(13/P51) TRENTON – In its continuing commitment to efficiency and customer service, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched a series of new online services that will allow the public to electronically apply for various permits and licenses or to electronically post certain public notices, Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.

“The Christie Administration has prioritized the reduction of red tape and embraces easy, common-sense processes that alleviate unnecessary burdens for the public,” Commissioner Martin said. “With our improved technology, our streamlined e-permitting programs have proven successful for property owners and contractors, while still requiring applicants to meet the DEP’s same high environmental standards.”

By logging onto www.njdeponline.com New Jersey residents and businesses can now access some of these services. Included are:

• Licensed Site Remediation Professional Services: Allowing individuals to electronically submit the annual remediation fee; the retention and release of the licensed site remediation professional (LSRP); documentation for correcting information regarding the Remedial Priority Scoring (RPS) System; and underground storage tank (UST) closure and registration.

• Aquatic Pesticide Permit Applications: Allowing individuals to apply for a two-year permit to use pesticides to control aquatic pests at a specific site.

• Tidelands License Renewal Applications: Allowing applicants with expired or expiring Tidelands Licenses to renew them online.

• Air General Permits: For common types of equipment that do not have significant air contaminant emissions, like gas stations and gas fired furnaces, owners can obtain on line air pollution control permits, which are lower cost than a regular permit, and which allow construction to commence the same day.

The DEP for years has utilized on-line permit application systems for its air, water and underground storage tanks programs. Over the past two years, as part of a modernization and customer service effort, the DEP’s Division of Land Use Regulation has launched e-permitting systems to allow the public to apply for various types of waterfront development permits in coastal areas and general permits that allow for additions to existing houses and replacements of malfunctioning septic systems. Applicants still must meet tough environmental standards but can make quicker decisions on projects that can save property owners money and time.