NJDEP Permit Compliance Works Better When You Work With Experts

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) promulgates rules and standards to lead environmental conservation and protection initiatives. Individuals or businesses that conduct activities regulated by NJDEP must acquire related permits and comply with ecological codes. Following these directives assists corporations in meeting their broad environmental responsibilities.

However, it takes a lot of effort to achieve NJDEP permit compliance. The procedures can be complicated and time-consuming, and failure to obtain the proper permit or comply with the requirements can lead to fines, penalties, or suspension.

For example, before buying a property, owners should check if NJDEP land use statutes and rules govern any part of it. They should identify if the property is part of any environmental zones or within any special areas. After determining if there are any environmental regulations associated with the property, then the owner would need to determine what types of environmental permits are required by the NJDEP for the planned operations of the site which is normally based on the equipment utilized.

The air permit is another challenging requirement that many plants, factories, and other industrial or commercial facility owners dread. Many types of operations need them, from small dry cleaners to data centers, elementary schools, apartment buildings, police stations, hospitals, and chemical plants. The initial step of identifying which air permit to obtain needs an evaluation of equipment, facilities, and operations and an understanding of the NJDEP regulations.

The types of air permits in New Jersey are:

• General Permit
• Pre-construction Permit (PCP)
• Title V Operating Permit

General Permits have been developed by the NJDEP to standardize air permits for specific equipment and operations that fall into different categories. It is important to fully review and understand the applicability, exclusions, type of equipment, and required operations allowed in the permit to determine if it is appropriate for the facility to use. Applying for a general air permit involves completing a permit application through the NJDEP Online Portal. The permit application process to obtain a General Air Permit is simpler than other permit types; however, it might still be difficult if the applicant is unfamiliar with the required information needed in the application or the specific details needed on their equipment or site. Missing information or making errors on the online application can result in delays or rejection from NJDEP permit approval.

Pre-Construction Permits are required to be completed using the NJDEP  RADIUS software. RADIUS is a downloadable computer program where the air permit applications must be completed before submitting it to the NJDEP. The application is  exported from the software and sent to the NJDEP for review, comment, and approval

The RADIUS software is freely accessible for public use, so businesses can do the application themselves. Facility owners can read guides or take training to familiarize themselves with the software and learn to complete permit applications. But many individuals struggle with the program because it is neither straightforward nor easy to learn. The most difficult part of completing a Pre-Construction permit utilizing the Radius software is having the knowledge and familiarity of what data is required to be included in the various sections of the permit application, as well as what regulatory requirements apply to the specific equipment or operation for which you are trying to obtain an air permit. Seeking assistance from a knowledgeable NJ air permit consultant is the ideal option if businesses want to avoid delays and the stress of the process.

One of the most important aspects of the permit process is for the owner applying for the permit to fully understand the permit conditions and the requirements that must be followed after the permit is issued.  These can include recordkeeping, testing, and reporting requirements that the firm needs to fulfill to maintain compliance. These can make the process still more difficult for the organization.

Advantages of Hiring Experts to Maintain NJDEP Permit Compliance

Hiring specialists, consultants, or environmental professionals is not mandatory when applying for a New Jersey air permit. There are also no restrictions on who can or cannot acquire one, so the company can process it themselves if they want. But many firms lack the time and knowledge to accomplish NJDEP permits independently. Applying will take time and resources, especially if the person doing it has no prior experience. Hiring an expert is more efficient than attempting to figure it out on their own.

NJDEP air permit consultants are experts familiar with the various air permit regulations, so they are a beneficial resource who can provide advice to see that a project proceeds as planned. Business owners can save a considerable amount of time by avoiding project delays early in the development phase.

Organizations also benefit from engaging with a permit expert in New Jersey by seeing that new equipment or facilities are compliant with the current air permit regulations. If the consultant finds that the equipment does not meet environmental regulations, the entity will be able to make changes quickly so that the activities do not get too far behind schedule.

Furthermore, environmental rules are continually changing on both federal and state levels. These updates can be daunting and make it difficult for facilities to stay current. Partnering with an NJDEP permit consultant who is up-to-date with the latest regulatory provisions will save time and reduce the stress of processing all the requirements.

Where to Find NJDEP Permit Experts

NJDEP application is a highly intricate process. Navigating its legalities and obligations can be confusing, and getting it wrong raises the risk of non-compliance. It is more practical for both big and minor businesses in the Garden State to hire an NJDEP permit expert to achieve full compliance without frustration.

Lockatong Engineering has extensive knowledge of state, federal, and municipal environmental protection regulations. A competent NJDEP permit consultant can assist commercial businesses and facility managers in complying with NJDEP codes. They have the expertise, knowledge, and experience with the agency’s ever-changing standards.

Companies can save time and effort deciphering complicated NJDEP rules by getting support services from Lockatong Engineering. The firm provides NJDEP permit compliance services to hospitals, manufacturing, commercial, and industrial sites. Engineering experts from Lockatong Engineering also have considerable experience operating various processes, HVAC equipment, boilers, and emergency generators and their applicable regulatory standards.

Contact us to engage with one of our environmental consultants today.