Clean Air Act Permitting Best Practices Documents
The following documents discuss best practices that regulatory agencies, industry and the public may consider when permitting emissions sources under the Clean Air Act (CAA). These documents do not create new guidance or obligations for permitting authorities, industry or the public. Rather, the documents aim to explain the application of certain EPA regulatory provisions using plain language. Nothing in these documents revises or replaces any regulatory provisions, any other part of the Code of Federal Regulations, the Federal Register, or the CAA. Following the best practices contained in these documents does not equate to or guarantee compliance with the CAA, its implementing regulations, and associated state/local requirements.
Best Practices for Estimating Emissions Using Emissions Factors for Clean Air Act Permitting (pdf)
This document recommends practices that CAA permitting authorities may use to ensure the most accurate emissions factors available are used to estimate emissions. Improperly using emissions factors in place of more representative source-specific emission values for CAA permitting and compliance demonstration purposes can be costly to businesses, inefficient, and in some circumstances, subject regulated entities to enforcement and penalties.
Fugitive Dust Control Measures and Best Practices (pdf)
Effective fugitive dust control is not only beneficial for public health and the environment, but is required in certain CAA permitting actions. The following document offers recommendations to permitting authorities and the regulated community on proper fugitive dust management practices and strategies to maintain an adequate fugitive dust control plan.
Best Practices for Air Permitting of Hazardous Waste Combustors Under the HWC NESHAP (pdf)
This document recommends best practices for Clean Air Act permitting of hazardous waste combustors (HWCs) consistent with the requirements of the HWC National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). The HWC NESHAP limits the amount of hazardous air pollutant (HAP) metals, such as arsenic, mercury and lead, as well as other pollutants (such as dioxins and furans, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and hydrogen chloride and chlorine gas) that can be emitted from a facility. This document is not intended to address all requirements that apply to HWCs such as other state or federal requirements.
Best Practices for Bag Leak Detection Systems in Clean Air Act Permitting (pdf)
This document recommends best practices for the installation and operation of Bag Leak Detection Systems used for compliance with Clean Air Act (CAA) requirements. These best practices are for consideration in CAA permitting actions involving fabric filter control devices and are written to generally apply to all types of BLDS monitors. However, the device’s manufacturer should be consulted to resolve any concerns with the applicability of specific best practices.
Best Practices for Metal Shredding Facilities in Clean Air Act Permitting (pdf)
This document provides best practices for permit writers to develop effective and enforceable construction and operating air permits to help ensure metal shredding facilities comply with Clean Air Act requirements. Permit applicants may also refer to this document to help streamline their application process. Although the document highlights information relevant to air permitting, it is not a comprehensive resource for assuring compliance with CAA requirements. The document also describes additional practices for facilities to consider on a case-by-case basis for pollution prevention and to further reduce potential environmental impacts.