THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY As noted above, several state agencies have responsibilities for environmental protection. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is the agency specifically charged with efforts to eliminate, reduce or control the levels of pollution in the environment. It is the principal agency for permitting associated with air quality and water quality, for the management of hazardous and solid waste, and for the enforcement of pollution control rules, statutes, and regulations. Permit requirements, application procedures, schedules and other procedural requirements vary with the facility or activity involved. Most permits require a 30-day public notice. If members of the public object to issuance of the permit, and/or ask for a public hearing before a state administrative law judge, there may be further evaluation of the application and delay in issuance of the permit. The MPCA always has the option of denying a permit if the proposed facility or activity may result in some significant potential for pollution that cannot be corrected. Non-compliance with MPCA rules or permit requirements could result in MPCA enforcement action involving administrative penalties, stipulated damages, civil or criminal legal action, and revocation of the MPCA permit. As a practical matter, MPCA permit holders should ensure that they have adequate and appropriate operating practices and qualified personnel in place to meet permit requirements and avoid enforcement action. The following descriptions will give you an idea of which environmental regulations may apply to your business. Expanded information is available on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website. AIR EMISSIONS Air Pollutants are released from activities that create dust or fumes, whether inside or outside. Common activities include: -Using 1,000 gallons or more per year of paints, solvents, stains, cleaners, adhesives, or other VOC containing materials -Processing grain, asphalt, or sand and gravel -Burning fuel in a boiler/furnace/heater, or stationary engine/generator An air emission permit is a legal document that describes how a facility is meeting federal and state air quality regulations. It contains legal conditions that are enforced by both the state and federal governments. An air emission permit contains information on all sources of air pollution at a facility. Small sources of air emissions, such as "insignificant facilities”, may not require an air permit. Auto body facilities, coating facilities, concrete manufacturers, gasoline service stations, and woodworking facilities can be exempt from needing an air permit. Otherwise, small businesses may qualify for the smallest and simplest state permit, known as a registration permit. These permits contain simplified regulations intended to make compliance easy. To determine if the business meets the regulatory requirements for a permit and what type, you will need to quantify the facility's air emissions.
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