Air Issues

This page contains current air permitting procedures and regulation summaries as well as ambient air quality data and air standard status can be obtained from the listed links.  EPA and DEQ actions and policies on air as they relate to asphalt plants are also addressed.

• EPA Air Nitrogen Standard – Overview of EPA’s changes to the nitrogen standard where a new hourly limit of 100 ppb was added to the nitrogen ambient air standard.
• Air Consultant List from DEQ – This lists all of the consultants and contractors in the Virginia area that are available to conduct various air permitting requirements including running stack tests and running air emission modelling. Contact information and consultant capabilities are also listed.
• Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE) rule – Final EPA rule (federal register) for permitting and controls on reciprocating internal combustion engines.  Some asphalt plants, run with generators, may fall under this rule.  See the NAPA guidance below to help determine if the rule applies to your plant.
• DEQ – Assessing Project Impacts – Virginia’s Current Ambient Air Standards – Lists current ambient air standards used in Virginia to determine attainability status.  These standards determine what areas of Virginia are not in attainment and dictates state implementation plans that can include additional pollution controls or limits on production for sources. PM_2.5 lowered from 15.0 µg/m³ to 12.0 µg/m³ is the primary recent change.
• Air Permit Forms & Instruction – Form 7A for Asphalt Plants – These are the most current forms and instruction  to be used by asphalt plants when applying for an air permit for a new facility or major changes to an existing plant.
• New Air Permit Fees – Provides the latest fee structure for asphalt plants.
• Revised Asphalt Plant Boiler Plate Procedures – The purpose of this document is to specify the requirements for permit applicability and approval for hot mix asphalt plants.  These procedures are meant to provide guidelines for the minimum requirements of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
• Revised Asphalt Plant Boiler Plate Process Requirements –
• Northern Virginia Vehicle Emission Testing – Vehicles operating in parts of Northern Virginia must have an emission test performed every two years.  The attached DEQ link describes the program.