With the help of the new third-party review system, the PADEP has completed a review of 146 backlogged national pollution discharge elimination system construction permits that had accumulated, in part, because of new federal stormwater requirements. 

As a result of the review, 83 permits were issued, 15 applications were returned as incomplete and 13 permits are ready to be issued once other DEP approvals are finalized. Governor Rendell launched an effort last year to improve the quality and timeliness of DEP's stormwater discharge permit application reviews for construction projects. As part of that effort, DEP established an expedited review option for NPDES permit applications for stormwater discharges associated with construction activities. By reviewing applications through the expedited process, DEP assures applicants that a determination will be made within 30 days of the public comment period's completion. 

Applicants now have the opportunity for an approved third-party consultant to review and help complete quality applications prior to submitting it to the conservation district or department. F. X. Browne, Inc. is on the list of DEP's qualified consultants, and is available for statewide third-party review of construction stormwater permit applications. Contact info@fxbrowne.com for more information. http://www.ahs.dep.state.pa.us/newsreleases/default.asp?ID=4823