Overview

Air Emission Authorizations - Permits by Rule

“Air What?”
Almost all operations emit, or create, some sort of air pollution. Sources of air pollution at a site are
called “facilities.” This document introduces permit by rule authorizations (PBRs). Most small businesses
or local government operations claim a PBR for emissions from each facility at their site. Each
authorization contains process and equipment criteria. Further, the total emissions from all facilities at a
site are limited to amounts that do not harm the environment or the health of the general public. Small
amounts of some pollutants have a significant impact. Larger amounts of other pollutants do not. The
limits are based on scientific evaluation of each pollutant.

What is an air pollutant?

An air pollutant in the air may cause the health of the general public to suffer. Air pollutants controlled
by PBRs are called “contaminants of concern” (COC). They are:

1. Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) - some volatile pollutants, called air toxics, are especially hazardous to human health. Styrene and
perchloroethylene are in this category.
2. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - things like paint solvent and alcohol.
3. Particulate matter (PM10) - airborne dust particles measured in microns. Things like Diesel exhaust, woodworking and livestock
movements create dust particles of 10 microns or less.
4. Oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) - primarily products of combustion. Things like internal
combustion engines, boilers and incinerators create these pollutants.
5. Lead (Pb) - component of some materials, emitted during welding, soldering and brazing of metals.

Do I need permission to emit air pollution?

Yes. All Texas operations that emit air pollutants must have State authorization to do so. Most small
businesses or local government operations do not require Federal authorization. Use the steps below to
determine your requirements.

Note: The following are simplified procedures for a typical operation. If an air
permit is required at your site, if your emissions estimates require assistance from an
engineer, or if the potential emissions at your site exceed the 80% limits in the table
below, the Small Business and Local Government Assistance staff (SBLGA) will put you
in contact with a TCEQ engineer for further guidance.

A “permit by rule” (PBR) is usually the best type of State air authorization for a small business or local government operation. (“Permits by
rule,” used to be called “standard exemptions.”) More than one PBR may be necessary if there are multiple processes or facilities at your
site. Each rule will state if TCEQ site approval or registration (Form PI-7) is required.
1. Consult the PBR list to identify the one(s) describing your operation. Find out if specific Federal standards or nonattainment rules
apply. Review of, and compliance with these standards and rules are a separate requirement from your air authorization.
2. Estimate how much of each contaminant of concern you will emit at your “worst case,” highest production rate.
3. Based upon 2, estimate the potential emissions from your site - the emissions that would theoretically result if your site were operating
at its maximum design capacity, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. This number may seem high. Determination of “potential to
emit,” is necessary to certify that you do not need a Federal Operating Permit.
4. Compare your potential emissions estimate to the conservative amounts in the “80% of limit” column in the chart below.

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How do I estimate my air emissions?
At http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/assets/public/assistance/sblga/pbrlist.pdf the Small Business and Local
Government Assistance Program has assembled a “Permit by Rule List” showing contaminants and
requirements. Also available are emissions estimating worksheets for each pollutant. There may be
additional emission restrictions included in each PBR you require. The worksheets will identify specific
information you will need and guide you through conservative estimating techniques. In some cases, you
will refer to specified technical guidance documents before making your estimates.

What will I do with these emissions estimates?

You will use your simple emissions estimates to determine if you qualify for general PBR criteria. In the
table below you will find the most conservative emission Limits applicable in Texas, shown in tons per
year (TPY). These limits are found in the Federal rules, Texas nonattainment area limits (NA) or in the
general limits for permits by rule (PBR). Remember, there may be additional emission restrictions in each
PBR you qualify for. Compare your estimated potential emissions (figured from worst case actual
emissions) to the 80% of Limit values in the table. The 80 % of limit values establish a conservative
threshold to determine if you must calculate your emissions. Instructions follow the table. Make site-wide
comparisons as follows and keep your estimates and conclusions on file:

Pollutant Site Limit* 80% of Limit Source

• Any single Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) 10 TPY (8 TPY) Federal
• Any combination of Hazardous Air Pollutants 25 TPY (20 TPY) Federal
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) 100 TPY (80 TPY) NA
• Inhalable Particulate Matter (PM10) 25 TPY (20 TPY) PBR
• Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) 25 TPY (20 TPY) PBR
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) 25 TPY** (20 TPY) NA, PBR
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) 25 TPY** (20 TPY) NA
• Lead (Pb) 0.6 TPY (0.48 TPY) PBR
• Any other air contaminant 25 TPY (20 TPY) PBR

* To be eligible for a PBR, all provisions of 30 TAC 106.4 (Requirements for Exemption from Permitting) must be met.
** Additional limits or technical requirements may apply in 30 TAC 115 or 30 TAC 117.

a. Air Authorization
Compare your site-wide potential emissions estimate to the pollutant limit(s) in the table above. If
these emissions are less than the tons per year values shown in the 80% of Limit column, your
emissions qualify for the general PBR limits. The selected PBR may include additional limits.
Compliance with applicable Federal Standards for named sources or processes, as shown in the PBR
List, is a separate requirement. Refer to the “Permit by Rule List” for “Special Instructions.” If your
estimated potential emissions are greater than the values shown in the 80% of Limit column, call
SBLGA at 1-800-447-2827 for information about certification.
b. Certification
If your estimated potential emissions exceed the values shown in 80% of Limit column you may
submit a certification (Form PI-8) guaranteeing that your actual emissions will not exceed the limits
shown in the Site Limit column. Call SBLGA at 1-800-447-2827. You will be put in contact with a
TCEQ engineer for guidance.

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