Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Northeast Regional Office recently issued two permits under the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program. One for an Individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the Discharge of Stormwater Associated with Construction Activities to jumpstart a 280-unit, multi-family apartment complex in a fast-growing area of the Poconos. The other is an Air Quality permit to allow construction and operation of a new facility in Lehigh County creating jobs and improving economic development.
“These permits will help provide much needed housing in the Poconos and create jobs in the Lehigh Valley, without sacrificing environmental protections,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Both permits will benefit the local economy and a safer environment.”
The NPDES SPEED approval for the six-building complex in Pocono Township, Monroe County, began when the application was submitted. DEP reviewed the permit in 24 business days, out of an allowable review timeline of 117 business days. This demonstrates a significant saving of 93 “on clock” days. Completing the review efficiently aligns with Governor Josh Shapiro’s Housing Action Plan, which aims to increase the number of homes in Pennsylvania and lower housing costs.
The Air Quality SPEED approval authorizes Republic Polymer III to construct and operate a new facility in Allentown, Lehigh County. The facility will convert post-consumer polymer materials into high-quality recycled resins suitable for reuse in consumer packaging. This permit application was received on March 20, 2026, and the review was complete in 83 “on clock” days which compared to the average review time of 150 “on clock “days.
DEP launched the SPEED program in June 2025 for Chapter 102 Stormwater Management permits and has expanded the program to include permits for certain Air Quality plan approvals, dam safety and individual water obstruction and encroachment permits.
DEP also continues to modernize its permitting process by investing in new technology and reviewing processes to identify and eliminate bottlenecks to better serve the people and environment of Pennsylvania.
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