MIL-HDBK-1003/7
18.5.2
Air Permits
18.5.2.1 New Source Permits. A permit under the Federal Clean Air Act may be required.
This permit is called a "new source review" although it is also frequently called a "PSD
permit" for prevention of significant deterioration. Actually a new source review can
involve both a PSD permit and a nonattainment review. The permit is required before
construction begins on the power plant.
The new source review is a rather complex process. A number of steps must
be accomplished for each pollutant to be emitted. Figure 47 presents the principal
steps in the new source review process. Different pollutants may take different paths
through the process even though they may be from the same source. For instance, if the
area where the source is located is attainment for sulfur dioxide but nonattainment for
particulate matter, then S02 will follow PSD requirements while particulate matter will
follow the nonattainment path of offsets and Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER).
The PSD program is triggered in clean air areas where the proposed unit is
larger than 250 million Btu per hour heat input rate and has a potential to emit 100
tons per year or more of SO2, NOx, or particulate matter. If the unit is less than 250
million Btu per hour heat input rate, it will not be regulated under the PSD program
unless it has the potential to emit 250 tons per year or more of any of the pollutants.
However in this case the emission from separate new units or modifications on the same
site will be added together. Even if a unit is not subject to the Federal NSPS, it may
need a PSD permit. Conversely, a unit may be subject to the NSPS but not need a PSD
permit.
18.5.2.2 Purpose. The purpose of the PSD Program is to ensure that new major sources
of air pollution do not significantly degrade existing ambient air quality. In order to
achieve this goal, construction of new major source cannot commence until after
receiving approval from EPA or a state which has been delegated PSD authority by EPA.
The following requirements must be fulfilled before a PSD permit can be issued.
a)
Appropriate emission limitations have been established.
b) The proposed permit has been duly reviewed and a public hearing is held
with opportunity for interested persons to appear and submit written or oral
presentations on the air quality impact of the source, alternatives, control technology
requirements, and other appropriate considerations.
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