Ariz. Admin. Code § 18-2-304

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section R18-2-304 - Permit Application Processing Procedures

A. Unless otherwise noted, this Section applies to each source requiring a Class I or II permit or permit revision.

B. Standard Application Form and Required Information. To apply for a permit required by this Chapter, applicants shall complete the applicable standard application form provided by the Director and supply all information required by the form's filing instructions. The application forms and filing instructions for Class I Permits shall at a minimum require submission of the following elements:

1. Identifying information, including company name and address (or plant name and address if different from the company name), owner's name and agent, and telephone number and names of plant site manager/contact.

2. A description of the source's processes and products (by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code), including those associated with any proposed alternative operating scenarios (AOS) identified by the source.

3. The following emission-related information:

a. All emissions of pollutants for which the source is major, and all emissions of regulated air pollutants. A permit application shall describe all emissions of regulated air pollutants emitted from any emissions unit, except as otherwise provided in R18-2-304(F)(8). The Director shall require additional information related to the emissions of air pollutants sufficient to verify which requirements are applicable to the source, and other information necessary to collect any permit fees owed under R18-2-326.

b. Identification and description of all points of emissions described in subsection (B)(3)(a) of this section in sufficient detail to establish the basis for fees and applicability of requirements.

c. Emissions rate in tons per year (tpy) and in such terms as are necessary to establish compliance consistent with the applicable standard reference test method. For emissions units subject to an annual emissions cap, tpy can be reported as part of the aggregate emissions associated with the cap, except where more specific information is needed, including where necessary to determine and/or assure compliance with an applicable requirement.

d. The following information to the extent it is needed to determine or regulate emissions: fuels, fuel use, raw materials, production rates, and operating schedules.

e. Identification and description of air pollution control equipment and compliance monitoring devices or activities.

f. Limitations on source operation affecting emissions or any work practice standards, where applicable, for all regulated pollutants at the Class I source.

g. Other information required by any applicable requirement (including information related to stack height limitations in R18-2-332 ).

h. Calculations on which the information in subsections (B)(3)(a) through (g) of this section is based.

4. The following air pollution control requirements:

a. Citation and description of all applicable requirements, and

b. Description of or reference to any applicable test method for determining compliance with each applicable requirement.

5. Other specific information that may be necessary to implement and enforce other applicable requirements or to determine the applicability of such requirements.

6. An explanation of any proposed exemptions from otherwise applicable requirements.

7. Additional information as determined to be necessary by the Director to define proposed AOS identified by the source pursuant to R18-2-306(A)(11) or to define permit terms and conditions implementing any AOS under R18-2-306(A)(11) or implementing R18-2-317, R18-2-306(A)(12), R18-2-306(A)(14), or R18-2-306.02. The permit application shall include documentation demonstrating that the source has obtained all authorizations required under the applicable requirements relevant to any proposed AOS, or a certification that the source has submitted all relevant materials to the Director for obtaining such authorizations.

8. A compliance plan for all Class I sources that contains all of the following:

a. A description of the compliance status of the source with respect to all applicable requirements.

b. A description as follows:

i. For applicable requirements with which the source is in compliance, a statement that the source will continue to comply with such requirements.

ii. For applicable requirements that will become effective during the permit term, a statement that the source will meet such requirements on a timely basis.

iii. For requirements for which the source is not in compliance at the time of permit issuance, a narrative description of how the source will achieve compliance with such requirements.

c. A compliance schedule as follows:

i. For applicable requirements with which the source is in compliance, a statement that the source will continue to comply with such requirements.

ii. For applicable requirements that will become effective during the permit term, a statement that the source will meet such requirements on a timely basis. A statement that the source will meet, in a timely manner, applicable requirements that become effective during the permit term shall satisfy this provision, unless a more detailed schedule is expressly required by the applicable requirement.

iii. A schedule of compliance for sources that are not in compliance with all applicable requirements at the time of permit issuance. Such a schedule shall include a schedule of remedial measures, including an enforceable sequence of actions with milestones, leading to compliance with any applicable requirements for which the source will be in noncompliance at the time of permit issuance. This compliance schedule shall resemble and be at least as stringent as that contained in any judicial consent decree or administrative order to which the source is subject. Any such schedule of compliance shall be supplemental to, and shall not sanction noncompliance with, the applicable requirements on which it is based.

iv. For applicable requirements associated with a proposed AOS, a statement that the source will meet such requirements upon implementation of the AOS. If a proposed AOS would implicate an applicable requirement that will become effective during the permit term, a statement that the source will meet such requirements on a timely basis. A statement that the source will meet, in a timely manner, applicable requirements that become effective during the permit term will satisfy this provision, unless a more detailed schedule is expressly required by the applicable requirement.

d. A schedule for submission of certified progress reports no less frequently than every 6 months for sources required to have a schedule of compliance to remedy a violation.

e. The compliance plan content requirements specified in subsection (B)(8) shall apply and be included in the acid rain portion of a compliance plan for an affected source, except as specifically superseded by regulations promulgated under title IV of the Act with regard to the schedule and methods the source will use to achieve compliance with the acid rain emissions limitations.

9. Requirements for compliance certification, including the following:

a. A certification of compliance with all applicable requirements by a responsible official, which shall include:

i. Identification of the applicable requirement that is the basis of the certification;

ii. The method used for determining the compliance status of the source, including a description of monitoring, record-keeping, and reporting requirements and test methods;

iii. The compliance status; and

iv. Such other facts as the Director may require;

b. A schedule for submission of compliance certifications during the permit term, to be submitted no less frequently than annually, or more frequently if specified by the underlying applicable requirement or by the permitting authority;

c. A statement indicating the source's compliance status with any applicable enhanced monitoring and compliance certification requirements of the Act; and

d. A certification of truth, accuracy, and completeness pursuant to R18-2-304(I).

10. The use of nationally-standardized forms for acid rain portions of permit applications and compliance plans, as required by regulations promulgated under title IV of the act.

C. The Director, either upon the Director's own initiative or on the request of a permit applicant, may waive a requirement that specific information or data be submitted in the application for a Class II permit for a particular source or category of sources if the Director determines that the information or data would be unnecessary to determine all of the following:

1. The applicable requirements to which the source may be subject;

2. That the source is so designed, controlled, or equipped with such air pollution control equipment that it may be expected to operate without emitting or without causing to be emitted air contaminants in violation of the provisions of A.R.S. Title 49, Chapter 3, Article 2 and this Chapter;

3. The fees to which the source may be subject; and

4. A proposed emission limitation, control, or other requirement that meets the requirements of R18-2-306.01 or R18-2-306.02.

D. A timely application is:

1. For a source, that becomes subject to the permit program as a result of a change in regulation and not as a result of construction or a physical or operational change, one that is submitted within 12 months after the source becomes subject to the permit program.

2. For purposes of permit renewal, a timely application is one that is submitted at least six months, but not more than 18 months, prior to the date of permit expiration.

3. Any source under R18-2-326(A)(3) which becomes subject to a standard promulgated by the Administrator pursuant to section 112(d) of the Act shall, within 12 months of the date on which the standard is promulgated, submit an application for a permit revision demonstrating how the source will comply with the standard.

E. If an applicable implementation plan allows the determination of an alternative emission limit, a source may, in its application, propose an emission limit that is equivalent to the emission limit otherwise applicable to the source under the applicable implementation plan. The source shall also demonstrate that the equivalent limit is quantifiable, accountable, enforceable, and subject to replicable compliance determination procedures.

F. A complete application shall comply with all of the following:

1. To be complete, an application shall provide all information required by subsection (B) (standard application form section). An application for permit revision only need supply information related to the proposed change, unless the source's proposed permit revision will change the permit from a Class II permit to a Class I permit. A responsible official shall certify the submitted information consistent with subsection (I) (Certification of Truth, Accuracy, and Completeness).

2. An application for a new permit or permit revision shall contain an assessment of the applicability of the requirements of Article 4 of this Chapter. If the applicant determines that the proposed new source is a major source as defined in R18-2-401, or the proposed permit revision constitutes a major modification as defined in R18-2-101, then the application shall comply with all applicable requirements of Article 4.

3. An application for a new permit or permit revision shall contain an assessment of the applicability of Minor New Source Review requirements in R18-2-334. If the applicant determines that the proposed new source is subject to R18-2-334, or the proposed permit revision constitutes a Minor NSR Modification, then the application shall comply with all applicable requirements of R18-2-334.

4. Except for proposed new major sources or major modifications subject to the requirements of Article 4 of this Chapter, an application for a new permit, a permit revision, or a permit renewal shall be deemed to be complete unless, within 60 days of receipt of the application, the Director notifies the applicant by certified mail that the application is not complete.

5. If a source wishes to voluntarily enter into an emissions limitation, control, or other requirement pursuant to R18-2-306.01, the source shall describe that emissions limitation, control, or other requirement in its application, along with proposed associated monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements necessary to demonstrate that the emissions limitation, control, or other requirement is permanent, quantifiable, and otherwise enforceable as a practical matter.

6. If, while processing an application that has been determined or deemed to be complete, the Director determines that additional information is necessary to evaluate or take final action on that application, the Director may request such information in writing and set a reasonable deadline for a response. Except for minor permit revisions as set forth in R18-2-319, a source's ability to continue operating without a permit, as set forth in subsection (K), shall be in effect from the date the application is determined to be complete until the final permit is issued, provided that the applicant submits any requested additional information by the deadline specified by the Director.

7. The completeness determination shall not apply to revisions processed through the minor permit revision process.

8. Activities which are insignificant pursuant to the definition of insignificant activities in R18-2-101 shall be listed in the application. Except as necessary to complete the assessment required by subsection (F)(2) or (3), the application need not provide emissions data regarding insignificant activities. If the Director determines that an activity listed as insignificant does not meet the requirements of the definition of insignificant activities in R18-2-101 or that emissions data for the activity is required to complete the assessment required by subsection (F)(2) or (3), the Director shall notify the applicant in writing and specify additional information required.

9. If a permit applicant requests terms and conditions allowing for the trading of emission increases and decreases in the permitted facility solely for the purpose of complying with a federally enforceable emission cap that is established in the permit independent of otherwise applicable requirements, the permit applicant shall include in its application proposed replicable procedures and permit terms that ensure the emissions trades are quantifiable and enforceable.

10. The Director is not in disagreement with a notice of confidentiality submitted with the application pursuant to A.R.S. § 49-432.

G. A source applying for a Class I permit that has submitted information with an application under a claim of confidentiality pursuant to A.R.S. § 49-432 and R18-2-305 shall submit a copy of such information directly to the Administrator.

H. Duty to Supplement or Correct Application. Any applicant who fails to submit any relevant facts or who has submitted incorrect information in a permit application shall, upon becoming aware of such failure or incorrect submittal, promptly submit such supplementary facts or corrected information. In addition, an applicant shall provide additional information as necessary to address any requirements that become applicable to the source after the date it filed a complete application but prior to release of a proposed permit.

I. Certification of Truth, Accuracy, and Completeness. Any application form, report, or compliance certification submitted pursuant to this Chapter shall contain certification by a responsible official of truth, accuracy, and completeness. This certification and any other certification required under this Article shall state that, based on information and belief formed after reasonable inquiry, the statements and information in the document are true, accurate, and complete.

J. Action on Application.

1. The Director shall issue or deny each permit according to the provisions of A.R.S. § 49-427. The Director may issue a permit with a compliance schedule for a source that is not in compliance with all applicable requirements at the time of permit issuance.

2. In addition, a permit may be issued, revised, or renewed only if all of the following conditions have been met:

a. The application received by the Director for a permit, permit revision, or permit renewal shall be complete according to subsection (F).

b. Except for revisions qualifying as administrative or minor under R18-2-318 and R18-2-319, all of the requirements for public notice and participation under R18-2-330 shall have been met.

c. For Class I permits, the Director shall have complied with the requirements of R18-2-307 for notifying and responding to affected states, and if applicable, other notification requirements of R18-2-402(D)(2) and R18-2-410(C)(2).

d. For Class I and II permits, the conditions of the permit shall require compliance with all applicable requirements.

e. For permits for which an application is required to be submitted to the Administrator under R18-2-307(A), and to which the Administrator has properly objected to its issuance in writing within 45 days of receipt of the proposed final permit and all necessary supporting information from the Department, the Director has revised and submitted a proposed final permit in response to the objection and EPA has not objected to this proposed final permit within 45 days of receipt.

f. For permits to which the Administrator has objected to issuance pursuant to a petition filed under 40 CFR 70.8(d), the Administrator's objection has been resolved.

g. For a Class II permit that contains voluntary emission limitations, controls, or other requirements established pursuant to R18-2-306.01, the Director shall have complied with the requirement of R18-2-306.01(C) to provide the Administrator with a copy of the proposed permit.

3. If the Director denies a permit under this Section, a notice shall be served on the applicant by certified mail, return receipt requested. The notice shall include a statement detailing the grounds for the denial and a statement that the permit applicant is entitled to a hearing.

4. The Director shall provide a statement that sets forth the legal and factual basis for the proposed permit conditions including references to the applicable statutory or regulatory provisions. The Director shall send this statement to any person who requests it and, for Class I permits, to the Administrator.

5. Priority shall be given by the Director to taking action on applications for construction or modification submitted pursuant to Title I, Parts C (Prevention of Significant Deterioration) and D (New Source Review) of the Act.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R18-2-304

Amended effective August 7, 1975 (Supp. 75-1). Former Section R9-3-304 repealed, new Section R9-3-304 formerly Section R9-3-305 renumbered and amended effective August 6, 1976 (Supp. 76-4). Former Section R9-3-304 repealed, new Section R9-3-304 adopted effective May 14, 1979 (Supp. 79-1). Amended effective October 2, 1979 (Supp. 79-5). Former Section R9-3-304 repealed, new Section R9-3-304 adopted effective May 28, 1982 (Supp. 82-3). Former Section R9-3-304 renumbered without change as Section R18-2-304 (Supp. 87-3). Amended effective September 26, 1990 (Supp. 90-3). Section repealed, new Section adopted effective November 15, 1993 (Supp. 93-4). Amended effective October 7, 1994 (Supp. 94-4). Amended effective August 1, 1995 (Supp. 95-3). The reference to R18-2-101(54) in subsection (E)(8) corrected to reference R18-2-101(57)(Supp. 99-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 6 A.A.R. 343, effective December 20, 1999 (Supp. 99-4). Amended by final rulemaking at 12 A.A.R. 1953, effective January 1, 2007 (Supp. 06-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 18 A.A.R. 1542, effective August 7, 2012 (Supp. 12-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 23 A.A.R. 333, effective 3/21/2017. Amended by final rulemaking at 25 A.A.R. 3630, effective 2/1/2020.