Application Meeting

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An application meeting is an opportunity for you to meet with staff regarding a new permit or permit modification application prior to submittal.

An application meeting allows you to:

•   Discuss the general scope of your project
•   Give a history of your site
•   Talk about design considerations
•   Present new ideas, designs and technology
•   Identify policies and regulations that create opportunities or lead to constraints
•   Ask preliminary questions of the reviewers
•   Provide feedback
•   Understand the permitting process

Furthermore, an application meeting gives you the opportunity to develop a better rapport with Non-Discharge Branch staff, thus improving overall communication, which typically results in shorter review times.  

*Note: These meetings are not intended to replace the standard review process.  Also, applications may not necessarily be assigned to the particular staff member you meet with.  While these meetings can facilitate the review process, the applicant should still expect there to be additional comments during the formal review process.

If you are interested in scheduling an application meeting, please contact Nathaniel Thornburg at (919) 707-3653.

Applicants are often in a rush to obtain their permit and the Non-Discharge Branch does not offer Express Permitting. In order to facilitate the permitting process, here are a few ways to assist staff in the review process:

  • When permitting new disposal fields, consult with the Regional Office staff when conducting the soils field work and putting together the soils report.
  • Consult with the Regional Office early in the design stage about groundwater monitoring and well placement.  It is also recommended to take seasonal groundwater samples to help establish baseline groundwater quality.
  • Ensure all required documents are provided when submitting an application.
  • Ensure that the application is organized as stated on the application form and clearly label each section.

A Central Office primary reviewer will always be in attendance, and Regional Office staff may be present depending on the meeting location and application specifics.  It is expected that the project’s consulting engineer be in attendance.  While not required, the owner and additional consultants, such as soil scientists and geologists, may attend. 

While no formal process has been established to conduct Review Meetings during the Standard Review Process, if you desire to meet to discuss any additional information requests made, Non-Discharge Branch staff will gladly meet with you at your convenience during the 30-day additional information period.  Please note that the 30 day additional information period begins upon the issuance of the additional information letter, not after a potential review meeting occurs.

Non-Discharge Branch staff welcomes outside industry representatives and consultants to give presentations in order to educate on new technologies and build better rapport with staff. If you are interested in scheduling a presentation, please contact Nathaniel Thornburg at (919) 707-3653.

Non-Discharge Branch staff typically meet in the Archdale Building in downtown Raleigh, but can meet at the Regional Office or another location. If meeting at the Archdale Building, ensure to schedule additional time for parking, which is not directly adjacent to the building. 

Paid parking is available in Visitor Lot #2 (Deck 75) located at 333 N. Salisbury Street.  This map shows all State Government Visitor Parking Lots. 1-hour street parking is available on select streets surrounding the government complex.