Certain types of facilities, including small businesses like auto body shops and woodworking shops, are exempt from needing an air permit if they follow these specific requirements known as technical standards.
Technical standards
- Air quality technical standards for concrete manufacturers (Minn. R. 7008.2200)
- Air quality technical standards for gasoline service stations (Minn. R. 7008.2100)
Notifications
To operate under a technical standard, the facility must meet and follow all the requirements and notify the MPCA.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why are there technical standards?
A: The MPCA has heard from small businesses that air quality permit applications are too complex and overwhelming, so technical standards are designed to be simpler and easier to follow than a permit. Technical standards allow facilities with low overall air emissions to bypass the paperwork and cost of an air permit while remaining environmentally protective. The requirements are written to echo federal requirements that many facilities are already following and common best practices in the industry. Proof of compliance is generally based on business information that most facilities are already tracking.
Q: Do I still have to follow federal standards, such as NESHAPs?
A: Yes, you still have to follow the federal standards that apply to your facility. Following a technical standard only exempts your facility from MPCA air quality permitting. All other MPCA requirements and federal requirements still apply.
Q: What additional state rules I should know about?
A: Fugitive dust: Minnesota requires any business or individual creating fugitive dust take all reasonable measures to control the dust (Minn. R. 7011.0150).
Noise and odor: Residents have questions and concerns about loud noises (Minn. R. 7030) or unpleasant odors that may be associated with industries or businesses in their community. The MPCA is only involved in regulating noise or odor in some cases; complaints about these issues are typically addressed by local governments.
Q: What if I don’t qualify for a technical standard or don’t want to use one?
A: If your facility doesn’t qualify to use a technical standard, calculate the facility’s potential emissions to determine if a permit is needed. Very small facilities may qualify as an insignificant facility. If your facility needs a permit, small facilities usually qualify for a registration air permit. If you prefer to have a permit rather than follow the technical standard, you can apply for a permit. The technical standard is offered as an alternative to a permit.
Q: What if I already have a permit?
A: If you already have a permit, you can keep it or switch to a technical standard if you qualify and follow the requirements. The technical standard is offered as an alternative to a permit. The proper way to switch from a permit to technical standard is by terminating the permit then submitting the applicable exempt source notification form. An air permit must be terminated online using MPCA e-Services. There are two guidance documents available to assist with e-Services.
Q: What if I want to follow a technical standard, but my facility has been operating without a permit or has missed a notification deadline?
A: The MPCA encourages you to get into compliance with the technical standard and submit the notification form.
Q: If I had a permit and switch to this technical standard, do I have to submit an emissions inventory and pay fees?
A: You will still have to submit your emission inventory and pay fees for the previous year’s emissions. If you receive an invoice, pay it. However, after that, you will no longer have to submit an emission inventory or pay emission inventory fees. For example, if you terminate your facility’s permit in the middle of 2025, you will have to submit the emission inventory for 2024 and pay the fees, but you won’t have to report or pay fees for any emissions produced during 2025.
Q: How do I calculate my air emissions?
A: Use the air emissions calculators to help determine emissions and identify if other air pollutant activities at the facility are insignificant activities based on emission limits.
Use this calculator for coating and auto body facilities that purchase or use 2,000 gallons or more of coating and cleaners per year and seek eligibility based on emitting 20,000 pounds or less of volatile organic compounds and 12,000 pounds or less of hazardous air pollutants.
Use this calculator for Option 1 of the technical standard for woodworking facilities that limit emissions to less than 40,000 pounds per year:
If you are a small business and need further assistance calculating air emissions or have any questions, contact the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program helpline at 1-800-657-3938 or 651-282-6143 or email us at smallbizhelp.pca@state.mn.us.