NDEQ’s online stormwater permit application system slashes approval timeframe

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) recently approved the 100th stormwater construction general permit applied for through its new online application system, which has reduced the waiting period from roughly two weeks to one day for most applicants.

“This new online system has facilitated faster application processing, while ensuring that the state fulfills its duty to protect Nebraska’s clean air and clean water,” Gov. Pete Ricketts said. “I appreciate the leadership of Director Jim Macy in bringing the application process online and making it more efficient for Nebraska businesses to move forward on construction projects. A more customer-friendly state government will encourage continued growth across our state.”

The online system is available for applicants working on projects that will cover an acre or more. They must prove that they have a stormwater pollution prevention plan. The process has made such drastic reductions in the approval timeframe by removing the need for NDEQ staff to re-enter information, removing the lag created by paperwork and identifying which applicants need Nebraska Game and Parks Commission review.

“We began providing this new web-based application process in November, and it has proven to be a much more efficient way of processing applications,” said NDEQ Director Macy. “Responses we have received from applicants [have] been very positive.”