Tier II Air Quality Operating Permit
Who Qualifies for a Tier II Permit?
DEQ may require certain sources of air pollution to obtain Tier II permits. For example, DEQ might take this action as part of a state implementation plan designed to prevent further deterioration of air quality and to bring an area of the state back into compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Tier II permits also may be issued to authorize an alternative emission limit for a particular emissions unit or units within a facility.
Synthetic Minor
Certain facilities that emit air pollution in Idaho may choose to obtain a Tier II instead of a Tier I permit. The fees for Tier II permits are lower and the reporting requirements less complex than those required for Tier I operating permits. To qualify for Tier II status, a facility would agree to limit production and/or hours of operation, thus lowering its potential to emit pollutants below Tier I permit thresholds. This type of Tier II permit is also known as a synthetic minor source permit.
Procedures and requirements for Tier II operating permits are found in the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.400–410).
Modeling
Air modeling is required for certain permitting actions—including Tier II operating permits—to demonstrate that all applicable ambient air quality standards will be met if a proposed construction or facility modification is completed or that an existing facility is complying with the standards.
A DEQ guidance document has been developed to help air permit applicants understand DEQ’s expectations for ambient air impact analysis and prevent unnecessary delays in the permit process. The guideline describes in detail when modeling is required; explains applicable standards, methodology and analysis; and provides checklists and templates for conducting modeling and reporting modeling results.
Permit Application Process
Read these documents first to gain an understanding of the air quality permitting process:
- Applicant and DEQ Responsibilities
- Pre-Application Meeting Agenda
- Emissions Data Hierarchy Guidance
- Facility Name Changes for Holders of Permit to Construct and Tier II Operating Permits
Application Forms and Checklist
PTC application forms and checklists are provided for sources requiring this permit. The first step to submitting a successful air quality permit application is to read, Air Quality Permits: Applicant and DEQ Responsibilities. This document provides applicants with a basic understanding of DEQ's air quality permitting process, describes applicant responsibilities, and explains how DEQ will interact with applicants throughout the permitting process. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Air Quality Division to discuss permit application requirements early in the application process.
Applications submitted to DEQ for an air quality permit must be made on forms developed by DEQ. If you have questions about which form to use or about the application forms in general, call the permit hotline at 1-877-5PERMIT (1-877-573-7648).
Fees
No application fee is required for a Tier II permit application. A processing fee is assessed on the basis of emissions. DEQ calculates and assesses the fees according to the following schedule (fugitive emissions are excluded):
| Tier II Permit | Fee | Fee Payment |
| General Permit1 | $500 | Must be paid in full within 45 days of receipt of DEQ assessment. Interest accrues if unpaid after 45 days. |
| Emissions < 1 ton per year | $1,250 | |
| Emissions = 1-10 tons per year | $2,500 | |
| Emissions = 10-100 tons per year | $5,000 | |
| Emissions > 100 tons per year |
$10,000 | |
| Synthetic minor sources with emissions below major source threshold | $10,000 |
1 General permit facilities include portable concrete batch plants, hot mix asphalt plants, and rock crushing plants.
How to Send Payment
| Pay by check |
Make check payable to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and send completed application and check to the following: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality |
| Pay by credit card/E-check |
Link to Access Idaho website at |
| Pay by bank wire transfer |
Contact Katie Bennett, DEQ Fiscal Office |
Fee Exceptions
So long as DEQ determines no other review or analysis is required, the Tier II operating permit processing fee is not required when the following applies:
- A PTC that was issued within the last 5 years is rolled into a Tier II operating permit, or
- A change to a Tier II permit is requested due to a typographical error, or
- A change in the name or ownership of the holder of a Tier II operating permit is requested, or
- A synthetic minor permit is issued and DEQ’s processing costs can be charged against the permittee’s Tier I fees.
Note: This is a summary of Tier II operating permit requirements and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Detailed requirements are outlined in the Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.01.400–410).