• Air permits are legally enforceable documents describing how a source will control or prevent toxic emissions, most of which are issued and enforced by the federal, state, or local agency.
• The air permitting process can take several months for an issuing agency to finish its review and approval.

Stationary sources of air emissions are subject to the applicable State Implementation Plans (SIPs) as well as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding the monitoring of emissions as well as obtaining the permits required for their specific industry, potential pollutants, and attainment (or nonattainment) area status.

Air permits

Air permits are legally enforceable documents describing how a source will control or prevent air emissions, most of which are issued and enforced by the states. The type of air permit needed will depend on where the operation is located and if the area is meeting national air standards; the industry; facility size; the types and amounts of contaminants the operation emits.

If the business is considering installing new equipment or constructing, reconstructing, relocating, or modifying equipment that emits air contaminants, check with the state to see if the proposed action will require air permitting. Note that every process that emits an air contaminant needs a permit unless that process is specifically exempted.

The permitting process can take many hours to complete. In contrast, it can take several months for a state to finish its review and approval process. So, start the application process as soon as possible.