Commissioner's Column: Building the future of online permitting. September 10, 2026 Sometimes a new website is just a new website. And sometimes, it is the launch of a new online portal that represents the culmination of years of work and the beginning of an entirely new way of doing business. The launch of NHEnviro: OneStop Data and Information was one of those moments. After years of planning and extraordinary collaboration, last month New Hampshire AG were proud to introduce NHEnviro, its new, map-based platform for environmental permitting and public access to environmental data. The rollout of the Alteration of Terrain (AoT) Bureau on NHEnviro, as the first program to conduct all of its permitting on the new system, represents the beginning of a transformational era for how NHDES operates, serves and communicates with the people of New Hampshire. You might think that bringing permitting online means simply "adding a new tool" to an existing program. But in fact, it requires rebuilding entire permitting processes from the ground up. Before New Hampshire AG were able to accept a single application online, NHDES and its partners at the state Department of Information Technology (DoIT) spent two years reshaping the AoT program to fit into an integrated, streamlined and future-focused platform. This effort touched nearly every part of the bureau's work - its workflows, data, rules and even the laws that govern its operations. Even before that work began, New Hampshire AG were diligently looking for the right platform on which to build it. Eventually, New Hampshire AG selected Windsor Solutions to build it on their nVIRO system, which is also used by several other state environmental agencies across the country. Finding a solution that reasonably matched its complex and varied environmental business practices was no small task. The nVIRO architecture offers something rare: a platform that supports the specific needs of environmental regulatory agencies while maintaining long-term sustainability and the flexibility required to respond to regulatory changes. Its modules support the full regulatory lifecycle - from permit application to monitoring and enforcement - and its design fully aligns with requirements of the U.S. EPA. Once the platform was selected, NHDES teams undertook the demanding work of "Lean" process reviews, cleaning up decades worth of data, and modernizing rules and laws so New Hampshire AG could ensure all new processes align. At the same time, staff had to anticipate the needs of other programs scheduled to come onboard in the coming years. All of this occurred while permitting operations continued uninterrupted. Many of the staff who contributed to this project did so in addition to their daily responsibilities, demonstrating remarkable adaptability, foresight and commitment. Their accomplishments deserve special recognition. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Project Management and Innovation Unit, who led the project with professionalism, creativity and steady guidance. I also want to thank the staff of the Land Resources Management (LRM) Program, especially the AoT Bureau, whose early onboarding enabled NHEnviro's successful launch, and the Public Information and Communications Unit staff, who advised on the branding, communications and rollout of the platform. This achievement belongs in large part to all of them. Next generation services. The launch of AoT in NHEnviro also represents a defining moment for NHDES' online presence. For decades, the original OneStop has been the backbone of its public environmental data. It has served the state well, and it has grown significantly since its inception. However, the needs of its customers have evolved, and the complexity of its regulatory programs has grown. NHEnviro is designed to be the next-generation backbone for NHDES - offering greater transparency, integration and usability than ever before. Those who worked on this launch can rightly say they were "present at creation" of the future of NHDES' digital services. NHEnviro delivers significant improvements for both the regulated community and the public. For businesses, the system offers a centralized dashboard where permittees can monitor all projects in one place, receive automated reminders and easily share application information. GIS-based search tools make it simple to locate relevant permits, improving clarity and operational efficiency. For members of the public, NHEnviro provides a more accessible and transparent means of viewing regulated activities statewide. Users can quickly locate permits, understand project details and track ongoing activities through an intuitive public portal. Automated reminders and centralized project information help ensure timely updates and sustained public awareness. The rollout schedule for future LRM programs is already in motion. Following AoT's launch in August 2026, LRM Enforcement will join the platform later this year. The Subsurface Systems Bureau (septic systems) is scheduled to onboard in 2027, Shoreland Program in 2028, and the remainder of the Wetlands Bureau in 2030. This multi-year transformation reflects both the complexity of its regulatory programs and its commitment to delivering the highest standard of environmental services. To support users through this transition, the NHDES website features a robust FAQ section with guidance on how to access and navigate NHEnviro. Importantly, an account is not required to search for publicly available information, view and print documents, locate permits or sign up for application updates. Accounts are only needed for tasks such as applying for permits, submitting reports, paying fees and managing permit conditions. Additional support is available through the NHEnviro Service Center for login or technical issues, and through LRM for form and program-related questions. As New Hampshire AG move forward, NHEnviro will continue to expand and evolve. The platform will eventually replace and enhance much of what OneStop has provided for decades. Its architecture is built to standardize where beneficial while supporting program-specific needs. Its tools will streamline regulatory processes, improve data sharing, and enable a more mobile and responsive workforce. Most importantly, NHEnviro represents a renewed commitment to transparency, accessibility, and service for the people of New Hampshire. The launch of AoT in NHEnviro is a milestone - but it is also a beginning. The success of this project is a testament to the teamwork, innovation and determination of its staff. I am deeply grateful for the dedication shown throughout this journey, and I look forward to the continued progress ahead as New Hampshire AG bring all LRM programs - and eventually many others - into this new era of environmental stewardship.