Air Permitting in Bio Projects

Air Permitting in Bio Projects? Renewable energy resources are all around us. You may have passed by a windmill, a solar farm, an oilseed processing/biodiesel facility, or a biofuel facility – all of these are sources of sustainable energy, using resources that are naturally replenished (wind, sun, plants, and agriculture). Industrial facilities that process renewables are held legally accountable for meeting federal requirements under the Clean Air Act (CAA), and obtaining construction and operating permits. Air permits are often a critical path to authorizing construction and operation of new or modified facilities. Environmental experts assist with air permitting activities to meet construction and operational goals of bio facilities.

Air permitting involves environmental experts with a specialty in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or related field. These experts are well-versed in technical requirements for state-specific environmental regulations and standards as well as those at a federal and local levels. Additionally, environmental experts within the biofuels and renewable fuels industry understand the specific federal, state, and local regulations which typically correspond with these types of facilities, as solvent extraction, organic chemical manufacturing, and organic liquids distribution. Environmental experts provide the necessary bridge between regulating agencies and the owner or operator during initial construction permitting and in obtaining the operating permit.

Environmental air permitting services include preparing applications and obtaining permits to authorize construction and operation of a new facility. Pre-construction permitting considerations may include New Source Review (NSR) or Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) air permitting and environmental review. Permit applications include technical analyses such as conducting air dispersion modeling, air emission calculations, regulatory review, risk analysis, and control technology review. Post-construction and operation start up tasks include operating permit applications that true-up any differences from the construction permitting phase. In some jurisdictions, construction and operating permit programs are combined.

Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s premier bioeconomy consulting group, with over 100 highly qualified experts serving in all these areas. Take a look at our experts and the services we provide. Most of our experts are also available to advise and serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation matters.  For the larger projects, we specialize in putting together full service, interdisciplinary teams with one point of contact. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.