In addition to its operating permit programs, Indiana has the following alternate approval programs which may be appropriate for certain sources:
- Registration: for sources with a potential to emit (PTE) within registration thresholds. Registrations generally identify applicable regulations, describe emissions units, and may contain conditions for monitoring, record-keeping, and reporting.
- See 326 IAC 2 [PDF], Rule 5.1.
- Source Specific Operating Agreement (SSOA): SSOAs are established for several categories of operations that use basic equipment/processes commonly found in the state. Businesses may operate under a SSOA if they agree to comply with the SSOA requirements that may include limits on throughput and/or emissions, operation of air pollution controls, monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting. A source can operate under up to four different types of SSOAs.
- See 326 IAC 2 [PDF], Rule 9.
- Portable source permit: for operations that can be relocated (not including mobile source engine emissions) such as ready-mix concrete batch plants or hot-mix asphalt plants. Portable Source Permits contain applicable requirements for all locations to which the source may relocate throughout the state. Owners and operators must obtain IDEM approval prior to each relocation. Permits may specify areas in which the owner/operator agrees not to relocate, such as designated nonattainment areas where more stringent air pollution controls may apply.
- See 326 IAC 2 [PDF], Rule 14.
- Interim approval: allows applicants to construct new emission units and modify existing emission units at existing permitted facilities under certain limited circumstances. Applicants must submit a written petition and, if approved, may proceed with construction activities at their own risk. Applicants must submit a separate application for a permit modification/revision in order to obtain approval to operate the proposed new or modified units. Operation of the proposed new or modified units is prohibited until IDEM issues the required operating approval.
- See 326 IAC 2 [PDF], Rule 13, which lists several exclusions. Applicants should contact IDEM’s Office of Air Quality (OAQ) to discuss plans and requirements prior to submitting a petition.
- Permit by rule (PBR)
- Rule 10: for sources that have actual air pollution emissions that are less than 20% of the Part 70 (Title V) major source thresholds for regulated air pollutants or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) before the use of any air pollution control devices may be eligible. Prior to obtaining and operating under the PBR under 326 IAC 2-10, a new source is required to obtain a construction and operating permit (e.g., Part 70 Operating Permit, FESOP, SSOA, or MSOP) and operate under the permit for 12 months in order to demonstrate compliance with the less than 20% major thresholds. The PBR does not have to be renewed and has no annual fees or permitting fees.
- Note: PBR sources that add or modify emissions units in such a manner that increases the PTE of the source greater than the emission thresholds under 326 IAC 2-1.1-3(e) [PDF] must obtain construction approval for those new and/or modified units and transition back to an operating permit (e.g., Part 70 Operating Permit, FESOP, SSOA, or MSOP).
- See 326 IAC 2 [PDF], Rule 10.
- Rule 11, Specific Source Categories: for certain categories, including gasoline dispensing operations, grain elevators, and grain processing and milling operations, that meet specific requirements such as specific limits on throughput found in the rules. The PBR remains in effect as long as the facility does not make changes that affect applicability. New businesses that meet the requirements for PBR under 326 IAC 2-11 are usually not required to obtain a construction permit.
- See 326 IAC 2 [PDF], Rule 11.
- Rule 10: for sources that have actual air pollution emissions that are less than 20% of the Part 70 (Title V) major source thresholds for regulated air pollutants or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) before the use of any air pollution control devices may be eligible. Prior to obtaining and operating under the PBR under 326 IAC 2-10, a new source is required to obtain a construction and operating permit (e.g., Part 70 Operating Permit, FESOP, SSOA, or MSOP) and operate under the permit for 12 months in order to demonstrate compliance with the less than 20% major thresholds. The PBR does not have to be renewed and has no annual fees or permitting fees.