The Clean Air Act (CAA) (40 CFR 50-95) and associated amendments require the USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and enforce regulations to protect the general public from exposure to airborne contaminants that are known to be hazardous to human health. The CAA amendments of 1990 extended the breadth of protection for the public and environment by addressing increased reductions in air pollution, including urban air pollution, acid rain and toxic air emissions. The 1990 amendments also established a national permits program and an improved enforcement policy to help ensure better compliance with such legislation and resulting regulations.
BBJ Group air-quality professionals provide a full range of air-quality consulting services to both major and minor sources in a variety of industries. We assist with all aspects of air-quality compliance, including application development, emission inventory preparation and air dispersion modeling. Our team is well versed in local regulations as well as federal standards such as NSPS and NESHAPS. We work with clients to develop lasting air-quality solutions from initial permit applications through long-term compliance assistance.
When acquiring or constructing a new industrial facility, expanding production or modifying operations, owners and operators may be subject to air -quality permitting requirements. Industrial sources must be designed, constructed and operated to comply with all applicable air-quality regulations. Air-quality permitting requirements are found in state and local regulations as well as federal programs, such as Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD), New Source Review (NSR) and Title V.
Our permitting experience includes air quality–permit applications, control technology analyses, emission factor research and development, and air-dispersion modeling and impact analyses. We provide timely and cost-effective permitting support to a diverse group of sources, such as large fueling terminals, power-generation facilities, mining and processing operations, wastewater-treatment facilities, chemical plants and industrial-manufacturing facilities.
Most air-quality permits require a facility-wide inventory of all air-emissions sources. BBJ Group has prepared emissions inventories for a diverse array of clients. We utilize a variety of resources to arrive at the most appropriate emission factor for each source, including information developed by EPA, industry organizations and equipment manufacturers.
Upon completion of an emissions inventory, BBJ Group prepares a detailed report documenting emissions data and corresponding calculations. These reports may be used for application preparation or compliance submittals. Our team also develops inventory tracking tools, from simple forms to sophisticated customized spreadsheets, to help facilitate accurate emissions quantification and overall permit compliance. Compliance reporting services include:
BBJ Group provides air quality–modeling consulting services for regulatory applications, emergency planning and human-health assessments. Air-quality models use mathematical and numerical techniques to simulate the physical and chemical processes that affect air pollutants as they disperse and react in the atmosphere. Our air-quality engineers are well-versed is basic screening models, such as AERSCREEN as well as refined dispersion models, such as the EPA-preferred AERMOD. Modeling and associated capabilities include:
A BBJ Group air quality–compliance audit provides clients with a detailed account of potential non-compliance issues associated with air permits and regulations. A typical BBJ Group air quality– compliance assessment is performed by an environmental compliance specialist and includes:
Based on the above observations and reviews, BBJ Group determines the facility’s air quality–compliance status and recommends actions that will meet regulatory obligations.
BBJ Group can also prepare compliance plans and training documentation. Our environmental compliance specialists can provide on-site compliance training to facility staff and operators. For additional information regarding our compliance audit services, please click here.
140 South Dearborn Street, Suite 1520, Chicago, IL 60603
800-875-1756
