What are the major regulated air pollutants?
The EPA regulates six criteria air pollutants – ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and lead. Hazardous air pollutants are also regulated under the Clean Air Act.
What facilities/operations require air permits?
Facilities that emit air pollutants above certain threshold levels are required to obtain permits from local air districts. This includes power plants, refineries, factories, and other industrial sources. Each district has permitting thresholds.
How do I apply for an initial permit?
You submit an application to your local air district demonstrating how your facility complies with all applicable air quality regulations. This includes emissions estimates, process diagrams, air pollution control equipment details, and compliance monitoring methods.
What are Title V operating permits?
Title V permits are federally required, comprehensive Clean Air Act permits for major stationary sources of air pollution. They consolidate all CAA requirements into one permit document.
What is the cost to apply for a permit?
Permit application fees vary greatly depending on the permit type, size of the facility, amount of emissions, and the district. Simple permits may be a few hundred dollars while complex Title V permits can cost over $100,000.
How long does it take to get a permit?
A simple permit for a small source without air quality issues may be issued in 3 months. Larger sources with air quality concerns may take 6-12 months for initial permit issuance.
Can I operate during the permit application process?
In most cases, facilities may continue operating while their permit application is processed, provided they submitted the application on time and are complying with applicable requirements.
What emissions limits are placed on permitted sources?
Permits contain source-specific emission limits designed to maintain air quality standards and reduce public exposure to air pollution. Limits may include pounds/hour, tons/year, ppm, and other metrics.
What are the reporting requirements?
Annual compliance certification reports are generally required, documenting monitoring methods, compliance status with all permit terms, deviations, and corrective actions taken.
What are the record keeping requirements?
Facilities must keep maintenance logs, production records, emissions measurements, reports, and supporting data for at least 5 years to demonstrate compliance.
Can I modify or transfer my permit?
Permit modifications can be made through administrative and minor permit revision processes. Permit transfers to new owners are also allowed by notifying the district.
How do I renew a permit?
The permit renewal application is submitted at least 6 months prior to permit expiration and contains updated emissions data, compliance certifications, fees, and relevant new regulatory requirements.
What are the consequences for permit violations?
Violations may result in fines, permit termination or suspension, consent decrees, or criminal penalties depending on circumstances and severity. Daily penalties may apply.
What emissions testing is required?
Initial source testing and periodic testing (every 1-5 years) is required to demonstrate compliance with permit emission limits, using EPA reference test methods.
How are emissions monitored and documented?
Monitoring methods include continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), parametric monitoring, predictive emissions monitoring systems (PEMS), mass balance calculations, fuel use monitoring, and process operational indicators.
What are the maintenance requirements?
Proper maintenance of pollution control equipment, CEMS, and monitoring systems following manufacturer specifications are required to sustain compliance.
What staff training is required?
Staff must be thoroughly trained in monitoring procedures, recordkeeping, reporting requirements, and proper operation of emission control equipment.
How are equipment changes handled?
Prior to making equipment changes, the facility must apply for and receive an amendment or modification to their existing permit from the air district.
