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 switch from a permit to this technical standard, do I still need to submit an emissions inventory report?
A: It depends on when your permit termination is officially approved.
- By April 1: If your permit is terminated and approved prior to April 1 of the current year, you are not required to submit an inventory for the previous calendar year. For example: If your permit is terminated in Feb. 2026, you do not need to submit the 2025 emissions report (due April 1, 2026).
- After April 1: If your permit is still active on April 1, you must submit the emissions inventory for the previous year as required by your permit.
Q: If I switch from a permit to this technical standard, do I still need to pay emissions inventory fees?
A: Generally, you are only responsible for fees if your permit is still active on the date the invoice is issued.
- Before the invoice date: If your permit is terminated before an invoice is generated, the facility will not be sent an invoice. For example: You submit your 2024 emissions data in April 2025. You then terminate your permit in July 2025. When the invoices for the 2024 data are mailed in early 2026, your facility will not be sent an invoice because your permit is already closed.
- After the invoice date: If an invoice is dated prior to your permit termination, you are required to pay those fees in full.
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.