Air Quality

New Procedures Announced for Submitting Certain Documentation to NDEP’s Bureau of Air Pollution Control

On June 24, 2022, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Air Pollution Control (BAPC) announced new additions to their procedures for document submissions. New cover sheets have been created for various certifications, reports, and notifications to help the Bureau’s Compliance Branch quickly sort and review the submissions. These new cover sheets can be found on the NDEP website (see links below) and are now required when submitting the following documents.  Class 1 Annual/Semi-Annual Compliance Certification: https://ndep.nv.gov/uploads/air-permitting-docs/220309_Compliance_Certification_Cover_Sheet.pdf or https://ndep.nv.gov/uploads/air-permitting-docs/220309_Compliance_Certification_Cover_Sheet.docx  Schedule of Compliance …

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Learn How to Reduce Indoor Fire Smoke at Your Business

EPA hosting free webinar Wednesday, May 18th at 3pm EST With summer approaching, temperatures rising, and wildfires already starting, this is a good time to attend a webinar on wildland fire smoke and learn how to reduce indoor fire smoke during these events.Each year many communities are exposed to wildfire smoke. Often the advice given is to stay inside. However, smoke can penetrate indoors and cause less than ideal conditions.On May 18th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a …

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1-bromopropane (1-BP) Listed as Hazardous Air Pollutant

New permit requirements may apply to some Nevada businesses Effective February 4, 2022, the US EPA listed 1-bromopropane (1-BP), also known as n-propyl bromide (nPB), as a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) that “may reasonably be anticipated to cause adverse effects to human health”. The addition of 1-BP to the HAP list could have an impact on the air quality permitting requirements for some businesses in Nevada. Used primarily as a cleaning solvent, 1-BP may be found in a wide variety …

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Updates Planned for Class II General Air Quality Operating Permit for Temporary Construction Sources

NDEP to Host In-Person and Virtual Workshop to Discuss Changes on March 24th at 2:00pm If you are a construction facility (hot mix asphalt, concrete batch plant, or sand/gravel crushing and screening) and have an Air Quality permit with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) or are planning on applying for or renewing your permit, you should be aware of the upcoming updates to the Class II General Air Quality Operating Permit for Temporary Construction Sources. This permit is …

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EPA Announces New TSCA Fees

In accordance with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to adjust the TSCA fee requirements every three years. The new fees will go info effect on January 1, 2022.TSCA addresses the production, importation, use, and disposal of specific chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, radon and lead-based paint.To learn more about how the new fees were determined and to review the new TSCA fee schedule, click here.

PERC Dry CLeaning – Proposed Changes

On December 1st, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed amendments to the 1993 National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Perchloroethylene (PCE) Dry Cleaning facilities. The deadline for the final rule is December 1, 2022.As a result of a technology review, EPA is proposing to add provisions to the rule which will require all new and existing dry-to-dry machines to have both refrigerated condensers and carbon adsorbers as secondary controls. Even though almost all currently operating dry cleaning machines …

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Oil and Gas Industry Emissions Reductions

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new rule that will reduce methane and other air pollutants from new and existing sources in the oil and natural gas industry. One method for accomplishing this would include a monitoring program to require companies to find and fix leaks at new and existing site and compressor stations.  The EPA will be hosting a virtual training for small businesses, tribal communities, and environmental justice communities on November 16th –  18th from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM, …

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Final Rule for the Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons

Final Rule Notice Signed by US EPA Administrator September 23, 2021 What are hydrofluorocarbons? Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) were initially manufactured as replacements for ozone-depleting substances in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosols, fire suppression, and foam blowing sectors. While helping protect the stratospheric ozone layer, HFCs are unfortunately also greenhouse gases that contribute to the warming climate. What is required? The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) authorized EPA to address HFCs in three ways: (1) phasing down production and consumption, (2) maximizing reclamation …

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NDEP Air Quality Staffing Updates

If you hold an Air Quality Permit through the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) there are some internal changes you may want to know about. Jennifer Schumacher was recently appointed as the Chief of the Bureau of Air Pollution Control. Before assuming her new position, Ms. Schumacher was the Supervisor for Class I Air Quality Permitting. Her contact information remains the same, email jschumacher@ndep.nv.gov. Travis Osterhout recently departed the Bureau of Air Pollution Control where he served as the Compliance …

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