Topic - Air Management
Expanding Business

Are you currently operating under an exemption based on actual emissions, a Registration Operation Permit (ROP), or a General Operation Permit (GOP)?

Businesses operating under an exemption based on actual emissions, a ROP, or a GOP have the flexibility to expand their operations without additional construction permitting. If you are currently operating under one of these streamlined options, you can capitalize on this flexibility at any time. If not, you may be eligible to change your current permit status to one of these streamlined options:

• Operation Permit Exemption based on Actual Emissions: DNR has a new type of exemption available to facilities with low actual emissions. DNR's web page on Air Program Permit Exemptions contains more information about this exemption, along with a link to a fact sheet on Exemptions from Operation Permits Based on Actual Emissions [PDF] to help you determine your eligibility.
• ROPs for Eligible Businesses: DNR has developed ROPs for facilities with emissions that stay below threshold levels. Registration permits offer streamlined application and renewal processes, rapid approval, standardized conditions, and flexibility in return for keeping facility-wide emissions below threshold levels. The Registration Permits web site contains more information and details about ROPs.
• GOPs for Businesses in Specific Sectors: DNR has developed GOPs for specific business sectors. GOPs are intended for facilities that perform similar operations, use similar emission control technologies, and can be covered by similar standards and requirements. GOPs offer standardized conditions, rapid approval process, and flexibility to install or modify equipment without a construction permit. You can review background information about these permits on DNR's General Permits web site. DNR's web page for Air Permit Fact Sheets and Forms contains links to the GOP application forms.

(Note: If you operate a printing business, visit DNR's Printers' Guide to Air Permits and Environmental Opportunities to learn about permit options developed specifically for printers.)

What's the next step?

If you are currently operating under an exemption, ROP or GOP and will still be eligible after expansion, click "Yes" below.

If not, click "No" and go through the process to determine whether your project is exempt from permitting requirements. There are three approaches by which you may qualify for an exemption. These approaches include exemptions based on:

• categories of units being installed,
• total actual emissions from the whole operation, or
• total maximum theoretical emissions for the operation.

If you are not eligible to use one approach, you will be prompted on to the next exemption, walking through each approach until you find either that you are exempt or that you must apply for a permit.