To obtain a permit, a facility owner or operator must apply to the department using forms designated for this purpose. Applicants must supply information on the facility's emissions, the processes operating at the facility, the raw materials being used, the height and location of stacks or vents, the requirements that apply to the facility, and the controls being applied. DAR develops air source permits based on the information in the applications.
Permit applications are processed following a number of steps prescribed by regulation (6 NYCRR Part 621). The permit process begins with entry of data from the permit application into a comprehensive, computerized system called the Air Facilities System (AFS). DEC technical staff review the application to determine if the operation of the source can be expected to cause any air pollution problems, and to ensure that compliance with pollution control requirements will be achieved.
Based on the information in the application, a draft permit is developed. Often, the draft permit is made available for public comment before a final permit is issued. Depending on the type of permit, draft permit review may be brief and straightforward, or may require more extensive involvement of the public, US EPA, and sometimes other states. AFS records and tracks the entire process.
Once the source is in operation, regular emissions reporting and any compliance or enforcement activity associated with the permit are also recorded in AFS. Some Air Facility System information, such as applications, draft and final permits, is available on the web. This information is commonly used by applicants, DEC air permitting staff and technical consultants, but is also available to the public.
In addition to its primary role in permit development, information generated by the permit process is used to plan for the best ways to continue New York's air quality improvement, and to determine whether facilities comply with state and federal requirements. Forms and Other Information for Applicants
Application forms, along with associated instructions, air permitting rules, and guidance related to the permitting program are available on-line.
More about Air Facility Permits and Registrations:
Regulatory Fees for Permitted or Registered Sources - New York State's Air Program requires regulatory fees for permitted or registered sources.
Access to DEC Air Permit - Access Page for Permit
Air Facility System - Division of Air Resources Air Facility System
NOx Budget Trading Program - The Department proposed to promulgate 6 NYCRR Subpart 227-3 (Pre 2003 Nitrogen Oxides Emissions Budget and Allocation Program) on September 16, 1998.
NOX Budget State Implementation Plan - Changes Made to the Proposed Draft Ozone Attainment Demonstration
Policy DAR-5: Small Boiler Tune-Up Requirements for NOx RACT Compliance - This policy explains the small boiler tune-up requirements for NOx RACT Compliance
Policy DAR-8: NOx Budget Enforcement - 6 NYCRR Subpart 227-3 establishes a NOx Emissions Budget and Allowance Program which will act as a mechanism to reduce NOx emissions from budget sources during each control period in an economically efficient manner
Policy DAR-10: Impact Analysis Modeling - This guide is intended for use by source applicants, project managers and their consultants who need to conduct ambient impact analyses in support of air permit applications and other activities which require air quality impact modeling.
Dry Cleaner Regulation - New York State's perchloroethylene dry cleaning facilities regulation, Part 232, requires at least an annual compliance inspection of dry cleaning facilities using perchloroethylene.