Air Quality: Permits & Compliance

Do you need a permit?

Your business may need an air permit if any of your operations or equipment release air emissions (dust, vapors, fumes, etc.). Air permits may be required if equipment or processes:

 

• include a stack, vent or dust collector
  
• use solvent, paints, inks or adhesives
  
• burn fuel
  
• cause smoke, dust or odors
• Easy steps to getting an air permit  

 

Any activity that emits or can reasonably be expected to emit an air pollutant must obtain appropriate permits from the FDEP.  Permits must be issued by FDEP prior to beginning construction or modification unless exempted pursuant to a Department rule or statute. All air permits in Pinellas County are issued by the FDEP .

Types of Air Permits:

• General Permits
  
• Construction Permits
  
• Operating Permits
  

Is an air permit required for everything?

No – three options for exemption:

• 62-210.300(3)(a)  - Categorical and Conditional Exemptions;
  
• 62-210.300(3)(b)  - Generic and Temporary Exemptions; and
• 62-4.040   – Exemptions
  

 

 

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General Permits

General permits are permits by rule. A facility operating under a general permit does not get an actual permit issued to them. Instead, their permit “conditions” are contained in the state rules. A facility submits a notification to FDEP as a notice of eligibility. FDEP either denies the permit if the facility is not eligible, or allows the permit to become effective in 30 days after receipt.

 

  Examples of General Permit Types

• For area sources of air pollution, such as perchloroethylene dry cleaners, chromium electroplating and anodizing facilities, halogenated solvent degreasers, ethylene oxide sterilizers, and secondary aluminum sweat furnaces (not all inclusive)for minor sources of air pollution, such as Mercury Recovery and Reclamation, Printer Operations, Bulk Gasoline Plants, Heating Units and General Purpose Internal Combustion Engines, Surface Coating Operations, Plastic Products Fabrication, Cast Polymer Operations, Concrete Batching Plants, Human Crematory, Animal Crematory, and Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants (not all inclusive)

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) forms can be found here on their website.

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Construction Permits:

Required for any proposed new or modified facility or emissions unit prior to the beginning of construction or modification.

For major stationary sources of air pollution, modified refers to a physical change in or change in method of operation that would result in a significant emissions increase of a PSD pollutant (Carbon Monoxide, Lead, Nitrogen dioxide, Ozone, Particulate Matter and Sulfur Dioxide) and a significant net emissions increase of that pollutant from the major stationary sources. Modification does not include routine maintenance, repair and replacement.

 

Note: Consider Asbestos Rules and Regulations before renovation or demolition activities are scheduled to occur in your facility. An asbestos survey is required before any renovation or demolition activity begins. A written notification is not required for renovation activities, when no asbestos containing materials are disturbed. All demolitions require notification, even when no asbestos is present. Contact Pinellas County Air Quality Asbestos staff at 727-464-4422 for additional assistance.

 

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) forms can be found here on their website.

 

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Operating Permits:

Required prior to expiration of an existing operating permit (renewal), or prior to the expiration of a construction or modification permit.

 

• The FDEP forms can be found on their website.

 

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• Resources Available for Air Permitting:
  Florida Department of Environmental Protection
  813-632-7600 ext. 107
  
• Resources Available for Compliance Assistance/Pollution Prevention:
  Pinellas County Air Quality
  727-464-4422