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When you apply for a permit with us, you probably want to know how long the process will take. Each application is unique, but we set standard processing times to give you a general idea of what to expect.
The time it takes to review and decide on a permit application depends on many factors, including the type of permit, the complexity of the request, and whether public input is required. Each year, we calibrate estimated processing times to recent data.
For most types of permits, 90% of applications are processed within the standard time frame. Some may take less time, while others may take longer if they involve special circumstances.
While we strive to process applications as quickly as possible, certain factors may delay the process. These include:
Missing or incomplete information in the application
Required public review periods
Environmental or legal complexities that need additional evaluation
Roles and Responsibilities
The permit applicant—typically the owner or operator of a facility—is responsible for ensuring that all permit conditions are met. This includes compliance with environmental regulations, reporting requirements, and any special conditions outlined in the final permit.
A consultant may be hired to assist with completing the permit application and ensuring all technical requirements are met. However, the applicant remains accountable for the overall permit process, from submission to compliance with final permit conditions.
Key Milestones to Monitor
Applicants should closely track important steps in the permit process, including:
Submission and approval of a complete application
Providing supplemental information if requested, within the given timeline
Participation in public meetings, where applicable, to review the draft permit and provide information to the community
Review of public comments, which may influence final permit conditions
Understanding special conditions that may be included in the permit
Final permit issuance and renewal requirements, ensuring continued compliance and timely renewal when necessary
We encourage applicants to review the estimated processing times before applying. If you have questions or need assistance with your application, our staff is available to help guide you through the process.
Air and Radiation Administration
General Permit to Construct
45 days
Air Quality Permit to Construct
4 months - without expanded public review
5 months – synthetic minor permits without expanded public review
15 months - with expanded public review
New Source Review Approval
15 months
Prevention of Significant Air Quality Deterioration
Air Quality State Permit to Operate
4 months
Part 70 (Title V) Permit to Operate
18 months for new permits
15 months for renewals
Asbestos Contractor License
60 days
Asbestos Training Provider Approval
3 months
Incinerator Operator Certification
30 days
Incinerator Training Course Approval
Fleet Inspection Station License
Emissions Repair Facility Certification
Master Certified Emissions Technician Certificate
Radiation Machine Facility Registration
60 days for dental and veterinary machines
4 months for all other machines
Certification of Machines Emitting Radiation
6 months
Radioactive Materials License
12 months for new and renewals
90 days for amendments and terminations
Private Inspector License For Inspecting X-Ray Machines
Reciprocal Recognition of Out-of-State Radioactive Material Licenses
21 days
Land and Materials Administration
Refuse Disposal Permit
9 months for transfer stations
9 months for processing facilities
9 months for processing facilities & transfer stations
12 months for incinerators
12 months for land-clearing debris landfills
24 months for industrial landfills
36 months for rubble landfills
36 months for municipal landfills
Groundwater Discharge Permit for Rubble Landfill
18 months
Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit
150 days – research project
4 months – transportation
6 months – utilization or disposal at a sanitary landfill, energy generation, or incineration
8 months – marketing
12 months – land application
24 months – treatment, composting, distribution facility, or storage
36 months – sewage sludge landfill
24 months – innovative projects
General Discharge Permit for Animal Feeding Operations
160 days for new construction
36 months for renewal
Natural Wood Waste Recycling Individual Facility Permit
9 months
Natural Wood Waste Recycling Facility General Permit
Individual Composting Facility Permit
220 days
General Composting Facility Permit
120 days
Scrap Tire Hauler
Scrap Tire Collection Facilities (General and Secondary)
Scrap Tire Solid Waste Acceptance Facility
Scrap Tire TDF/Substitute Fuel Facility
Scrap Tire Primary Collection Facility
12 months
Scrap Tire Recyclers
Oil Operations Permit – Storage, Delivery, Transfer in Maryland (OPT)
24 months
Oil Operations Permit – Delivery Only (OPV)
Oil Operations Permit – Solidification of Oil Sludge, Refuse, and/or Oil Mixed with Other Wastes (OPX)
Oil Operations Permit – Oil Contaminated Soil Storage and Treatment (OPS)
Oil Transfer License
General Permits for Discharge of Treated Groundwater from Oil Contaminated Groundwater Sources to Surface or Groundwaters of the State (OGR)
General Permits for Discharge of Stormwater and Hydrostatic Test Water from Oil Terminals to Surface or Groundwaters of the State (OGT)
Surface Water Discharge Permit for Oil Terminals (ODS)
Groundwater Discharge Permit for Oil Terminals (ODG)
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Technician, Remover, and Inspector Certifications
40 days
Controlled Hazardous Substances Facility Permit
Hazardous Waste; EPA Identification Number
Controlled Hazardous Substances Hauler and Vehicle Certifications
Special Medical Waste (SMW) Hauler and Vehicle Certifications
Coal Mining Permit
Surface Coal Mining Blaster Certification
Immediately on passing exam
Coal Mining Operator License
Non-Coal Mining Permit
Non-Coal Mining License
20 days
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
5 months
Lead Paint Accreditations
90 days
Lead Paint Training Course Approvals
Lead Paint Instructor Approvals
Voluntary Cleanup Program
60 days to determine if application is accepted
75 days to review action plan
Water and Science Administration
General Discharge Permit Registrations (excluding Construction Activities and Animal Feeding Operations)
100 days for all general permits
Individual Permit for Wastewater Discharges
12 months for new minor surface facilities
18 months for new surface major facilities
24 months for renewal surface discharge facilities
18 months for new groundwater discharge facilities
34 months for renewal groundwater discharge facilities
Water and Sewerage Construction Permit
Water Appropriation and Use Permit
90 days for under 10,000 gallons per day
18 months for over 10,000 gallons per day
Well Construction Permit
Drinking Water Laboratory Certification
Nontidal Wetlands and Waterway Construction (Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways Permits)
6 months for minor projects
12 months for major projects
90 days for stream restoration projects when no public hearing is requested
Tidal Wetland Licenses and Permits
90 days for minor projects
8 months for major projects when no public hearing is requested
11 months for major projects when a public hearing is requested
Erosion/Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Plan Approvals
Erosion and Sediment Control - Responsible Personnel Certification - Online
1 day
Erosion and Sediment Control - Responsible Personnel Training Program Approval
4 weeks
General Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity
Individual Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit
36 months
Dam Safety Permit (major project)
Dam Safety Permit (minor project)
Dam Safety (small pond)
Dam Safety Permit Exemption
Dam Safety Permit (removal)
Waterworks and Waste Systems Operator Certification
60 days for all licenses
Well Driller License
6 months for new licenses
30 days for renewals
Marine Contractor’s License
3 months for new licenses
60 days for renewals
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