New On-line System Improves Service Delivery

Nova Scotians now have better access to environmental services and greener options through a new on-line service.

The province is now accepting on-line applications and payment for environmental registry requests and certifications.

"People and businesses want better access to government services," said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau. "This will allow people to do business with the province from their home, office, local coffee shop -- virtually anywhere.

"This is about making government run more efficiently while making things more convenient for the people we serve and providing them with greener options."

The new service will improve accuracy for applications and lessen environmental impact from unnecessary travel and paper processing.

The department typically handles about 3,000 environmental registry requests each year for information such as environmental approvals, certificates of qualification, orders, appeals and decisions made under the Environment Act.

Environmental Registry application and payments can be submitted at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/erms/ .

The department also provides certifications for a number of environmental trades, including septic tank cleaners, petroleum storage tank cleaners, well diggers and drillers, and pump installers. Certification applications, renewals and payments can be submitted at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/resources/payment.asp .

Applications, with a cheque, money order or cash, will continue to be accepted at Department of Environment offices or through regular mail.

This service supports government's Better Business Initiative, which makes it easier to do business with government by reducing red tape and administrative burdens.