DEC streamlines remote camp permit process seismic crews could use

Petroleum News Alaska Staff

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation said Nov. 26 that its Division of Environmental Health has finalized two general permits for land-based camps with fewer than 25 occupants: transient field camps and remote camps and recreation facilities.

DEC said this is its first ever multi-program permit.

The permits are available from DEC’s Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks offices or online at www.state.ak.us/dec/deh.

“These general permits have been a long time coming. Our goal was to streamline the permitting process for these very small camps whose food service, drinking water, domestic wastewater and solid waste disposal require permitting or approval from the department,” said Janice Adair, director of Environmental Health. “We worked closely with the operators of these types of camps to develop these permits, and I believe our goal has been achieved.”

Transient camps are camps that are an integral part of a commercial, economic, scientific or research activity such as mineral exploration, seismic testing or construction.

Remote camps and recreational facilities include logging camps, small government installations, campgrounds and lodges. These types of facilities are located in the same place year after year, even though they may operate only seasonally. Transient camps, the department said, are those that change locations from year to year or within the same operating season.

DEC said these types of operations already having individual permits or approvals from the department do not need to apply for coverage under the general permits.

“These permits will be most useful for camps that are seeking DEC permits or approvals for the first time,” Adair said.