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MADISON – Final updates to rules intended to improve how the state permits air emission sources became effective December 1.
Rule changes finalized on Tuesday include an exemption from operation permits for natural minor sources. Natural minor sources are defined as those that emit low amounts of air pollution such that the facility would be considered a minor source even when operated at maximum capacity, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Other changes include new exemptions from both construction and operation permits for “restricted use engines” and changes that allow site clearing, trenching and similar activities at minor source construction projects before a permit is issued.
“The new rule that exempts natural minor sources from needing operation permits will reduce a regulatory burden to many of our lowest emitters in the state without compromising our ability to control air pollution,” said Kristin Hart, Permits and Stationary Source Modeling Section chief for the DNR’s Air Management Program.
The department will begin implementing the natural minor exemption immediately, whereas many of the other changes included in the new rule must still be submitted to and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prior to full implementation. Among these are the “restricted use engine” exemption and the allowance to start certain activities prior to receiving a construction permit.
For more information, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for Air Permits Exemption web page.
