Friday, March 30, 2018

DEM eases a major headache

Enhancements to Online Tool allows more access to wastewater treatment documents

Image result for septic systemsProperty owners can now download permit applications, construction plans, and other key onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) information for available “conformed files” through the online permit search tool developed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Office of Water Resources and Rhode Island Interactive.

“DEM is six years into our Lean Government Initiative to become a more customer-friendly agency and this addition to the OWTS online permit search tool is a terrific example of our commitment to a culture of continuous improvement”

The existing OWTS online permit search tool streamlines information searches for customers, enabling households and businesses alike to operate faster and more efficiently. 


Conformed files, which include soil and water table data, permit applications, and construction plans and notes, are essential to assess and document onsite wastewater treatment systems. 

For many older properties, these files also offer a unique glimpse into Rhode Island history.

Interested customers can use the OWTS search tool at https://www.ri.gov/DEM/isdssearch/ to view the current status of their permit application. 

It allows users to search by application number, location, or owner’s name. Once a permit has been granted final approval for use, applicants can easily download their certificate of conformance as a PDF document.

Conformed files for a permit application may now be downloaded, if any have been digitized for the searched application. New files are added daily by the DEM as part of a scheduled process and per request.

“DEM is six years into our Lean Government Initiative to become a more customer-friendly agency and this addition to the OWTS online permit search tool is a terrific example of our commitment to a culture of continuous improvement,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. 

“It enhances our OWTS status search service, generates certificates, and provides an abundance of useful property information for constituents who are on the go.”

This addition to the OWTS search tool comes almost one year after the last major addition to the system, which allowed interested parties to generate and download certificates of conformance. Since then, more than 330,000 online searches have been conducted for over 72,000 permit applications.

Both the OWTS search tool system and enhancements were developed by the DEM through a partnership with the state’s digital government services provider, RI Interactive, at no cost to taxpayers. 

The service is part of the popular suite of online services developed by RI Interactive including Boat Registration and Saltwater Fishing Licensing currently available at https://www.RI.gov and the DEM website at www.dem.ri.gov.

For more information about the OWTS search, contact Jennifer Ryan at the Office of Water Resources - 401-222-4700 Ext. 7253 Jennifer.l.ryan@dem.ri.gov.