Permit Applicability

Permit applicability for state major permits, like permit applicability for minor new source review (NSR) permits, is based on uncontrolled emissions. State major permits are for Title V major facilities that are not Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) major facilities. They are facilities that emit more than 100 tons per year, but less than 250 tons per year, of any criteria pollutant (PM, PM-10, PM 2.5, CO, NO_X, SO₂, and VOC) and are not listed in the 28 categories under “major stationary source” as defined in 9VAC5-80-1615.

Expiration of Permit

State major permits do not expire and remain in effect until a project (which includes any addition or replacement of an emissions unit, any modification to an emissions unit or any combination of these changes) takes place at the facility.

Application Fees

See the Air Permit Application Fee Form for fee amounts. 

Public Participation Requirements

State major permits must go through public participation (i.e. 30 day public comment period and a public hearing). 

Within 15 days after receiving the completeness review letter from the Department, it is the responsibility of the facility to notify the public of the proposed application by placing an ad in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the affected air quality control region where the facility will be located.

Time Frames

For facilities that are not controversial:

• Completeness review: 30 days from receipt of application 

• Processing of application: 180 days from receiving a complete application 

**Note: In addition, if an Air Pollution Control Board decision is required, it may add 60 days; federal land manager review may add another 30 days.

Application Process

• Fill out a complete Form 7 application. Please note-only complete the pages that apply to your facility. (The first page of the application states which pages need to be filled out for specific units.)

• For new greenfield facilities, include a signed Local Governing Body Certification Form.

• Include any emissions data, stack test data, and/or emission factors for your equipment and process units.

• Criteria pollutant and/or toxic pollutant modeling.

• Include the permit application fee form.

• Send the completed Form 7 application (with cover letter and other documents) to the appropriate regional office.