Ohio EPA PTIO Program
Since 2004 the Ohio EPA has been in the process of developing new air permitting program for non-major facilities (facilities not requiring a Title V permit). This was primarily in response to a backlog of permits to install and Title V permits to operate. OEPA indicates that the new program is expected to increase compliance, reduce the time required for permit issuance, reduce paperwork, simplify the permitting process and reduce confusion for regulated facilities. The proposed PTIO program was approved in February 2004.
There are three major differences between the current permit program and the new installation and operating (PTIO) permit program.
1. Currently, regulated facilities are required to obtain a permit to install prior to construction and subsequently a permit to operate within one year of construction. The PTIO program will combine the current non-major source permit to install and permit to operate requirements into one installation and operating (PTIO) permit. The PTIO program will affect non-Title V facilities that have one or more air contaminant sources and are required to apply for and obtain a PTI, PTO or PTO registration pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapters 3745-31 or 3745-35.
2. An annual Permit Evaluation Report (PER) submission will be required for each facility that has been issued a PTIO. The information provided in the PER will include information currently required in addition to more comprehensive information not previously reported. The PER will be used to report compliance issues, deviations, exceedances, visible emission incidents, and affirmation that the facility will maintain compliance with the PTIO permit requirements. The PER will also be used to report changes in ownership, business shutdowns, shutdown of emissions units and violations. Ohio EPA will provide facilities with a PER form and annual reporting reminders.
3. Most permits will be renewed every 10 years instead of every five.
Currently, OEPA is in the process of developing permitting software system, guidance documents and training materials. Facilities will be able to submit PTIO applications and PER forms on the Internet using the developed software. It is expected that the PTIO program will be implemented in 2008.
Contact Rudy Zupan, Environmental Scientist, for assistance with your air permit needs.
Contact Rudy Zupan rzupan@compliancetechnologies.biz/cti
