DEM OFFERS FRESHWATER WETLANDS APPLICATION STATUS CHECKS ON INTERNET VIA RI.gov

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has announced that the public can now view the status of individual freshwater wetlands applications via Rhode Island's e-government portal, www.RI.gov.

The service is free, and allows homeowners, builders, and anyone else interested in a wetlands application to track the progress of the application or find out whether DEM has received one. The website is available 24-hours a day and the information is updated daily.

A user can query by application number, owner/organization name, project name, or location to help locate information about the status of a wetlands application. All application types are listed, including edge verifications, preliminary determinations of alterations, renewals and transfers. An easy link is provided directly to DEM's website that explains each application type and allows exploration of the permitting requirements and processes.

The website lists the current status and the dates of all major actions from the date the application is received to the date of the final agency action. The service is intended to help the public become better and more efficiently informed about the permit process governing wetlands applications.

DEM receives about 500 applications a year. All new applications are available on line, as are thousands of historical applications dating back to the mid-1990s when the Department's internal computerized database tracking system was expanded.

"The online service benefits all who are interested in keeping track of pending applications and development projects," said DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan. "It was a natural fit for e-government, to which we are extremely committed, and complements other online services DEM has made available through RI.gov, such as tracking the status of individual sewage disposal system applications, obtaining boat registration and fishing license renewals, and obtaining beach passes."

RI.gov is a collaborative effort of the state Department of Administration and New England Interactive (NEI) to create an internet gateway for business and individuals to obtain government-related information as well as to interact with Rhode Island government agencies and officials electronically. The state has a long-term, zero-dollar contract with NEI to provide the e-government services. Funding comes solely from transaction and/or subscription fees associated with some services, such as boat registration renewal. However, the wetlands and ISDS status check services are offered at no charge.

To access the wetlands information, go to www.RI.gov or to DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, and click on "Wetlands" permit search on the homepage.