The U.S. EPA’s Clean Air Act (CAA) is the comprehensive federal law that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. The CAA establishes a number of permitting programs designed to solve multiple air pollution problems through processes informed by the latest science and technology. Most of these air quality programs are carried out by state agencies. In Maine, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) implements these air quality programs under the CAA and State law. Additionally, the MDEP monitors air quality across the state, licenses emissions from larger industrial facilities, and conducts compliance assistance and site inspections. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has a comparable role for regulating industrial air emissions in New Hampshire.
A state air permit for industrial operations may regulate emissions related to:
- Fuel burning device
- Internal combustion engines
- Stationary sources or devices
- Pneumatic dust/sawdust transfer equipment
A facility is permitted as a Major or Minor Stationary Source depending on throughput and emissions from industrial processes. Compliance for stationary source permits may include:
· Periodic inspections by State air quality staff
- Routine boiler and stack monitoring & recordkeeping
- Annual/semi-annual Compliance and Deviations Reports
- Annual emissions statements (States are moving toward electronic submissions that are aligned with how they must report to EPA)
SEE has experience and knowledge related to requirements of air quality programs, and can help industrial facilities to meet requirements by assisting with:
- Analysis of federal/state/local rules
- Air License/Permit compliance (record-keeping and reporting)
- Air License/Permit renewals
SEE currently assists several industrial facilities in Maine and New Hampshire with meeting their air permit requirements. With our assistance, facilities can avoid unnecessary fines, and reduce pollutants that can affect air quality of our State and region.
To learn more about our Air Permit compliance services, please call us at (207) 949-0074.