Economic Vitality Final 10-26-11 - 4.3.c - Timeliness of hydraulic project approval decisions - WDFW

4.3.c - Timeliness of hydraulic project approval permits - WDFW
Are hydraulic project application decisions timely?

Operation in progress...

Data Notes
Data Source:	Internal WDFW Hydraulic Permit Management System (HPMS)
Measure Definition:	Percent hydraulic project applications processed within statutory timelines. Percent of standard HPAs processed in less than 30 days.
Target Rationale:	Expedited approvals must be issued within 15 days of receiving an application; 45 days are allowed for standard HPAs.
Link to Agency Strategic Plan:	HPA permitting supports the strategic objective to protect and restore habitat and ecosystem functions
Relevance:	This regulatory process supports a key agency core function of habitat protection and restoration
Notes: (optional)	First time reporting processing within statutory timelines, September 2, 2009; first time reporting less than 30 days processing, December 14, 2010. Discontinued reporting on timeliness of emergency permits April 2011.
Also Available
Action Plan:	Yes
Extended Analysis:	Yes

HPAs are permits issued for construction projects that use, divert, obstruct, or change the flow or bed of salt or freshwaters of the state.
WDFW has issued standard HPAs in less than 30 days 76% to 86% of the time, during the last 8 quarters (Figure 1).
WDFW continued to issue permits in a timely manner despite a seasonal increase in the number of permits during Q3 and Q4, FY11 (see figure 2):

The overall trend in timely processing of HPAs is positive over the last 8 quarters. WDFW will continue to track expedited and standard HPAs issued within statutorily-required timelines. These permits represent approximately 97% of all HPAs issued. The department is continuing to work with staff to improve workload prioritization to facilitate prompt review and processing of applications.
WDFW continues to monitor average processing time and current data reflects the average remains within statutory time frames (average of 14 process days for all HPAs in Q4 FY11). These results reflect the amount of pre-application assistance WDFW provides to applicants, the type of proposed projects, and permit workloads.