Our Mission
It is the mission of the WVDEP to efficiently and effectively carry out the State's environmental laws and regulations that are designed to provide and maintain a
healthful environment consistent with the economic benefits derived from strong agricultural, manufacturing, tourism and energy-producing industries.
The mission of the Public Information Office is to provide information to the public about the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and its work to
promote a healthy environment.
Public Education
Throughout the DEP website are links to a variety of flyers, brochures and other educational material that you may download and print. They are in PDF format for
easier use.
Public Engagement Guidelines
Open Comment Period: Public Engagement Guidelines
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) recognizes the evolving landscape of media, communication, and access. To better serve the
state's diverse population, the WVDEP has drafted Public Engagement Guidelines, which build upon the agency's existing public participation framework and
offer flexible best practices that can be tailored to the unique characteristics of each community.
To ensure the WVDEP receives feedback, input, and suggestions from citizens and stakeholders on the initial rollout of these Guidelines, the agency is
requesting all comments be submitted by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
Please note that these Guidelines are dynamic and the WVDEP will accept and review any comments or suggestions submitted in the future. The agency will be
continuously reviewing and implementing new best practices for public engagement as it moves forward.
Comments can be submitted via email or regular mail to:
Dennis Stottlemyer, Acting Environmental Justice Coordinator
Office of Environmental Advocate
601 57th St. SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: 304-414-9764
Email: Dennis.O.Stottlemyer@wv.gov
Media Inquiries
If you are a reporter and you would like to interview a member of the WVDEP staff, please contact Terry Fletcher at
Terry.A.Fletcher@wv.gov. It is our policy to respond to media requests in a timely manner; however, we do ask reporters
to keep in mind that there are times when the information they are seeking is in the possession of an individual who may be working in the field and may not be
immediately available.
Freedom of Information
Overview
One method of providing information to the public is through a Freedom of Information Act request. It is commonly called a FOIA. Because the WVDEP is a
government agency, many files are privy to public review.
All requests to review agency files must be made in writing. Requests may be submitted by email, fax or U.S. Mail.
Once you have filed a FOIA request, you will receive an initial response acknowledging that the DEP has received it. The response letter will inform you of
the date the request was received, the divisions or offices that will be responding and a fee schedule.
The next point of contact will be from personnel within the divisions or offices that have the requested information. They will inform you whether they
possess files pertaining to the request and how you may view or receive the information. If the requested files are large, you will be asked to come in
to view them, and will be given information on how to schedule a time to do so.
Submit a FOIA Request
Online
You may submit a FOIA request online via our online form or by email.
Postal Mail or Fax
West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Public Information Office: FOIA Request
601 57th Street. SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Fax: (304) 926-0447