401 Water Quality Certification and Isolated Wetland Permit Kaizen Event
Introduction to Kaizen
The State of Ohio is employing several process improvement tools to reduce: (1) waste, (2) deficits in quality, and (3) haphazard or conflicting systems.
For the most complex processes, the State is utilizing Kaizen events. Japanese for “to break for the better,” Kaizen is a widely-used method to improve the efficiency and results of processes ranging from paying bills to approving licenses. The theory behind it is simple: by focusing on the steps it takes to do something, and by including everyone involved, a collective group can usually determine a better and more common-sense way to accomplish a given task. Kaizen enables a small group of employees, stakeholders and others to improve a particular aspect of their operation in a quick, focused manner. This is a tool for dramatic results, not minor improvements. It is about quality, cost and delivery in the context of time.
Information regarding the State of Ohio’s efforts is available at http://governor.ohio.gov/LeanOhio.aspx.
401 Kaizen Event
The Kaizen process was undertaken by the Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water to improve its process for issuing 401 water quality certifications and isolated wetland permits. Ohio EPA is committed to improving the efficiency of this permitting process while, at the same time, we are dedicated to ensuring that protection of Ohio’s aquatic resources will not be sacrificed for the sake of expediency.
From November 30 through December 4, 2009, dedicated stakeholders and Ohio EPA staff worked together to review this complex and frequently controversial process.
Follow-up Meetings
| 30-Day Follow-up Meeting |
60-Day Follow-up Meeting |
90-Day Follow-up Meeting |
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Center for Excellence
Ohio EPA
50 West Town Street, Suite 700
Columbus, Ohio 43215 |
Thursday, February 18, 2010
1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Conference Room South A
31st Floor
Verne Riffe Center
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215 |
To be determined |
| Call-in number (614) 387-7405 |
Call-in number - (614) 387-7405 |
|
Meeting Notes 1-19-10
[PDF 16K]
Process Flow Chart 1-14-10
[PDF 236K]
Next Steps Table 1-22-10
[PDF 19K] |
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For more information, contact:
Randy Bournique
Division of Surface Water
401Water Quality Certification Section
(614) 644-2013
e-mail: randy.bournique@epa.state.oh.us