Mississippi Air Permitting Issues

Written October 17, 2019

All new sources need to apply for a permit to construct. This includes the installation of new equipment. Facilities that have potential emissions of less than 10 tons of VOCs; 1 ton of one hazardous air pollutant; or 2.5 tons per year of a combination of hazardous air pollutants need not apply for a permit. Operating permits are valid for three years and must be renewed when the expiration date is reached.

To obtain an operating permit, the facility operator must show that the facility is in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations, and that the pollutants emitted will not interfere with the attainment of the ambient air quality standards. This applies to both existing facilities, those in operation prior to May 11, 1972, and new facilities, those in operation after May 11, 1972. The state also has a Title V permit program in place. Sources with the potential to emit more than 100 tons of VOC per year, or 10 tons of one hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or 25 tons of a combination of HAPs are required to apply for a Title V permit.

The state's program does contain provisions for a synthetic minor designation. Synthetic minors are those facilities that agree to federally enforceable limits that restrict their potential to emit to less than the major source threshold. The state's program includes the option of obtaining a general permit. A general permit is a permit issued to a group of similar sources.