The Clean Air Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six air pollutants known as criteria air pollutants and is responsible for establishing a list and regulating hazardous air pollutants. The MPCA has additional air toxics that are pollutants of concern in Minnesota’s outdoor air. These pollutants impact human health and the environment. If your facility emits one or any combination of these air pollutants, an air quality permit may be required.
Air permitting
An air permit is written authorization to construct, install, and operate equipment or conduct processes that emit air pollutants. Begin with the following resources to help identify if you need an air permit.
Smaller sources of air emissions may not require an air permit or may be exempt from obtaining an air permit by following technical standards.
Air compliance
Compliance with your air permit will include recordkeeping and reporting. While all air permit types are required to report actual air emissions annually, many additional requirements are outlined based on the type of air permit obtained.
Odor
Residents have questions and concerns about unpleasant odors that may be associated with businesses in their community. However, the MPCA is only involved in regulating odor in some cases; complaints about these issues are typically addressed by local governments. For more information: Noise and odor.
Fugitive dust
Fugitive dust is particulate matter that becomes airborne by wind or human activities. Fugitive dust is not emitted from a stack, chimney, or vent. Fugitive dust is primarily emitted from agriculture, construction activities, landscaping, and unpaved roads and parking lots. Businesses creating fugitive dust should take all reasonable measures to control fugitive dust from escaping into the environment (Minn. R. 7011.0150).
Complaints
If excessive odor, fugitive dust, or other air pollution concerns are coming from a company or facility, MPCA, city and/or county officials can inspect the facility to ensure compliance with state and local rules and permits. To submit a complaint, call our air quality complaint line at 651-296-6300 or use our online complaint form by logging in as a guest.