In a recent new audit report, the Michigan Office of Internal Audit Services says DEQ's permitting programs are well managed, efficient, and effective in protecting Michigan's environment.

According to the report, "DEQ programs did an excellent job communicating permit and authorization requirements to the public and regulated community … established excellent procedures to monitor the expiration of permits and to initiate the renewal process."

The audit's primary objectives were to assess the adequacy and availability of materials to assist applicants in preparing permit applications, the quality of the review process to determine if staff was considering all legally required criteria when making decisions, and determining if decisions were being made in a timely manner. The report's conclusions show that DEQ was successful in all of those objectives.

"Our permitting programs keep our resources protected while serving Michigan's business community by making decisions in a timely manner," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester.

The report did find that DEQ's information technology (IT) controls required some improvements. The IT systems/applications used for permit processing and tracking lacked controls to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of system information, the audit report states.

INFO: Contact Robert McCann at 517-373-7917.