Recordkeeping and Other Requirements

Please contact your local DNR staff person to verify your exempt status.

If your business is exempt from permit requirements based on actual emissions, notify the Department that you intend to operate under this exemption. You can either send a letter or use the optional form provided by DNR [PDF 76kb]. The Department will send you a letter confirming your exemption, and you should keep the letter on file at your facility.

Even if your business is currently exempt from air pollution permitting requirements, you will need to keep records to document your exempt status. Please refer to the following fact sheets and spreadsheets to help you keep monthly records on your status.

All air pollution regulations and requirements apply even if a permit is not required for your particular business or activity that creates air pollution. The links on this page will give you more information about regulations that might affect your business. You can also contact DNR air staff or Department of Commerce air staff (staff links at bottom of each page) to make sure you are aware of all the rules that could affect you.

Below you will find links to the following resources:

General compliance issues
Industry-specific issues

General Compliance Issues:

Wisconsin's Air Toxics Program — DNR's web site containing information about hazardous air pollutants and state regulations.
Hazardous Air Pollutant List — An interactive Excel spreadsheet that can show you the thresholds in the state rule for each HAP emitted. Just place an X in the Select column, then choose the X option from the drop down menu in the top row of that column, and only the information on your HAPs should be shown. Save the file to your hard drive as soon as it opens.
Worksheet for calculating VOCs, HAPs and PM emissions [EXCEL 54kb exit DNR] — This Excel spreadsheet, with the basic formulas for keeping records of your monthly VOC and HAP emissions, is available to get you started. Save a version to your hard drive as soon as the file opens.
Air Emission Inventory Information — A web site with information about DNR's Air Reporting System and historical records of air emissions in Wisconsin.

Complying with the Regulations [exit DNR] — Assistance from the Department of Commerce Small Business Clean Air Assistance Program. The web site contains resources and information about compliance with air regulations, including links to fact sheets and external resources.
Process or Operation Specific Regulations [exit DNR] — A Small Business Clean Air Assistance Program web site with information about process-specific air regulations and links to fact sheets and external resources.

Industry-specific Issues:

DNR's Bureau of Cooperative Environmental Assistance (CEA) assists businesses and communities with preventing pollution and minimizing waste. Among other things, CEA has business sector specialists who are trained to provide industry-specific information. Check the CEA web site for more information. CEA currently has sector specific assistance available in the following areas:

Agriculture
Aquaculture
Asphalt
Auto, Scrap and Waste Recycling
Community Mercury Reduction
Construction and Demolition Debris

Dry Cleaning
Food Processing
Mercury Reduction (dairy, dental, medical, school)
Military
Wood Products

The Department of Commerce Small Business Clean Air Assistance Program [exit DNR] (SBCAAP) provides non-regulatory assistance to small businesses. SBCAAP's web site on Industry Specific Regulations [exit DNR] provides specialized information and assistance to the following business sectors:

Automotive
Chrome Electroplating
Construction and Demolition
Dry Cleaning
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics

Printing
Rock Crushing
Secondary Aluminum Processing
Wood Furniture

For compliance assistance information from additional sources, including industry trade groups and US EPA, you can use the following links. If you don't find your industry listed below, check the Compliance Assistance Centers [exit DNR] for more information.