The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) oversees more than 70,000 active permits and licenses that cover nearly 170,000 sites across our state. These sites are as diverse as the state itself—ranging from neighborhood restaurants and dry cleaners and family doctors offices to large industrial facilities like power plants, landfills and wastewater treatment plants.
Every one of these permits plays a key role in keeping our air clean, our water safe, and our communities healthy. Our goal is to process permits and licenses efficiently so that businesses can grow and thrive safely.
That’s why we work hard to strike the right balance: protecting the environment while also supporting business growth. Whether you’re opening a small car wash or expanding a manufacturing facility, our goal is to help you navigate the permitting process as smoothly and clearly as possible.
Understanding How Permits Work
The department is made up of three main administrations, each focused on a different part of our environment:
Air and Radiation Administration – issues permits related to air emissions, fuel storage, and radiation safety.
Water and Science Administration – handles permits for stormwater, wastewater, wetlands, and water withdrawals.
Land and Materials Administration – covers solid waste, hazardous waste, oil control, and soil cleanups.
Each type of permit has specific requirements based on the activity, its location, and its potential impact on the environment. Some permits are straightforward and can be issued quickly. Others may require detailed reviews, public notices, or even public hearings.
Getting Started
Step 1: Determine What You Need
Start by identifying the kind of activity you’re planning. Are you building near a stream? Discharging water? Operating a boiler? Use our online tools or contact our staff to help figure out which permits apply.
Step 2: Plan Ahead
Some permits can take a few days, while others may take several months—especially if public input or technical reviews are involved. The earlier you reach out, the better.
Step 3: Apply Online or by Mail
Many of our permits can be submitted online through our ePermits system. For others, you may need to download forms and submit them by mail. Each permit page on our website includes instructions and checklists to guide you through the process.
Step 4: Stay in Touch
Once your application is submitted, our team will review it for completeness and environmental compliance. We’ll contact you if more information is needed. For more complex projects, we’ll assign a permit coordinator to help keep things on track.
Step 5: Keep Your Permit Up to Date
Permits come with responsibilities—like recordkeeping, monitoring, and reporting. They also expire, so be sure to apply for renewals in advance. Staying in compliance helps protect the environment and avoids costly disruptions for your business.
Why It Matters
Permits aren’t just paperwork. They’re how we make sure Marylanders can breathe clean air, drink clean water, and enjoy safe neighborhoods—while also making room for innovation, jobs, and economic development. Permitting is one of the most important tools we have to ensure environmental protection and business success go hand in hand.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Certification
Before you can receive a permit or license from the Maryland Department of the Environment, you must provide proof of valid workers’ compensation insurance if you employ any workers. You can submit either your insurance policy number or a Certificate of Compliance from the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission if:
You are a sole proprietor with no employees
You are a partnership with no employees other than the partners
You are a business with only corporate officers or members who are exempt from workers' compensation coverage
You only employ “casual employees” as defined by Maryland law
You own a Class F tractor vehicle and meet the exclusion requirements
Tax Payment Verification
If you are renewing a permit, you must provide your Federal Tax Identification Number or the owner’s Social Security Number (if the Federal Tax ID is unavailable). The Maryland Department of the Environment will use this information to verify that all taxes and unemployment insurance payments are up-to-date.
Other Approvals
In addition to standard permits, we also issue other approvals, such as for wastewater operator licenses, asbestos training, radioactive materials, coal mining certifications, and well drilling. Each type of approval has its own process, and some may include public notification requirements.
