Statutory authorities: Title V of the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (PL 101-549); Virginia Air Pollution Control Law, Virginia Code 00  10.1-1300 et seq.

Regulations: 9 VAC 5-80-270; 9 VAC 5-80-670.

Contact person: Ashby Scott, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Telephone (804) 698-4467; fax (804) 698-4510; email Ashby Scott

Discussion: Background. The Department of Environmental Quality is required to notify the public as it prepares to issue air operating permits under Title V of the federal Clean Air Act. The public participation elements of the regulations applicable to this permit program state that such notice is required, through general circulation newspaper advertising in the area where the permit applicant's facility is located and also by way of a mailing list of people who have asked for the opportunity to make comments on draft Title V permits prior to their issuance. (See the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution, 9 VAC 5-80-270 B.)

An identical requirement applies to Title IV acid rain permits (see 9 VAC 5-80-670). The mailing list developed for Title V permits was derived from the existing mailing list for PSD permit actions. It will also apply to Title IV acid rain permits. Thus it will allow the Department to notify people interested in any or all of these three types of permit actions: Title V operating permits; Title IV acid rain permits; and PSD permits.

The Department will provide copies of its public notices concerning Title V air permits to people whose addresses appear on the mailing list. Interested persons may choose to be notified by mail, email or fax. In addition, the Department will transmit copies of its public notices to EPA, affected states and other entities as appropriate in each case.

Comment period. A 30-day comment period is allowed for all permit public notices; this time may be extended if a public hearing is requested and granted, due to the time necessary for public notice of the hearing and the 15-day comment period which is required to follow the hearing.

Responding to this notice: how to get on the mailing list. People who wish to have their names placed on the mailing list may mail,  email or fax Form PPN to the Department, using the address information for the contact person given above. Please indicate your choice between mailing, e-mailing or faxing as the methods of notification. Please provide your mailing address in any case. You need not choose between the permit type to be reviewed; please choose any or all of the three permit types offered.

Questions? Questions may be directed to Ashby Scott by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail.