Penn E&R is pleased to announce its successful submission of the first electronic Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit (ESCGP-3) Application to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) in the state.
Background
The new electronic ESCGP-3 is required for well drilling that involves five or more acres of earth disturbance at oil and gas sites. The online application is intended to provide operators a more efficient permitting process resulting in faster response from PADEP. It will ensure all forms are complete upon submission, allow operators to pay permit fees online and eliminate the possibility for duplicate PADEP data entry. The ESCGP-3 launched on October 6, 2018 and replaces the ESCGP-2, a paper form. It is the Wolf Administration’s latest effort to reduce paper-driven processes.
“As part of Governor Wolf’s commitment to improve the permitting process, DEP is employing the best technologies we can to meet industry needs while protecting our environment,” explained PADEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Our new e-permits for well-drilling and erosion and sediment control follow the recent launch of electronic document submission for operators and an inspections mobile app for our field staff, as we work to streamline the regulatory process.”
First Successful Submission in Pennsylvania
Employees at Penn E&R’s Pittsburgh office submitted the ESCGP-3 to PADEP’s electronic permit portal DEPGreenPort on December 4 on behalf of client JKLM Energy, LLC. PADEP notified Penn E&R the following day that the submission was successful and was the first in the state.
Training Sessions
ESCGP-3 permittees are required to hold training sessions for people working on the permitted site. This includes those responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of E&S and stormwater management Best Management Practices, crews handling the application or storage of treatment chemicals and those responsible for conducting inspections or taking corrective action. On December 12, 2018, Penn E&R Chief Engineer Richard Vannucci, P.E. led Penn E&R’s training session for JKLM Energy employees and contractors to guarantee compliance with the permit requirements.
If you have questions, or are interested in coordinating an ESCGP-3 training session with Penn E&R professionals, contact Penn E&R’s Pittsburgh office at (412) 722-1222.
