Volume 1, Number 3

June - July 2005

eMDE is a monthly publication of the Maryland Department of the Environment. It covers articles on current environmental issues and events in the state. Additional monthly features include: MDE public meetings and hearings schedule, enforcement and compliance notes, and permitting activity. 

MDE Standard Permit Application Turnaround Times

by Andrew Gosden

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has established, in consultation with interested parties, the following standard turnaround times for all types of permit applications, as required by Section 1-607(A)(2) of the Environment Article.

Please note the following important points about these standard times:

1) These standards refer to the time between MDE’s receipt of a complete permit application and MDE’s issuance or denial of the permit, excluding delays caused by factors beyond MDE’s control. Many applications are incomplete when they first arrive at MDE. The Customer Service Center (410-537-3772) or the appropriate MDE permit writer can provide guidance on how to ensure that an application is complete when submitted.

2) In most permitting programs, each application has unique characteristics that influence its processing time. For each program listed, the standard time represents the time in which 90% of applications can be processed. Many applications will require less time; a few will require more time due to unusual circumstances.

MDE reviews these turnaround times each year and publishes them in the Maryland Register. For further information, please contact Andrew Gosden in MDE’s Customer Service Center at 410-537-3772.