Permit & Compliance Assistance

Permit Assistance

Assistance in Identifying Required Permits

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides permit assistance through Permit Specialists in the Environmental Assistance Office (EAO). The Permit Specialists operate out of the Agency of Natural Resources' (ANR) five regional offices (see District map). The Permit Specialists serve as the initial state contact for applicants and assist them in identifying all necessary state permits or approvals for any given project. This allows applicants to make informed business decisions about the cost and length of time to comply with all state regulations. This also increases the likelihood that projects will meet requirements ensuring environmental and public health protection.

Project Review Sheet

Based upon a technical review of projects and an interpretation of regulations (for about 45 DEC permits and about 66 other state and federal permits), the specialist develops a "project review (PR) sheet" indicating preliminary jurisdiction for all applicable state programs (see sample project review sheet). Through the use of the PR sheet and interaction with DEC and other state programs this jurisdiction is confirmed. As needed, the permit specialist will assist the applicant in evaluating alternative approaches in the permitting process.

Permit Handbook

The specialists have developed and published a Permit Handbook which contains an in-depth compilation of 45 DEC permit programs. The Permit Handbook contains an information sheet for each permit that includes:

• a description of the permit,
• criteria for jurisdiction,
• staff contacts,
• statutory citations for authority and appeals.

In addition, the Handbook also includes the same information for more than 50 other Vermont and federal regulatory programs. The Handbook has become an important tool for all levels of Vermont Citizens.

DEC Permit Assistance Contact:
Susan Haitsma, Assistant Permit Coordinator
(802) 241-4228

Assistance in Attaining Permits

The Vermont Department of Economic Development (DED) can provide assistance in obtaining permits or complying with regulations. The assistance is focused on companies that may not be familiar with the permitting process, businesses that the state is encouraging to locate or expand in the state, or companies experiencing difficulty. The assistance provided is related to the administrative process and is generally of a strategic rather than technical nature. The Department staff has key contacts and extensive experience in resolving issues. The preferable approach is one that identifies potential issues early in the process and addresses them before they present process or time delays.

DED Contact:
Curt Carter, Director, Permitting Assistance
(802) 828-5233

Compliance Assistance

Small Business Compliance Assistance

Small businesses can get answers to their environmental compliance questions through the Department of Environmental Conservation's Small Business Compliance Assistance Program (SBCAP). The program is operated out of the non-regulatory Environmental Assistance Office (EAO). The program is free and confidential. Assistance is provided through:

• free, confidential, on-site compliance assessments,
• a toll-free phone line (800) 974-9559,
• environmental compliance workshops and training,
• fact sheets and other written compliance assistance materials.

DEC Small Business Compliance Assistance Contact:
Judy Mirro, Business Compliance Specialist
(800) 974-9559 or (802) 241-3745

Municipal Compliance Assistance

Municipalities can get answers to their environmental compliance questions through the Department of Environmental Conservation's Municipal Compliance Assistance Program (MCAP). The program is operated out of the non-regulatory Environmental Assistance Office (EAO). The program is free and confidential. Assistance services are provided at no cost to the municipality and are confidential. Assistance is provided through:

• free, confidential, on-site compliance assessments,
• a toll-free phone line (800) 974-9559,
• environmental compliance workshops and training,
• fact sheets and other written compliance assistance materials.

DEC Municipal Compliance Assistance Contact:
John Daly, Municipal Compliance Specialist
Telephone: (800) 974-9559 or (802) 241-3471