Environmental Permits in Nebraska
Planning a project that affects Nebraska's environment and water resources? These pages provide the tools and information necessary to determine what permits you need to ensure your project complies with Nebraska's environmental regulations.
Why does DWEE issue permits?
Nebraska has regulation designed to protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and safeguard the health and welfare of our citizens. Department staff determine the impact of your process on the environment and establish operating conditions that will ensure your process acts to sustain our environment.
Where do I get a permit application?
The DWEE website provides permit applications and guidance for completion. The Department maintains a Directory of Environmental Consultants and Engineers that may be useful to those needing outside help in the permitting process.
What are some examples of permits I may need?
Before construction activities begin, you may need to apply for one or more of the following permits or approvals:
- Air Quality Construction and Operating Permits
- Dam and Reservoir Construction Permit
- Drinking Water Systems Construction and Operating Permits
- Groundwater Transfer Permit
- Integrated Waste Management Permits
- Livestock Waste Control Facility Construction and Operating Permits
- Mineral Exploration Permit
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction Storm Water Permit
- NPDES Industrial Storm Water Permit
- NPDES Water Quality Permit
- Nebraska Wastewater Pretreatment Program
- On-site Wastewater Treatment Construction and Operating Permits
- Solid Waste Compost Site Permit
- Swimming Pool Construction Permit
- Underground Injection Control Permit
- Wastewater Facility Construction Permit
Where can I get help?
For permitting assistance call (402) 471-8697, or email DWEE.MoreInfo@nebraska.gov
For Business and Industry?
Do you own a business or plan on starting a new business? Are you expanding, installing new equipment or making changes to your existing business? If so, you may need to apply for environmental permits issued by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE).
Do I need a permit? When should I apply?
Due to complex environmental regulations, businesses that are existing, expanding, or new are encouraged to contact the DWEE for help in determining what, if any, regulations you may need to comply with or permits you may need to apply for.
Some common examples of businesses that may require environmental permits include:
- Asphalt Paving Plants
- Auto Recycling
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance Shops
- Construction
- Dry Cleaning
- Fiberglass Fabrication
- Food Production or Processing
- Grain Elevators
- Incinerators
- Laboratories
- Land Developers
- Livestock Production
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Mining Operations
- Mobile Home Parks
- Printing
- Recreational Camps
- Rock Crushing
- Sand and Gravel Operations
- Septic Systems
- Swimming Pools
- Water Treatment Plants
How long will it take to get my permit?
The time from submittal of your application to the issuance of the permit depends on the type of permit applied for, the complexity of your project, the completeness and accuracy of the submitted application, the number of applications ahead of yours, and possible issues that could arise from the 30- to 60-day public notice and comment periods.
You can keep the time required to obtain your permit to a minimum by contacting the DWEE early in your process.
What else should I know about?
In addition to obtaining permits, you may need to comply with regulations regarding the disposal of wastes; hazardous wastes; open burning; hazardous material storage; or other programs not administered by the DWEE such as the EPA Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan requirements; risk management plans; Toxics Release Inventories; and regulations pertaining to refrigerants.
Where can I get help?
The DWEE One-Stop Permitting Assistance Program will get you to the right people and get your questions answered – all in one stop!
The program’s was established to serve as a clearinghouse for information related to the Department's various permitting processes. It offers Nebraska businesses a single point of contact to provide information or organize meetings to address permitting, regulatory and environmental inquiries. A program coordinator connects businesses with the right specialists to ensure prompt, comprehensive answers regarding permits and compliance.
The program's objective is to ensure that businesses and industry are aware of what permits they are required to apply for, what information they will need to provide in the permit application, and the permit process.
For assistance, call the One Stop Permit Program at (402) 471-8697, or email DWEE.Assistance@nebraska.gov