Spotlight on Permitting

The staff at the Air Pollution Control Bureau was called upon to fulfill a commitment made to Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. to issue a permit to construct VW’s new North American assembly plant in record time. Working with VW and its environmental consulting firm and environmental law firm, the Tennessee Air Pollution Control Division, Region 4 of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Park Service, the Bureau was able to issue the permit to construct 63 days after receiving the application. “The entire process was inspiring,” said Bob Colby, Bureau Director.“Every employee pitched in and did their part because each recognized the significance to our community of Volkswagen’s decision to make this their manufacturing home in the United States.” Cynthia McDaniel, Permit Team Leader, put in over 150 hours overtime to get the permit out the door.Alan Frazier, Bureau Engineer, worked 75 hours overtime. The entire team should be proud of their accomplishment.Way to go!!