Digital signature process

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Land & Water Quality introduces a new feature. Bureau Director, Andrew Fisk, will now be signing permits issued by the Bureau electronically. This means a more efficient process for those inside DEP and a shorter turn around time for permit applicants. The use of digital signatures is a secure process that will allow applicants to quickly receive a signed electronic version of their permit, which will cut down on processing and mail time.

The use of digital signatures is provided for in Maine law at 10 M.R.S.A. § 9418. The digital signature that is applied to the permits uses a secure process which provides a permit applicant information as to the validity of the digital signature, information that the document has not been modified following signature, and that it was applied by the signatory at their own computer. The application of the digital signature is governed by an approved standard operating procedure which states that only the department official delegated to sign permits on behalf of the Commissioner may apply the signature, which is also password protected.

To see the “Delegation of Signature Authority” document, which allows Mr. Fisk to sign on behalf of Commissioner David P. Littell, please click on the following link. Signature Delegation