air permits has decreased by two-thirds (66 percent). This dramatic reduction was achieved by stakeholders and the agency working together to identify and eliminate waste using a tool called value stream mapping. While the time to process a permit has been reduced, the integrity of environmental requirements and standards, as well as the agency’s review, remains intact.

“Issuing permits in only a third of the time is beyond our expectations. It proves that when government, the public, and the business community work together, great things can happen,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “When a permit can be issued in a matter of weeks rather than months it sends a message to industry leaders that Michigan is a great place to do business.”

Because of better and earlier communication, permit applicants are provided options throughout the review process. This results in more effective and enforceable permits with increased flexibility for the applicants.

A recent applicant commended the re-engineered process and noted, “It was quite obvious the entire team was dedicated to finding a workable permitting solution that would meet our needs, yet still protect the public interest and the environment.” The applicant further stated: “After having worked with other state environmental agencies on air permitting, I must say it was truly gratifying to participate in this re-engineered process. The DEQ is doing things right when it comes to air permitting to provide the best experience. This process should be used as a model by other states that don’t have a similar permit streamlining mechanism already in place.”

Additional information about the Air Quality Division’s re-engineered permitting process can found at www.michigan.gov/deqpermits. You may also contact Lynn Fiedler at 517-373-7087, or by e-mail at fiedler@michigan.gov.

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

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised September 14, 2005 by Pat Watson