DEP Expands Availability of Documents Online

In one of the first official acts after his inauguration, Governor Charlie Crist issued Executive Order 07-01 on January 3, 2007, creating the Office of Open Government. The office is designed to help Floridians access information pertaining to state government and to ensure that government’s actions are always transparent and accountable to taxpayers.

In support of the Governor’s initiative of a more open government, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is providing more program documents online for easy access by the public. DEP’s Division of Waste Management recently expanded its OCULUS™ Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) to be more responsive to citizens’ needs for information about waste facilities and sites.

Citizens can now view documents online regarding storage tanks, hazardous waste and solid waste. The public can also access various types of documents about compliance, enforcement, cleanup, eligibility, permitting, guidance, fiscal and administrative issues. Waste cleanup documents will be added to the system in the fall.

“This system allows for easier access to Waste Program documents and provides a valuable service to the public,” said Mary Jean Yon, Director of DEP’s Division of Waste Management. “DEP is excited to bring a more open government to Floridians.”

The Department’s Web site, www.dep.state.fl.us,  also provides an online forum for citizens’ questions, comments and suggestions as well as regulatory and educational information, including consumer tips for saving energy, preventing pollution and recycling.