What is Compliance Permitting?  NPDES- Under 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 Section 102.5(a-e), "...other than agricultural plowing or tilling, timber harvesting activities, or road maintenance activities, a person proposing an earth disturbance activity that will result in a point source discharge to surface waters of the Commonwealth involving 1 to 5 acres, or an earth disturbance on any portion, part, or during any stage of, a larger common plan of development or sale that involves 5 acres or more of earth disturbance over the life of the project shall obtain a General NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities prior to commencing the earth disturbance activity."  Activities that include, earth disturbance activities that are located in “special protection” watersheds (high quality, exceptional value, and exceptional value wetlands), or may affect existing water quality standards or threatened or endangered species and habitat, or have the potential for hazardous or toxic discharges will be required to apply for an Individual NPDES Permit.

Sewage Facilities Planning- Act 537 Sewage Facilities planning is the responsibility of local municipalities. Each municipality is required to have an Act 537 Official Sewage Facilities Plan to adequately address these needs. Adoption by resolution of a planning module is the vehicle for legally amending the municipality’s Official Plan. It is imperative that the municipality receives all of the information required in order to make informed decisions.

General Permits- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) authorizes (1) the construction, operation and maintenance of activities which impact wetlands that disturb less than 0.1 acre, (2) the construction, operation, and maintenance of activities which impact a stream where the watershed drainage area is 1 square mile or less and (3) the removal of existing structures crossing across a stream where the drainage area is 1 square mile or less.  This authorization is pursuant to Section 7(b) of the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, 32 P.S. 693.7(b) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder at 25 Pennsylvania Code §§105.441-105.449 (relating to General Permits).

What does Compliance Permitting entail?

Environmental Permitting plays an influential role in determining existing  as well as historical site conditions determine the design of a particular parcel of land.  We must consider:

• isolation distances
• potential presence of threatened or endangered species
• archeological or historical resources
• stream/wetland buffers
• open space requirements
• tree replacement
• existing slope, etc.

Why should you contact D.L. Howell & Associates for Compliance Permitting services?

D.L. Howell provides clients with timely and cost-effective means to obtain Environmental Solutions.  We work cooperatively with local, state, and federal agencies to bring reliable environmental services to our clients.

Previous Compliance Permitting Projects

Parke Mansion Partnets Property - A 323 Proposed Residential Townhome Development located in Parkesburg Borough, Chester County.  Environmental permitting for the Parke Mansion property includes a NPDES permit through the Chester County Conservation District, a joint permit through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), a Sewage Facilities Planning Module through PADEP, and a Sewer Extension Permit through the PADEP.

Crystal Springs - A 130 Proposed Residential Townhome Subdivision located in Parkesburg Borough, Chester County.  Environmental permitting for the Crystal Springs Land Development project included a Dam Breach Permit through PADEP, two General Permits through the PADEP, a Sewage Facilities Planning Module through the PADEP, and a NPDES Permit through the Chester County Conservation District.