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How are we doing? What was your permitting experience like? Can we improve our processes? The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) wants to know. You are our customers and it is our job to serve you. It may sound like a cliché’, “Hi, we’re the government, we’re here to help you,” but serving our citizens well makes our job easier.
At MDE’s Customer Service Center (CSC), our representatives are trained to guide you through the regulatory maze. As the non-regulatory wing of MDE, we strive not to be a best-kept secret.
Multi-media Capability
In addition, we can set up multi-media meetings for businesses thinking about locating in Maryland and for those already here who want to be sure they are fulfilling all necessary environmental requirements. You will be provided with all of the materials necessary to apply for applicable permits and other approvals.
Guide
CSC’s “Business Guide to Environmental Permits & Approvals” clearly lists and describes all of the permits and other approvals that MDE issues to protect Maryland’s environment and public health. “Protecting and restoring Maryland’s environment requires the participation and cooperation of all members of society, including businesses, citizens, and all levels of government,” said MDE Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick. “We’ve developed this guidebook to make it easier for businesses and citizens to determine the permits they need for their activities.” The guidebook is available on MDE’s website under www.mde.state.md.us/permits/busguide.asp.
Our annual “Dry Cleaners’ Calendar” helps dry cleaners document their regulatory obligations. This was a need that was pointed out by that small business sector and we fulfilled it. The calendar is mailed with instructions printed in Korean, to better serve this constituency. If a need arises, we are open to translating customer service information in other languages if necessary. How can we make your business more environmentally aware?
“MDE is committed to an open dialogue with all Maryland citizens, local governments, our business and environmental communities to develop effective solutions to Maryland’s ecological and commercial challenges,” said Secretary Philbrick.
We Encourage Your Feedback!
In order to get feedback from our customers, the CSC has a web-based survey at: www.mde.state.md.us/surveys/cs_survey.asp. It asks questions on your permitting experience, permit turnaround times and accepts suggested improvements on our system. Cards are mailed with all of our permits requesting input through this web-based survey.
Questions that Don’t Stop Here…
Is our staff user-friendly? Would you like your permit faster? Did we answer all of your questions? Do you understand your permit? Are you aware of all of the services that we provide? In order to reach more of our customers, the CSC will be contacting many of our permittees by telephone. When you are called, please answer the handful of questions that our representative will ask. It will assist us in improving our services to you.
The CSC’s customer survey is just one additional way to encourage interactive dialogue. Please participate when contacted by the CSC, or visit www.mde.state.md.us. Contact us by phone at (410)-537-3772.
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