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Permitting Program

South Coast AQMD's permitting program implements federal, state, and local air quality rules and regulations for stationary sources that emit air pollutants (such as oxides of nitrogen (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), etc.). All permit applications are evaluated for compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, including Public Notice requirements which look at factors such as air pollutant emissions, health risks, and distances to schools.

Types of South Coast AQMD Permits (Please note, some equipment require one or more of the following):

Permit to Construct (PC)
 

For installation of new or relocated equipment or alteration of existing equipment (including physical modification or change of operating conditions), where operation in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations must be demonstrated after construction is completed.

Permit to Operate (PO)
 

For equipment that is installed and has demonstrated operation in compliance with all rules and regulations. In cases of Off-the-Shelf type equipment, a one-step PC/PO might be issued.

Plans
 

Required under some South Coast AQMD rules and regulations (e.g., Rule 1150) to demonstrate compliance. Plans are typically not for equipment but apply to associated operations such as Ambient Air Monitoring Plans or Soil Excavation Plans.

Title V
 

Title V is a federal program designed to standardize air quality permits and the permitting process for major sources of emissions across the country. The name "Title V" comes from Title V of the 1990 federal Clean Air Act Amendments which requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national, operating permit program.

RECLAIM
 

REgional CLean Air Incentives Market is South Coast AQMD’s cap and trade program for large sources of NOx and SOx emissions. Currently, no new facilities are allowed to enter the RECLAIM program.

 

 

 

 

Other South Coast AQMD Permitting Actions for Facilities with Existing Permits:

Change of
Conditions
 

For changes to permit conditions that will not result in an emission increase, such as a reduction in operating limits.

Alteration/
Modification
 

For physical changes to the equipment or processes, or changes in the method of operation listed on a permit.

Change of Owner/Operator
 

For change of owner or operator for an existing permit.

Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs)
 

For issuance of ERCs generated when air emissions are reduced beyond what is required by permit or South Coast AQMD rules due to the shutdown of equipment or other increased controls. ERCs can be used by its owner or sold to companies that need emission offsets for new or modified equipment with emission increases.

Permitting &
Compliance Advisories
 

South Coast AQMD periodically releases Permitting or Compliance Advisories to inform owners and/or operators of permitting or compliance requirements.


 

 

 

Do I Need a Permit?

 
1

Check South Coast AQMD Rule 219 to determine if the equipment is exempt from requiring a permit. Then check the Exceptions section in Rule 219 to see if there are any applicable exceptions for your equipment that may still require a permit.

2

If the equipment is exempt as per Rule 219, and there are no exceptions, check Rule 222 to determine if the equipment is subject to filing requirements.

3

If your equipment is subject to filing requirements, see Rule 222 Filing Program for more information on filing.

4

For certain types of standard equipment, certification/registration is available. See Equipment Registration for more information on certification/registration.

5

If your equipment is not exempt, is not subject to filing requirements, and does not qualify for equipment certification or registration, then a permit is required. Please click on “Apply For a Permit” at the top of this page for more information.

 

Permit Application Review Process

 
1

Once a permit application is submitted and received by South Coast AQMD, it is screened to ensure that the required information is provided and the associated fees are included.

2

The permit application is then sent to one of the engineering teams where it is reviewed to verify that it is complete and accurate. Incomplete applications may be rejected or the engineer may reach out to the applicant for additional information.

3

The permit application then undergoes a comprehensive review to determine if the equipment will be built and operated in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and policies. During this stage, the engineer will reach out to the applicant for additional information, and/or to discuss permit conditions needed to ensure compliance.

4

If the equipment can demonstrate compliance with all air quality requirements, a permit will be approved and issued, authorizing the construction and/or operation of equipment.

5

If compliance with air quality requirements cannot be demonstrated during this process, then a permit application will be denied.

 

Need Help?
Permit Services
permitservicesonline@aqmd.gov
(909) 396-3385
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South Coast Air Quality Management District

21865 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765

909-396-2000

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