PERMIT COMMUNICATION TEAM CHARTER
Opportunity/Problem Statement:
There is a need for improved communication among agency staff, customers and stakeholders.
Project Mission Statement:
To identify problems, propose solutions, and develop a plan for implementing improved
communication related to environmental permitting among the permittee/applicant, the
community, and the agency/staff.
Description:
Environmental permitting processes are diverse and often complex. Good communications are
essential for efficiency, satisfaction and understanding. Permitting staff and customers cited
communications problems as a significant deterrent to the department's processes. Improved
internal and external communications will contribute to the continuous improvement of the
permitting processes.
Background:
The Permit Reform Implementation Team (PRIT) was chartered in 1998 to continue and enhance
the work begun by the Permit Process Action Team in 1995 (PPAT). A perceived need for and
general concept of "permit reform" has been an issue both in the General Assembly and the
Executive Branch for several years. A limited survey of staff and customers has been completed
by PRIT, and the survey results helped to define the problem. Lack of communication and
communication barriers have been determined by PRIT to be a priority issue for study.
Scope:
The team will study the existing situation using the problem solving process to identify root
causes. The team will propose possible solutions and make detailed recommendations to PRIT
about implementation and the resources needed to accomplish the actions.
Time Frame for Project Completion:
October 20, 1999 (with preliminary reports monthly)
Date for Team Launch:
May 19, 1999
Process Owner:
Permit Reform Implementation Team
Sponsors:
Michael Williamson, Deputy Secretary for Operations
Jimmy Carter, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Environment
Team Leader:
Sherri Coghill
Facilitator:
Craig Deal
Team Members:
Sarah Alston, Manufactures Chemical Industry Council, Glaxo-Welcome
Larry Bunn, Enviromental Health Supervisors Assoc., Forsyth Co.
Robin Caldwell, Division of Water Quality, Raleigh Regional Office
Gordon Cashin, Department of Transportation, Permitting
Tony Chen, Division of Environmental Health, Permitting
Tom Fransen, Division of Water Resources, permitting
Tom Mather, Division of Air Quality, Public Information Office
Edythe McKinney, DENR Customer Service Center
Carrie Oren, Conservation Council of NC
Bill Sabata, Consulting Engineers Council, ARCADIS Geraghty and Miller
Janet Zeller, Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (sub for Carrie)
Resources Needed:
outside team members, division leadership, staff survey data, administrative expenses
Potential Stakeholders:
environmental advocacy groups, permitting staff, permittees, general public, departmental
leadership, economic developers (i.e. Dept. of Commerce)