Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Introduces OnBase Upload Form for Online Permit Application Submission

On June 22, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) announced the OnBase DEP Upload Form.  This form is a way for applicants to transfer permit application data to PADEP electronically.  With COVID-19 limiting the accessibility of physical workplaces, PADEP hoped to create a more efficient permit approval process.  Online submission means that these permit applications can be moved between PADEP staff more easily.  Additionally, PADEP hopes to reduce costs for themselves as well as applicants by limiting the number of printed documents and shipping fees.  At this moment, the system does not have the full capability of accepting all Air Permitting Program Permits.

The OnBase DEP Upload Form can be found through PADEP’s website homepage.  In the upper right of the page there is a Data and Tools tab which allows access to Application Form Upload.

Within the Upload Form, an applicant can fill in several fields that help identify the application.  Once these fields are populated, PDF versions of the permit application can be submitted electronically.  As part of the submission process, there is a form that should also be submitted called the OnBase DEP Public Upload Payment Submission Form.  However, it is noteworthy that this system does not allow for electronic payment.  Fees associated with the permit application still must be submitted via check under separate cover.  The Reference Number provided by the OnBase DEP Upload Form should be included on the check.

When a permit application is submitted through the Upload Form, PADEP performs an initial quality assurance (QA) review.  If there are issues with the submission package identified during this stage, the applicant will receive a notification detailing the findings.  The permit application can then be resubmitted after the corrective changes are made.  For resubmittals due to QA Review Rejection, the applicant should select “No” for the resubmittal question within the form.  After the QA Review, a more detailed Program Review is conducted.  Like the QA Review, if there are any issues with the submission package identified during this stage, the applicant will receive a notification detailing the findings.  If an applicant resubmits the permit application because of a Program Review Rejection, the applicant should select “Yes” for the resubmittal question within the form.

There are exceptions to the types of permits that can be submitted through the OnBase DEP Upload Form.  For those types of permits that already utilize e-Permitting (i.e., Oil and Gas program ESCGP-3 and Drill and Operate Permits, Bituminous Surface Mining Permits, Chapter 105 General Permits, Air Quality program GP-5 and 5A permits, and PennDOT applications currently submitted through Keystone Environmental ePermitting System) the new online form cannot be used.  Also, applicants who currently submit applications to a delegated entity (i.e., Chapter 102 and 105 permits currently submitted to County Conservation Districts) should continue to submit their applications in that manner.

PADEP has included references providing additional detail about the electronic submission process.  They can be found with the following links:

OnBase DEP Public Upload Electronic Document Submissions Instructions

OnBase DEP Public Upload Payment Submission Form

Should you have any questions or require additional information please contact our team at info@all4inc.com.