What is an Air Permit Revision?
Business plans and operations can change over time to meet customer needs or site conditions. Before making changes at your facility, it is important to determine whether the changes require you to notify the Division for Air Quality (DAQ) or obtain approval before making them.
An air
permit revision is a change, amendment, or modification to an existing air permit.
When to Apply for a Permit Revision
To avoid potential delays, facilities seeking to make a change to their permit should notify DAQ as
early as possible and provide as much information about the proposed change possible.
Examples of changes that may require a formal revision application package include:
- Addition or removal of process equipment
- Changes in production, such as expansions or increases in throughput
- Changes to the materials used in operations, such as solvents, paints, and blasting materials
Administrative Amendments
Changes that do not affect facility operations and do not trigger procedural requirements may be considered administrative amendments. Such amendments only require formal notice to DAQ, not a full revision application package. Examples include:
- Updating contact information
- Increasing monitoring or reporting frequency
- Adding an insignificant activity
- Correcting a typological error
- Changing facility ownership or operational control.
Air Permit Revision Considerations
Air permits authorize a facility to operate at the process rates identified in the air permit application. A facility may need to limit production until it reviews the appropriate steps for updating its air permit based on the existing permit type.
In some cases, reducing operations may allow a facility to qualify for a less rigorous permit type, such as changing from a Title V permit to a Conditional Major permit with operational limits.
It is important to regularly review your facility’s operations to ensure that your existing air permit accurately reflects current and planned activities.
Before making operational changes, always calculate your updated potential to emit (PTE) and confirm that you have the appropriate construction authority. Taking these steps can help ensure that your facility remains in compliance with applicable air quality regulations.
Temporary "Like-for-Like” Equipment Replacement
For a temporary “like-for-like” equipment replacement, DAQ generally does not require a full permit revision if the replacement equipment is identical and does not increase emissions. However, the facility must notify DAQ before the equipment is replaced.
Notification requirements are as follows:
-
Title V permit holders: Notify DAQ at least 8 days before the equipment replacement.
-
Conditional Major and State-Origin permit holders: Notify DAQ at least 10 days before the equipment replacement.
Temporary equipment replacements are limited to
6 months.
Facilities are encouraged to contact their local DAQ Regional Office before making any like-for-like equipment change. The Regional Office can provide guidance on the steps needed to ensure the change complies with the facility’s air permit.
Revision Guidance and Construction Authority
Kentucky air permit changes are grouped by permit type and revision category below. Expand each section to learn which requirements apply, what information or documentation must be submitted to DAQ, and when construction may begin or the change may take effect.