Topic - Air Management

Welcome to the Air Management section of DNR's Permit Primer for small business.

Introduction

The DNR Air Program tends to be one of the more difficult programs for businesses to understand. It is also, unfortunately, an area where a business can become "non-compliant" very quickly. As a business, it is very important that you understand the term start of construction. This term must be strictly adhered to so as not to potentially fall into a violation. If a construction permit is required by your business, the project cannot begin until the permit is obtained.

This section of the Permit Primer will assist you in determining your status. Please remember that this web site is intended to help small businesses. Businesses with large-scale operations, or even small- to medium-sized businesses located in the nonattainment areas in the state, will have more complex issues to deal with during the permit process and should contact DNR air staff instead of relying on this Permit Primer tool.

It's always a good idea to establish a working relationship with your local DNR air staff. If you need to contact DNR for assistance at any time, please follow this link to DNR air staff. You can also contact the Department of Commerce air staff at the Small Business Clean Air Assistance Program (SBCAAP). SBCAAP serves as a free, confidential, and non-regulatory resource to small business owners around the state. (While working through the Air section of the Permit Primer, both of these staff links are always available from the "Contact Information" part of the left sidebar also.)

Does your small business have any of the following activities?

If your business is involved with any of the activities listed here, click the Continue button below to proceed through the Air section of the Permit Primer.

• Use adhesives, paints, inks, other solvents or solvent containing materials that emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and/or Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)
• Heat with any fuels (not including electricity) that have emissions of primarily Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides and some Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Any grinding, sanding, welding, material handling or any other activity that creates dust (particulate matter) or fumes
• Constructing a large scale parking area or parking structure
• Any other operations or activities that could result in emissions to the air of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, lead, VOCs, or other HAPs

If your business does not have any activities that emit contaminants to the air, then your business is not considered a source of air pollution. Click instead on the button below to complete the Permit Primer.