I’m interested in starting a business in Delaware. How do I find out what environmental permits I’ll need?
If you are starting a small business, contact DNREC’s Small Business Ombudsman at 302.739.9909. DNREC also has a Regulatory Advisory Service that can help you identify all of the requirements for your business. For a description of all the Division of Air and Waste Management’s regulatory programs, click Regulatory Programs.
How do I find information on redeveloping a Brownfield in Delaware, and what Brownfields sites are available for development?
The Division has been working over the past few years to streamline its Brownfields process to reduce the time necessary to cleanup a site while still protecting workers, public health and the environment. DAWM also has grants and loans for Brownfields redevelopment, as well as a Brownfield Inventory for south Wilmington. For more information on Brownfields, click on DAWM’s Brownfield website or contact the Site Investigation and Restoration Program at 302.395.2600.
How are air permitting decisions made?
DAWM has a four-step process. First, DAWM determines if a permit is even needed. The criteria are emissions of more than 10 pounds per day of air pollutants before going through control devices, or 10 pounds per day from all equipment after going through control devices. Second, the Division determines what type of permit is required. DAWM issues 5 types of permits and which one depends on whether it is for construction or operation, the amount of pollutants to be emitted, and the type of pollutants to be emitted. Third, the Division determines what requirements to include in the permit. These requirements are based on DNREC regulations and federal rules. Finally, DAWM will determine if there are any additional requirements specific to the equipment or process based on the environmental history of the facility and public comments received as a result of a public notice, a public workshop or a hearing.
