The Next Generation of Air Permit Applications in Georgia

On July 30, 2015, I attended a training session at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GEPD) offices in Atlanta, Georgia for a hands-on demonstration of its new electronic permit application software system, “Georgia EPD Online System,” or GEOS.  GEOS is a portal to prepare and submit online electronic permit applications for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Wastewater Discharge Permits and Title V Air Quality Permits.  This online system allows information to be submitted to the GEPD in a streamlined manner, and also provides the general public with queried environmental data.  Eventually, the software system will be used for reporting purposes; however, the initial rollout of the system is limited to permit applications.

Within GEOS, members of the regulated community may apply, amend, and renew Title V operating permits, as well as submit compliance reports and monitoring data.  In order to begin this process, a Responsible Official (RO) must create an account and associate their facility.  If a third-party Consultant (like ALL4!) will be preparing forms on the facility’s behalf, the RO must also associate a Preparer.  The Preparer does not have the authority to submit an application, but does have the ability to complete all the applications assigned by the RO.  After the forms are complete, the RO certifies and submits the applications.  The process of creating an RO account and associating facilities and Preparers is outlined below.  GEPD’s step-by-step guide to these steps is provided in the GEOS Responsible Official Account Creation document.

Step 1: Create an Account

1. Select user Type: Responsible Official (RO)
2. Select account type: Title V, NPDES, and/or SIP.  You may have more than one (1) account type associated with your RO account.
3. Associate New Facility: Search and select the facility from the provided list and check the type(s) of application(s) that will be completed.  The options provided for application type will be based on the type(s) of the account(s) created in item two (2) of this list.
4. Select “OK” and push “Next” to continue.
5. Answer all security questions and press “Next”.
6. Enter CAPTCHA and click “Create Account”.
7. Print and sign the Subscriber Agreement and mail the ORIGINAL copy to*:

Georgia Environmental Protection Division
Attn: Information Technology
2 Martin Luther King Jr, Drive SE
Suite 1456
Atlanta, GA 30334

*This process may take a couple of weeks, so it is best to mail the Subscriber Agreement as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Step 2: Add a Consultant to prepare the forms

1. Go to “My Account”
2. Click “Add Consultant” and search for a consultant using his/her email address.**
3. Click “Validate & Associate”.
4. Click “Add Application Authorizations” and enter the requested information.

**The Preparer must first create an account before an RO is able to associate the facility with the Preparer.  A guide to this process can be found here.

Once a Consultant is assigned to prepare the forms, the Preparer may begin entering information into the GEOS system.  Upon completion of the necessary applications, the RO may submit the applications to GEPD online.  GEOS will provide a submission receipt, which the facility should retain for company records.

For more in-depth information regarding the GEOS reporting process, please review the GEOS User Guide for the Regulated Community.  ALL4 already is using this system to prepare Title V operating permit applications so please do not hesitate to contact us with questions about GEOS.