GENERAL PERMIT PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
The Division of Air Pollution Control (DAPC) has developed model general permits-to-install (GP) and model general permits-to-install and operate for select sources in Ohio. The regulations for general permits can be found in OAC rule 3745-31-29.
A general permit is the same as any permit-to-install or permits-to-install and to operate that DAPC issues except all the terms and conditions of the permit have been developed in advance. This is referred to as the "model general permit". A potential applicant can review the model general permit qualifying criteria and terms and conditions and then complete the application and sign the qualifying criteria document if they believe they qualify for that model GP. DAPC will review the applicants information to confirm they meet the qualifications and then issue the model GP to the applicant. At that point it becomes the applicants "general permit." All the terms and conditions of the "model general permit" remain the same when it is issued as the "general permit." The general permit will include a cover page that identifies facility and emission unit specific information.
HOW TO APPLY
The applicant should begin by locating the model GP of interest using the following steps:
1. Begin selecting your model GP of interest by clicking on the link for the model GP category of interest under the heading "Available Model General Permits" below.
2. Select the specific model GP of interest within the category desired by clicking on the link for the specific model GP of interest.
3. You will now have all the documents available necessary to determine qualification and to apply for the model GP of interest.
The applicant should begin by reviewing the "Qualifying Criteria" document for the model GP of interest. After determining that the source(s) qualifies based on the "Qualifying Criteria" document for the model GP of interest, the applicant should carefully review the terms and conditions of the model GP for which they are applying. The applicant should ensure they can comply with the requirements in the model GP as they are written and that they can continue to comply with all other permits previously issued at the source. The terms and conditions of a model GP cannot be modified for site specific conditions. However, the terms and conditions of a previously issued permit, for example a permit-to-install (PTI), can be modified if it is necessary in order for the source to comply with the terms and conditions of the model GP. If this is the case for your source, contact your District Office or Local Air Agency for additional information.
When the applicant is ready to apply, the following steps should be followed:
1. Complete and sign the Qualifying Criteria document. The same signatory for the application should sign this document.
2. Complete the application and any Emissions Activity Category (EAC) form(s). Be sure to read the application instructions for the specific model general permit for which you are applying. It will provide the applicant with information regarding which sections of the application and EAC form(s) must be completed. Have the signatory, as defined in OAC rule 3745-31-04(B), sign the application.
3. Include a cover letter that states specifically which model general permit you are applying for, using the "Source Description" and "MGP Number" contained on the "Qualifying Criteria" document.
4. Submit a hardcopy of all documents to the District Office or Local Air Agency.
IMPORTANT: Effective June 30, 2008, You have the option of applying through Ohio EPA's new online Air Services. Applying online eliminates the need to sign and mail paper copies of these forms. For more information, visit Ohio EPA's Air Services information page.
Ohio expects to be able to issue the model General Permit within 45 days of receipt of a complete application.
AVAILABLE MODEL GENERAL PERMITS
Below is a list of all available model GP. You will find all the documents necessary to determine qualification and to apply for a model GP by clicking on the model GP of interest.
RECENTLY ISSUED MODEL GENERAL PERMITS
In February 2012, Ohio EPA issued the final Model General Permit for shale oil & gas well sites. This general permit covers all operations involved in an oil and gas well site during the production phase of the well. This includes glycol dehydration units, natural gas and diesel engines, storage tanks, flares, and ancillary equipment. Permittees will also need to apply for and obtain a separate permit for any unpaved roadways (the unpaved roadways and parking areas GPs are available). You can click the Oil and Gas Well-Site Production Operations GP link to get more information about this GP. This link includes the qualifying criteria, the Model General Permit terms, a listing of the application materials that must be submitted, and instructions concerning the application data elements that must be included. In addition, Ohio EPA has issued the following documents in support of the issued GP for shale oil & gas well sites:
MODEL GENERAL PERMITS UNDER DEVELOPMENT
As required by the GP rules, each model GP will be made available for public comment prior to making it available to the regulated community for application. Listed below is information regarding model GPs that are being developed. No model GPs are currently available for comment.
Digester Operations
A model GP has been developed for each of the following emissions units associated with anaerobic digestion and the production of biogas for energy: anaerobic digester system controlled by a flare, digester gas-fired boiler, and digester gas-fired engine.
Questions or comments on this GP must be directed to Jennifer Avellana at (614) 644-3625, jennifer.avellana@epa.state.oh.us or mailed to Jennifer Avellana, Attn: General Permits, Ohio EPA - DAPC, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049.