DEP invites the public and regulated community to provide feedback on its newly launched DocMiner online tool. The DocMiner tool will provide greater access to public records and complement digitized records found through DEP’s existing DataMiner online database.
DEP DocMiner organizes DEP’s available electronic documents and automates the records request process through an online, self-service tool that features search capabilities to quickly locate environmental public records by regulated entity (both present and past names), specific DEP identification numbers, or by address. In some cases, DocMiner may help the public avoid filing Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests, especially in cases where information is needed prior to digitization of records within the DEP DataMiner platform.
DocMiner will allow public users to view publicly available documents such as site remediation records and air, water and land use permit records. The tool is capable of displaying various file types. It also contains extensive export capabilities, as well as the ability for users to easily share links to entire document collection sets or specific individual documents. Several DEP mapping tools are integrated into the tool, allowing users to search for items of interest, easily toggle between mapping information, and switch between environmental data reports and the associated environmental public records stored within DocMiner.
The public is encouraged to start using the DocMiner tool and provide feedback on ease of use, accuracy of results, and the content provided by the tool. The DocMiner may not contain all the records that DEP maintains for sites or facilities with a long remedial, permitting, compliance, or enforcement history. However, the agency says that its electronic repository is growing daily. Users may view training videos on the DEP DocMiner site as well as find more information about the DEP application under the site’s FAQs.
Contact: Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.