For most meetings, the Department is currently offering the option for those requesting a meeting or hearing to agree to for the meeting to occur in a virtual setting.  Approval of all requestors must be provided in order to forego having the meeting or hearing in a physical setting.  For those meetings or hearings which are approved to occur virtually, the list on this page includes a link for you to sign up to attend.

NOTE: There are other units at MDE that issue discharge permits.  This page does not contain information on permits being processed for discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), from oil-related facilities, or from concentrated animal feeding operations   

Documents related to each pendin​g project - normally permit applications, existing and tentative permits, and fact sheets - are available for download by searching on MDE's Wastewater Permits Search Portal​. Enter the application/permit number in the State Number field and click search.

Background Information

What is the difference between an informational meeting and a public hearing?

Informational Meetings - If requested, the Department will hold an informational meeting following publication of the application received notice for a permit application.  Informational meetings are informal. The proceedings are not transcribed. The purpose of the meeting is to allow the public to ask questions of the applicant, concerning the application they have submitted. It is also a forum for MDE to get an overview of any concerns the public has about the permit being requested. For renewals of existing permits, the Department will also present information concerning any permit that is already in place. MDE representatives will also present an overview of the public participation process, including an outline of opportunities during that process when the public may provide input.  Time is provided for questions and answers regarding the permit request.

Public Hearings - If requested, the Department will hold a public hearing following the publication of the tentative determination.  The purpose of the hearing is to receive comments from the public concerning the terms of the tentative determination. To facilitate receiving the best comments MDE will usually present a summary of the conditions in the tentative determination and go over the procedures to provide comments. Comments can be provided at the hearing or in writing at any time during the comment period. At the hearing, comments are usually presented orally, but we will also accept written comments as well. All substantive comments received during the comment period, whether received at a hearing or not, are given the same weight. Public hearing proceedings are transcribed by a court reporter.  The transcript becomes part of the record and is available to the public upon request.​​

If you have questions about a specific meeting or hearing please use the contact information in the event’s public notice.​

Additional Information and Related Links