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DEQ says vacancies slow permitting; seeks targeted pay increases and details on loan/fund use
Summary
The Department of Environmental Quality told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that turnover and vacancies have lengthened permit processing times. DEQ requested targeted pay increases to improve recruitment and retention and described loan funds and transfers tied to wastewater, drinking water and the Bunker Hill remediation account.
Department of Environmental Quality Director Jess Byrne told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee the agency is experiencing turnover and vacancy problems that have slowed permitting and increased backlog. Byrne presented a targeted compensation proposal intended to raise entry‑level hires and certain high‑need positions to improve recruitment and retention.
Why it matters: DEQ issues permits required for industrial facilities, municipal wastewater systems and other projects; delays can slow construction and economic development. The agency said permitting times for some programs have roughly doubled in recent years and that turnover in technical permitting positions has been a primary driver.
Byrne and Legislative Services analyst Janet Jessup gave the committee details on staffing and funds. Jessup said DEQ is allocated…
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