Air Quality

Air Quality Permit Determinations & Applications

Not all projects and operations require a permit.  Whether you’re expanding, modifying an existing operation, or setting up a new location, we understand how these factors impact your permit needs.  The regulatory text can be overwhelming, especially with overlapping and superseding language.

​

Here’s the order of determinations, from least impactful to most impactful:

1. Exemption (No Permit Required)

2. Permit-by-Rule

3. General Permit

4. Site-specific Permit without Public Notice

5. Site-specific Permit with Public Notice

6. Title V/PSD or CEMS/AAQ Monitoring

​

At Environmental Compliance Professionals (ECP), we approach regulatory compliance in a way that minimally affects your operations and bottom line.  Our goal is to find the most accurate determination for your facility.

GHG Emissions & EIQs

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions & Emissions Inventory Questionnaires (EIQs) serve as the standard measure of how environmentally-friendly a company is.  They also offer valuable insights for businesses seeking operational improvements to reduce their overall carbon footprint (CFP).

Here’s why GHG emissions matter:

• Operational Improvements:  By analyzing GHG emissions, businesses can identify areas for improvement.  Whether it’s optimizing processes, adopting cleaner technologies, or enhancing energy efficiency, understanding emissions helps drive positive change.

• Public Image:  When a targeted GHG emissions reduction plan is implemented successfully, it’s essential to publicize the results.  Highlighting emission reductions and associated operational improvements enhances a company’s public image.  Customers, investors, and stakeholders appreciate environmentally responsible practices.

• Third-Party Evaluation:  Having third-party evaluations of GHG emissions adds an extra layer of professional reliability.  Independent assessments verify emission quantities and validate reduction efforts.  This transparency builds trust.

​

Now, let’s talk about EIQs:

• These questionnaires are sent to facilities with air emissions each calendar year.

  • Short Forms:  These are less time-consuming and involve verifying emissions-influencing factors.  They provide a snapshot of emissions.

  • Long Forms:  These require more detailed work.  They involve recalculating and redefining operational parameters, including control devices, raw material changes, finished goods, equipment modifications, and maintenance details.

At Environmental Compliance Professionals (ECP), we’re here to assist with either form for your facility.

Ambient Air Quality

Understanding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) can indeed be complex without an Environmental Engineering partner by your side.

Here are some simplified explanations:

• Ambient Air Quality:  This refers to the quality of the air in the outdoor environment.  Typically, it’s assessed at the point source (where emissions are directly released).  However, there are more intensive monitoring options for special cases.

• Site-Wide Monitoring:  Sometimes, it’s beneficial to monitor ambient air quality around the entire property.  This provides a comprehensive view of how your site contributes to the air quality at its boundaries.

• AAQ Stations:  These stations are strategically placed at specific elevations and distances.  They collect data to create a useful dataset.  This helps explain how your site’s emissions impact the nearest air quality or even at unusually higher elevations considering the local topography.

​

Remember, having a knowledgeable partner like Environmental Compliance Professionals (ECP) will guide you through these intricacies.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy working environment.  IAQ impacts not only employees but also neighboring facilities and customers who visit the production plant directly.

Here are some key points:

• Health and Safety:  While IAQ is often associated with health and safety, it’s equally relevant to environmental considerations.  Clean air indoors contributes to overall well-being.

• Regulatory Agencies:  Organizations like OSHA, NIOSH, ANSI, and other PSM authorities frequently request investigations into IAQ.  However, sometimes concerns may arise from neighboring facilities or vigilant employees.

At Environmental Compliance Professionals (ECP), we can set up testing for your facility and provide a detailed report.  This helps you gain a better understanding of the air quality within the production environment.  With reliable data, you’ll have the confidence to address any IAQ-related challenges.