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Energy Development
Air Permitting Power Projects 101: A Synopsis
There are several areas that need to be addressed when seeking a permit for a municipal power station.
- All sources that have potential air emissions are required to obtain an air permit (Approval Order). Temporary relocated or leased units are not an exception. A new permit is required whenever there is a new source, a relocation of an existing source, or a modification to an existing source.
- Zoning—UDAQ does not have the authority to regulate nuisance issues such as noise or odors. These are addressed at the local level through zoning requirements or other regulations. Over half of all comments received by UDAQ in regards to these projects are related to nuisance concerns.
- Location—There are some differences in permitting requirements depending on location. Salt Lake, Utah, Weber, Davis and Tooele Counties all contain non-attainment areas. All other areas of the state are in attainment.
- Attainment Areas—All sources of air emissions must apply Best Available Control Technology. This specifies the minimum level of pollution control required at a particular source. Modeling, impact analysis, and visibility analysis may also be required
- Non-attainment Areas—These areas have additional requirements such as emission offsets, possible application of Lowest Achievable Emission Rate technology, and siting/sizing justifications, in addition to most or all of the requirements of attainment areas.
- Notice of Intent—This is the application for an air permit (Approval Order). It needs to contain a description of the project, type and quantity of any air emissions, the characteristics of all emissions produced and the generating and controlling equipment. Additional information may be required during the review process.
- Modeling—Modeling may be required for certain sources. Usually this involves screening or dispersion modeling, but a more detailed analysis may be required.
- In most cases a 30-day public comment period will be required before final issuance of the Approval Order.
- Any changes to the emissions, equipment or other conditions of the Approval Order will also need to go through the permitting process.
- Once an Approval Order has been obtained, construction and installation of the proposed project can commence. Operational restrictions or conditions will be detailed in the Approval Order.
- Acid Rain Program—Larger electricity producing sources may be subject to this federal program, which has additional requirements beyond those in the normal permitting process. Any power sold to the grid should cause you to investigate the potential for being involved in this program.
- Operating Permit Program (Title V)—Larger sources may also be subject to the requirements of the Title V program, which will require a separate application and the issuance of an additional permit. There are time constraints involved in this program, such as a deadline for submission of the application. Any Approval Orders associated with these sources may contain further monitoring, record keeping and reporting requirements beyond those normally applied.
If you have questions, please contact:
Rusty Ruby, Manager
New Source Review Section (Air Permitting Program)
801-536-4133
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Revised:
November 3, 2009
