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1. I would like to register an environmental complaint. How do I do it?

Complaints can be registered within different divisions inside the Energy and Environment Cabinet. Water related complaints can be registered with the Division of Water (DOW) at (502) 564-3410. Waste related complaints can be registered with the Division of Waste Management (DWM) at (502) 782-6716. Air related complaints can be registered with the Division for Air Quality (DAQ) at (502) 564-3999. Complaints can also be filed through the regional offices of each division. Complaints may be registered anonymously if requested. Also you can provide information regarding specific instances or complaints to include the following:

  • For illegal dumping or hazardous waste disposal call: 888-NO-DUMPS
  • To report illegal dump activities or hazardous waste disposal: 502-564-3358
  • To issue a utility complaint: 1-800-772-4636
2. I have some old medications that are not controlled substances. How do I safely dispose of them?
Your pharmacist may be able to provide information about the safe disposal of prescription medicines and should have supplies available that can be used to destroy or deactivate many medications.  Other options include taking the medication to a medication drop box or inactivating the medication at home.  Often, liquid medications can be thrown away with household solid waste after it is solidified with something like cat litter or sawdust, which renders it inactive. More information is available in the Pharmaceutical Waste Booklet.
3. I submitted an eNOI for a KPDES permit. How do I check the status of it?

To check on the status of a submitted KPDES eNOI, please contact the Surface Water Permits Branch in the Division of Water at (502) 564-3410 or SWPB@ky.gov

4. Can I submit forms electronically?

Most forms through the Department for Environmental Protection can now be submitted electronically through the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal.  The Compliance Assistance program has developed a series of tutorial videos that cover how to create a One Stop account and navigate the website to submit forms.

5. I started an eForm that I no longer need. How do I delete the form from my dashboard?

Unfortunately, deleting eForms from the dashboard is not possible at this time.  You may use the incomplete eForm in the future, if you need to submit an eForm of the same type.  Submitting this form will remove it from your dashboard.

6. I started an eForm and decided to save it for later to complete it. How do I access my saved eForm?

Saved eForms are available in the Dashboard.  To continue the form, begin by clicking the Submittal ID to the left of the form name in the "My incomplete eForms" table.  This will open the Forms Details page.  There is a button in the bottom left of the top section of this page labelled "Continue with this eForm".  Clicking this button will open a copy of the saved eForm.  Please note that saving eForms will not save attachments, only filled fields.

7. I filled out an eForm that my boss needs to sign. How do I share it with them?

The creator of an eForm can allow any other user access to view or sign the form by using the Assign Submittal function.  The creator will have to log in to their account and open the eForm in their dashboard by clicking on the Submittal ID.  On the Form Details page, there is a section called “Assign Submittal”.  The form creator will have to select the username they wish to share the eForm with from the dropdown list.  Once this is done, the selected username should appear in the user list below the dropdown list.  Once the new username is added, the selected user should have access to the eForm in their dashboard.  The new user may need to log out of the OneStop system and log back in if they are logged in during the time they are added to eForm.

8. How do I receive copies of or view environmental records?

To view environmental records, please submit an Open Records Request. Details regarding an Open Records request and submission contacts are available on the Environment and Energy  Cabinet's Open Records Page. Please note that any Open Records Request through the Environment and Energy Cabinet must be submitted using the Request to Inspect Public Records Form.  The form may be mailed to the address on the web page or electronically submitted to EEC.KORA@ky.gov. There is no charge to receive electronic copies of documents, but hardcopies cost $0.10 per page.
Records can also be viewed in person at the Environment and Energy Cabinet's main office in Frankfort or any regional office.  To view records in person, a request must be sent to EEC.KORA@ky.gov

9. How do I recieve updates on laws and policy changes?

You can subscribe to the DEP's newsletters, including our blog, Naturally Connected, here: http://dep.gateway.ky.gov/depweb/newsletter_signup.html
Regular updates are also found on Twitter @KYDEP or https://twitter.com/KYDEP.

10. Where can I go to look up a copy of my permit(s)?

The Kentucky DEP has an online search database where you can find a copy of any DEP-issued permit.

11. My facility is changing out all of our flourescent lamps and bulbs. How do we dispose of them?

As long as they are not broken, they are considered a universal waste. The Resource Conservation and Reclamation Act (RCRA) does require that the spent lamps be accumulated in a designated storage area before they are picked up by a licensed waste hauler/recycler. While in storage, they must be stored in a closable container that is labelled “Universal Waste” and the contents (i.e., “Spent Lamps”) with the initial accumulation date. The accumulation time period is limited to one year.  For more information, please see the Universal Waste Rule Factsheet.

12. I operate a school laboratory and we are cleaning out the facility. How do I properly dispose of the waste? 

The Compliance Assistance program has adapted a School Laboratory Management and Chemical Cleanout Manual​.  The document covers topics such as chemical management responsibilities, chemical information, best management practices, personal protective equipment, spill management, and chemical disposal.

13. How do I dispose of used motor oil?

Used oil that has not been intentionally or accidentally mixed with a hazardous waste may be disposed of in multiple ways. Many auto parts stores have do-it-yourself (DIY) oil collection programs where they accept used motor oil from DIYers for recycling.
Uncontaminated used oil may be managed under the Used Oil Regulation and may be burned for energy recovery in used oil furnaces. If a facility chooses to burn used oil in a used oil furnace, be aware that there may be additional regulations that must be followed in addition to the Used Oil Regulation. Always check with the Division for Air Quality or the Compliance Assistance Program for additional permitting requirements before using a used oil furnace. 


Used oil that cannot be managed under the Used Oil Regulation (because of contamination) is subject to all applicable solid and hazardous waste rules. If a facility determines that the used oil is not a hazardous waste, it must be sent to a facility that is capable of handling liquid waste or can solidify the waste prior to disposal.

14. I think I may have lead-based paint or asbestos in my home. How can I get rid of it?

The Division for Air Quality regulates asbestos handling.  Please see the Asbestos Information page for more information about asbestos safety, licensing requirements, and more.  Questions about asbestos can be directed to the Division for Air Quality at (502) 564-3999 or to any of the regional offices.


Lead paint abatement and removal is covered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Labor Cabinet.  For more information call (502) 564-4537.

15. I have a lot of debris from a house renovation/demolition. What can I do with it?

Material resulting from the construction, repair, or demolition of structures or roads, as well as trees and other vegetation from road maintenance, storm cleanups, and land clearing is considered construction and demolition debris (CDD). Uncontaminated (by hazardous waste) CDD can be disposed of at appropriate solid waste and CDD landfills.

16. I have been told that I need to fill out some forms for my environmental permit. Where do I find them?
All forms related to environmental permitting can be found online at the Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) webpage in the DEP Forms Library. Many forms can now be completed and submitted online by using the Kentucky Business One Stop Portal and DEP eForms.
17. How do I complete my annual/semi-annual reports?

Completing the Annual Compliance Certification requires the use of the 7007CC form and must be submitted by January 30th of each year.  The Semi-Annual Report does not require a specific form but must be submitted by January 30th and July 30th of every year. There are learning modules regarding completing and submitting annual/semi-annual reports and understanding your permit available on the Compliance Assistance program webpage under the Self-Paced Online Learning section.

18. I can't find the Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity form. Where can I find it?

The Division of Waste Management no longer uses the Notification of Hazardous Waste Activity (DEP 7037) form. Currently, they are using the EPA Form 8700-12 along with the Registration of Hazardous Waste Activity Addendum (DWM 7037A Reg HW Activity Addendum). You can find both of these forms in the DEP Resource Library under “Division: Waste Management” then under “Program: Hazardous Waste”.  If you would like to contact the Division of Waste Management, they can be reached by phone at (502) 564-6716 or by email at waste@ky.gov.

19. I want to become a drinking water or waste water operator. I was told that I have to be certified by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Is this true?
Yes.  The Kentucky Operator Certification Program provides training and certification for all wastewater, drinking water, and solid waste operators in the Commonwealth.  For more information, please see the Operator Certification Program's Webpage.
20. I need to complete my Discharge Monitoring Report. Is there any guidance available?
Yes, the Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Manual can assist you.  If further guidance is needed, please call the Division of Water at (502) 564-3410 or NetDMR@ky.gov.

21. ​I am working on submitting an air permit application. Are there any resources to help with potential-to-emit calculations?

​The Compliance Assistance program's Air Quality Potential-to-Emit Compliance Guide gives a step-by-step walkthrough of how to perform potential-to-emit (PTE) calculations. Small businesses that are independently owned and operated and have fewer than 100 employees may utilize the Environmental Compliance Assistance program's (ECAP) detailed assistance. The service includes site visits to assess compliance status, assistance with application materials and PTE calculations, and much more. Enforcement Discretion is used when conducting these activities. More information can be found on the ECAP Webpage.

​22. What is an SIC code or NAICS code?

The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) are the standard identifying codes used by Federal agencies to classify businesses.  Each type of business has a unique SIC and NAICS codes.  SIC codes are available through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and NAICS codes are available through the Census Bureau.

​23. What are SCC Codes?

Source Classification Codes (SCCs) are used by the EPA to classify different types of activities that generate air pollutants.  Each SCC represents a unique process that generates air emissions.  These codes can be used to identify emission factors using EPA's WebFIRE database.

​24. I am looking to start an operation in Kentucky. What environmental permits might I need?

The At-a-Glance document covers the most commonly issued environmental permits and authorizations issued by the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection.

25. ​How can I find out of I generate hazardous wastes?

There are two types of hazardous wastes, listed wastes and characteristic wastes.  Listed hazardous wastes appear on one of the EPA's four hazardous waste lists.  Characteristic wastes exhibit at least one of the following properties: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and/or toxicity.  A hazardous waste determination can be performed to identify if a waste exhibits one of those characteristics.  More information is available in the Handbook for Hazardous Waste Generators.

​26. How do I perform a hazardous waste determination?

To conduct a hazardous waste determination, samples of the waste in question must be sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.  One commonly used procedure to identify hazardous waste is the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (or TCLP).  A list of environmental consultants that offer laboratory services is available on the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center's website.

27. Where can I find information on the air quality in my area?

AirNow​ is an excellent resource for information about air quality, pollutants, and their impacts on health across Kentucky.

28. Is there a resource to look at the quality of local streams?

​The Kentucky Water Health Portal is a searchable map that can be used to identify the health of any assessed water body within the state of Kentucky.

​29. How can I get certified to take or test water samples for DMRs?

​The Division of Water's Kentucky Wastewater Laboratory Certification Program handles the certification of general and field-only laboratories.

​30. I operate a dry cleaning facility. What resources are available for me?

​Many dry cleaners use the Environmental Recordkeeping Calendar to track key records that document self-inspections and chemical usage.  The Dry Cleaning Environmental Compliance Workbook  provides information on the environmental regulations relating to operating a dry cleaner and how facilities can meet the requirements.

​31. I have had a spill or release of hazardous material. What should I do?

​Contact the Environmental Response Team at 1-800-928-2380 or 502-564-2380 as soon as possible.

32. ​I am working on an air quality permit application and there are so many acronyms! What are HAPs, NESHAPs, NSPSs etc.?

​The PTE Compliance Guide covers all of the acronyms related to an air quality application, in addition to providing a step-by-step walkthrough for developing the application.

​33. Is it legal to burn my trash?

​In Kentucky, it is never legal to burn household trash other than uncoated paper products.  For an overview of Kentucky's open burning laws, please see the Open Burning Brochure.  For more information please see the Division for Air Quality's Open Burning webpage.

​34. How do I terminate my permit?

​The process to end coverage of a permit varies depending on the type of permit. 

To terminate coverage of a permit issued by the Division for Air Quality, a letter with the request to rescind the permit must be submitted to the Permit Support Branch of the Division.  For questions, please contact the Division for Air Quality at (502) 564-3999.

 
To end coverage under a Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (KPDES) permit, a facility can submit the Notice of Termination relevant to their permit type, which can be found in the Department for Environmental Protection's Form Library, under "Division: Water" and then "Program: Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (KPDES)".  For other types of permits issued by the Division of Water, please call (502) 564-3410.


To end coverage of a Hazardous Waste Activity Registration, a Request to be Removed from Hazardous Waste Handler List (form DWM7086) must be submitted.  For other types of permits issued through the Division of Waste Management, please call (502) 564-6716. 

​Need help?

​E-mail envhelp@ky.gov or call the Help Desk: 502-782-6189​

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