December 22, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality recently updated a section of its website designed to assist the general public and regulated community in learning more about the various DEQ permitting programs. The Environmental Permits, Licenses, and Certifications Web page can be accessed by simply selecting “Permits” from the top menu bar of the DEQ homepage (www.michigan.gov/deq).

Interested parties can find relevant permit programs for their business activities by reviewing the Permit Information Checklist found on the permit page. In addition, new businesses should review the Frequently Asked Questions which will help small businesses understand what permits they may need, and how they can apply for them.

A link to the recently updated DEQ Permit & Licensing Guidebook is also available which provides a comprehensive summary of all DEQ permitting and licensing requirements. From the Web page, direct links are also provided which allow users to access permit information by category (air, land, waste, water, etc.), as well as relevant DEQ Permit Program Web pages where additional information is available.

If you are interested in learning more about citizen involvement opportunities related to permits, review the DEQ Public Involvement Handbook, A Citizens Guide. This guide can be found under the link “Improve your input into DEQ Permit Processes,” or by calling the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.

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 December 22, 2005 by Pat Watson