A sit-down between local legislators and DEP Secretary John Hanger was held last week over new on-lot sewage system policies.
State Senator Lisa Baker, and State Reps. Sandra Major (R-111), Mike Peifer (R-139), and Edward Staback (D-115) shared Wayne County’s concerns over DEP’s policy change and the “detrimental effect it is having on our local communities.”
A letter received by the Wayne County Commissioners Tuesday said Sec. Hanger had “acknowledged the communication surrounding this policy change has been inadequate.”
Moving forward, Sec. Hanger assured that:
• Individuals who’ve had applications returned with no action will be contacted immediately and given guidance for resubmission.
• DEP regional office staff will no longer withhold permit reviews or return applications without comment.
• A series of meetings will be held with local officials, explaining the background of the Environmental Hearing Board ruling that prompted the policy change and to discuss various options available to applicants seeking sewage planning module permit approval.
“The department has assured us that they plan to act quickly to address these matters, especially given the impending start of a new construction season,” the legislators’ letter said.
