Environmental Hearing Board – Pittsburgh, PA

Independent Oversight of Environmental Regulations

The Environmental Hearing Board (EHB) is the independent, quasi-judicial agency mandated to review final actions taken by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Located in Piatt Place in downtown Pittsburgh, this office serves as the Western Region’s appellate body for environmental disputes. It is distinct and separate from the DEP, ensuring impartial adjudication of appeals regarding permits, civil penalties, and enforcement orders.

Adjudication and Procedures

The Board functions similarly to a non-jury civil court. Its primary responsibilities include:

• Hearing Appeals: Citizens, corporations, and municipalities can appeal DEP decisions here. Common cases involve challenges to mining permits, water quality certifications, and waste management licenses.
• Issuing Opinions: The Board’s judges issue binding adjudications and orders that interpret Pennsylvania’s environmental laws.
• Civil Penalties: The Board reviews assessments of fines levied by the DEP to determine if they are reasonable and lawful.

Facility and Access

The Pittsburgh office houses the chambers of regional judges and a hearing room. While the docket and filings are largely managed through the Board’s Electronic Filing System, the physical location conducts in-person hearings and pre-hearing conferences. Visitors attending a hearing should expect a formal courtroom environment. As the office is located within a multi-tenant commercial building (Piatt Place), building security protocols apply.