United States Environmental Protection Agency

General Permit for New or Modified Minor Sources of Air 

Pollution in Indian Country

http://www.epa.gov/air/tribal/tribalnsr.html

General Air Quality Permit for New or Modified True Minor Source Sawmill 

Facilities

Last Modified: July 2, 2014

Version 1.0

Information about this General Permit:

Applicability

Pursuant to the provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA), Subchapter I, part D and 40 CFR part 49, subpart C, this 

permit authorizes the construction or modification and the operation of the autobody repair and miscellaneous 

surface coating operation for which a reviewing authority issues an Approval of the Request for Coverage 

(permitted source). 

Eligibility

To be eligible for coverage under this general permit, the permitted source must qualify as a true minor source 

as defined in 40 CFR 49.152. 

Request for Coverage

Requirements for submitting a Request for Coverage are contained in Section 7 of this general permit. 

Incorporation of Documents

The information contained in each reviewing authority’s Approval of the Request of Coverage is hereby 

incorporated into this general permit. 

Termination

Section 6 of this general permit addresses a reviewing authority’s ability to revise, revoke and reissue, or 

terminate this general permit. It also addresses the reviewing authority’s ability to terminate an individual 

permitted source’s Approval of the Request for Coverage under this general permit. 

Definitions

The terms used herein shall have the meaning as defined in 40 CFR 49.152 and in Attachment B of this permit. If 

a term is not defined, it shall be interpreted in accordance with normal business use. 
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 2 of 16

Version 1.0

Permit Terms and Conditions

The following applies to each permittee and permitted source with respect to only the affected emissions units 

and any associated air pollution control technologies in that permitted source’s Approval of the Request for 

Coverage.

Section 1: General Provisions

1. Construction and Operation 

The permittee shall construct or modify, and operate the affected emission units and any associated air 

pollution control equipment in compliance with this permit and all other applicable federal air quality 

regulations; and in a manner consistent with the Request for Coverage. 

2. Location 

This permit only authorizes the permittee to construct or modify and to operate the permitted source in the 

location listed in the reviewing authority’s Approval of the Request for Coverage for that permitted source.

3. Liability 

This permit does not release the permittee from any liability for compliance with other applicable federal 

and tribal environmental laws and regulations, including the CAA. 

4. Severability 

The provisions of this permit are severable. If any portion of this permit is held invalid, the remaining 

terms and conditions of this permit shall remain valid and in force. 

5. Compliance 

The permittee must comply with all provisions of this permit, including emission limitations that apply to the 

affected emissions units at the permitted source. Noncompliance with any permit provision is a violation of 

the permit and may constitute a violation of the CAA; is grounds for an enforcement action; and is grounds 

for the reviewing authority to revoke the Approval of the Request for Coverage and terminate the permitted 

source’s coverage under this general permit. 

6. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)/Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Protection 

The permitted source must not cause or contribute to a NAAQS violation or, in an attainment area, must not 

cause or contribute to a PSD increment violation. 

7. Unavailable Defense 

It is not a defense for the permittee in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or 

reduce the permitted activity in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of this permit. 

8. Property Rights

The permit does not convey any property rights of any sort or any exclusive privilege.

9. Information Requests

You, as the permittee, shall furnish to the reviewing authority, within a reasonable time, any information 

that the reviewing authority may request in writing to determine whether cause exists for revising, revoking 

and reissuing, or terminating the permit or to determine compliance with the permit. For any such 
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 3 of 16

Version 1.0

information claimed to be confidential, the permittee must submit a claim of confidentiality in accordance 

with 40 CFR part 2 subpart B. 

10. Inspection and Entry

Upon presentation of proper credentials, the permittee must allow a representative of the reviewing 

authority to:

a. Enter upon the premises where a permitted source is located or emissions-related activity is conducted 

or where records are required to be kept under the conditions of the permit;

b. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that are required to be kept under the 

conditions of the permit;

c. Inspect, during normal business hours or while the permitted source is in operation, any facilities, 

equipment (including monitoring and air pollution control equipment), practices or operations regulated 

or required under the permit;

d. Sample or monitor, at reasonable times, substances or parameters for the purpose of assuring 

compliance with the permit or other applicable requirements; and

e. Record any inspection by use of written, electronic, magnetic and photographic media.

11. Posting of Coverage 

This general permit, and the most current Approval of the Request for Coverage for the permitted 

source, must be posted prominently at the facility, and each affected emissions unit and any associated 

air pollution control technology must be labeled with the identification number listed in the Approval of 

the Request for Coverage for that permitted source. 

12. Duty to Obtain Source-specific Permit 

If the reviewing authority intends to terminate a permitted source’s coverage under this general permit for 

cause as provided in Section 6 of this general permit, then the permittee shall apply for and obtain a sourcespecific permit as required by the reviewing authority. 

13. Credible Evidence

For the purpose of establishing whether the permittee violated or is in violation of any requirement of this 

permit, nothing shall preclude the use, including the exclusive use, of any credible evidence or information 

relevant to whether a permitted source would have been in compliance with applicable requirements if the 

permittee had performed the appropriate performance or compliance test or procedure. 

14. Setbacks

Each affected emissions unit shall not locate less than 150 feet from the nearest property boundary and not 

less than 1,000 feet from the nearest residence.

Section 2: Emission Limitations and Standards

15. The permittee shall maintain and operate each affected emission unit, including any associated air pollution 

control equipment, in a manner consistent with good air pollution control practices for minimizing emissions 

of NSR regulated pollutants and considering the manufacturer’s recommended operating procedures at all 

times, including periods of startup, shutdown, maintenance and malfunction. The reviewing authority will 

determine whether the permittee is using acceptable operating and maintenance procedures based on 

information available to the reviewing authority which may include, but is not limited to, monitoring results, 

opacity observations, review of operating and maintenance procedures, and inspection of the permitted 

source.
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 4 of 16

Version 1.0

16. Open burning at the permitted source is prohibited. The burning and combustion of wood or lumber 

products shall only occur within wood-fired boilers. 

17. Each affected emissions unit shall not cause to be discharged into the atmosphere any gases that exhibit 20 

percent opacity or greater averaged over any consecutive six-minute period.

18. Liquid fuels shall contain no more than 0.0015 percent sulfur by weight.

19. Production of finished lumber shall not exceed 25 million board feet (Mbf) per year based on a 12-month 

rolling total. The 12-month rolling total is determined by the sum of the current month’s production and the 

previous 11 month’s production.

20. If located in an ozone attainment, unclassifiable, or attainment/unclassifiable area or marginal, moderate, or 

serious ozone nonattainment area, the combined maximum heat input capacity for all boilers shall be less 

than 30 million British thermal units (MMbtu)/hour.

21. If located in a severe or extreme ozone nonattainment area:

a. The combined maximum heat input capacity for all boilers shall be less than 10 MMbtu/hour.

b. Only natural gas may be used as a fuel in boilers. 

22. The combined maximum engine power of all emergency engines shall be less than 600 horsepower (hp).

23. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from all lumber drying kilns, and surface coating operations 

shall not exceed:

a. 80 tons per year based on a 12-month rolling total in an ozone, attainment, unclassifiable, or 

attainment/unclassifiable area;

b. 80 tons per year based on a 12-month rolling total in a marginal or moderate ozone nonattainment 

area;

c. 40 tons per year based on a 12-month rolling total in a serious ozone nonattainment area;

d. 20 tons per year based on a 12-month rolling total in a severe ozone nonattainment area; and

e. 8 tons per year based on a 12-month rolling total in an extreme ozone nonattainment area.

24. Planar mill operations shall be conducted within enclosed structures. A baghouse or fabric filter shall be 

used to control emissions to the atmosphere. 

25. Sawmill operations conducted outdoors shall, at a minimum, be covered and all drop points shall be 

controlled using a cyclone or baghouse/fabric filter during all times when the affected emission units 

operate. 

26. Sawmill operations conducted indoors shall control emissions to the atmosphere using a baghouse or fabric

filter. 

27. Each emergency engine shall:

a. Be equipped with a non-resettable hour meter;

b. Meet the following certification requirements for compression ignition emergency engines:

i. For model year 2006 and later engines, the engine shall be certified to the standards in 40 

CFR part 89. 
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 5 of 16

Version 1.0

c. Meet the following certification requirements for spark ignition emergency engines 

manufactured on or after January 1, 2009:

i. Engines greater than 50 hp and less than 130 hp shall be certified to the Phase I standards 

in 40 CFR 90.103;

ii. Engines greater than or equal to 130 hp shall be certified to the standards in 40 CFR 1048; 

iii. All other spark ignition emergency engines greater than 25 hp shall meet the standards 

for emergency engines in Table 1 to 40 CFR Subpart JJJJ.

d. If not required to be certified to the standards in Conditions 27.b or c:

i. Follow the manufacturer’s emission-related operation and maintenance instructions or 

develop your own maintenance plan which must provide, to the extent practicable, for 

the maintenance and operation of the engine in a manner consistent with good air 

pollution control practice for minimizing emissions;

ii. Change oil and filter and inspect every hose and belt every 500 hours of operation or 

annually, whichever comes first; and

iii. Inspect air cleaner or spark plugs, as applicable, every 1,000 hours of operation, or 

annually, whichever comes first.

28. The permittee shall comply with the fugitive dust control plan in Attachment C.

29. All VOC-containing material (e.g., coatings, thinners, and clean-up solvents) shall be stored in closed 

containers.

30. All waste materials containing VOC (e.g., soiled rags) shall be stored in sealed containers until properly 

disposed.

Section 3: Monitoring and Testing Requirements

31. Inspect Baghouse/Fabric Filter

At least once during each calendar week in which the permitted source operates, the permittee shall inspect 

the interior and exterior of each baghouse/fabric filter for evidence of leaks, damage, and missing bags, and 

take appropriate corrective actions before resuming operations. A supply of extra bags and other spare 

parts for the baghouse/fabric filter shall be maintained onsite.

32. Inspect Cyclone 

At least once during each calendar month in which the permitted source operates, the permittee shall 

perform a visual inspection of each cyclone for evidence of leaking or damage, and take appropriate 

corrective actions before resuming operations.

33. Visible Emissions Survey 

At least once during each calendar week in which the permitted source operates, the permittee shall 

perform a visible emissions survey of all affected emissions units subject to the opacity limit in Condition 17. 

The survey shall be performed during daylight hours by an individual trained in EPA Method 22 while the 

source is in operation. If visible emissions are detected during the survey, the permittee shall either:

a. Take corrective action so that within 24 hours no visible emissions are detected from any emission units 

while they are in operation; or

b. Demonstrate compliance with the opacity limit at all units that discharged visible emissions during the 

survey using EPA Method 9 by an individual trained and certified in Method 9.
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 6 of 16

Version 1.0

34. Fugitive Emissions Survey

At least once during each calendar week in which the permitted source operates, the permittee shall survey 

the facility for visible fugitive emissions. If fugitive emissions are detected crossing the property line the 

permittee shall take corrective actions according to the attached fugitive dust control plan.

35. Initial Performance Test for Fugitive Emissions

Within 60 days after achieving the maximum production rate at which the permitted source will operate the 

affected emissions unit(s), but not later than 180 days after the first day of operation after the reviewing 

authority issues the Approval of the Request for Coverage, the permittee shall perform an initial 

performance test to verify compliance with the applicable opacity limitations in Condition 17. Performance 

tests shall be performed: 

a. According to an EPA-approved test plan;

b. While the permitted source is operating under typical operating conditions;

c. Using test Method 9 from 40 CFR part 60, Appendix A with the following modifications:

i. The observer shall stand at least 15 feet from the emission source;

ii. The observer shall, when possible, select a position that minimizes interference from other fugitive 

emission sources; and

iii. Water used for wet suppression shall not be confused with particulate matter emissions and is not 

to be considered a visible emission (when a water mist of this nature is present, the observation of 

emissions is to be made at a point in the plume where the mist is no longer visible); and

d. The duration of each Method 9 test shall be at least 30 minutes. Compliance with each opacity limit shall 

be determined based on the average of at least five six-minute averages.

36. Additional Performance Test(s) 

Ongoing performance tests meeting the criteria of the initial performance test in Condition 35 shall be 

performed:

a. When required by the reviewing authority; and

b. At least every five years.

37. Engines Not Certified by the Manufacturer

For each engine required to meet the standards in Condition 27.c.iii, but that is not certified by the 

manufacturer to the applicable standards the permittee shall:

a. For an engine greater than 25 HP and less than or equal to 500 HP, conduct an initial performance test 

as follows:

i. Within 60 days after achieving the maximum production rate at which the permitted source will 

operate, but not later than 180 days after the first day of operation after issuance of the 

Approval of the Request for Coverage. 

ii. The test shall verify compliance with the applicable emission limitations in Condition 27.c.iii.

iii. According to a test plan approved by the reviewing authority;

iv. While the permitted source is operating under typical operating conditions;

v. With at least three test runs, each of at least 1 hour duration;

vi. Within 10 percent of peak load for the engine;

vii. Using test methods from 40 CFR part 60, Appendix A unless alternative methods are approved 

by the reviewing authority in writing in advance of the test; and

viii. Simultaneously for CO and NOX whenever either one needs to be tested.

b. For an engine greater than 500 hp, conduct an initial performance test and subsequent performance 

testing every 8,760 hours of operation or 3 years, whichever comes first as follows:
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 7 of 16

Version 1.0

i. The performance tests shall verify compliance with the applicable emission limitations in 

Condition 27.c.iii;

ii. The performance tests shall be performed according to Conditions 37.a.iii through viii.

Section 4: Recordkeeping Requirements

38. The permittee shall maintain all records required to be kept by this permit onsite for at least five years from 

the date of origin, unless otherwise stated. 

39. The permit application and all documentation supporting that application shall be maintained by the 

permittee for the duration of time the affected emissions unit(s) is covered under this permit. 

40. The permittee shall maintain records of the following:

a. For each combustion unit, monthly fuel usage in million standard cubic feet (MMscf), gallons or tons, as 

applicable;

b. For each kiln, monthly throughput in Mbf;

c. Finished lumber produced on a monthly basis in Mbf and each months’ 12-month rolling total;

d. The type (tree species) and amount (Mbf) of each wood processed on a monthly basis; and

e. For each coating used in a surface coating operation, the Material Safety Data Sheet, percent VOC, 

density of the coating, and coating usage (in gallons) on a monthly basis. 

41. The permittee shall calculate monthly VOC emissions from the kilns and surface coating operations. Monthly 

VOC emissions shall be used to calculate the 12-month rolling total of VOC emissions. The 12-month rolling 

total is the sum of emissions from the current month and the emissions from the previous 11 months. The 

permittee shall calculate the monthly VOC emissions as described below and in Attachment D.

a. Monthly VOC emissions from kilns shall be determined based on the table shown below. If a species is 

not listed below, the permittee shall use the emission factors for Western White Pine, as shown in the 

table below, and use the temperature dependent factor that corresponds to the drying kiln’s 

temperature capability.

Species Maximum Kiln 

Temperature °F

WPP1 VOC1 (pounds 

(lbs)/mbf)

Non-Resinous Softwood Species

White Fir2

≤200 0.8388

>200 1.0902

Western Hemlock ≤200 0.5253 

>200 0.6615 

Western Red Cedar ≤200 0.3631 

>200 1.1453 

Resinous Softwood Species (Non-Pine Family)

Douglas Fir ≤200 1.1576 

>200 1.6969 

Engelmann Spruce ≤200 0.1775 

>200 0.2161 

Larch ≤200 1.1576 

>200 1.6969 

Resinous Softwood Species (Pine Family)

Lodgepole Pine ≤200 1.5293 
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 8 of 16

Version 1.0

Species Maximum Kiln 

Temperature °F

WPP1 VOC1 (pounds 

(lbs)/mbf)

>200 1.5293 

Ponderosa Pine ≤200 2.3450 

>200 3.8087 

Western White Pine ≤200 2.8505 

>200 3.8087 

1 VOC emissions approximated consistent with EPA's Interim VOC Measurement Protocol for the 

Wood Products Industry - July 2007 (WPP1 VOC), 

http://www.epa.gov/ttnemc01/prelim/otm26.pdf. WPP1 VOC underestimates emissions when 

the mass-to-carbon ratio of unidentified VOC exceeds that of propane. Ethanol and acetic acid 

are examples of compounds that contribute to lumber drying VOC emissions (for some species 

more than others), and both have mass-to-carbon ratios exceeding that of propane.

2White fir in this context refers to a common name for a mixture of several species of true fir 

grown in the western U.S. This mixture includes the following species: white fir, grand fir, noble 

fir and subalpine fir.

b. Monthly VOC emissions from surface coating operations shall be based on a mass balance of the 

amount of coating used, the density of the coating, and the percent VOC of the coating.

42. The dates and results of all baghouse/fabric filter and cyclone inspections performed pursuant to Conditions 

31 and 32, and any corrective actions taken as a result of the required inspections shall be recorded. 

43. The dates and results of each visible emissions survey performed pursuant to Condition 33 shall be 

recorded. At a minimum, records shall include:

a. The name of the person, company or entity conducting the survey; 

b. Whether visible emissions were detected from any emission unit;

c. Any corrective action taken;

d. The result of any corrective action; and 

e. The results of any Method 9 tests performed.

44. The dates and results of each fugitive emissions survey performed pursuant to Condition 34, any corrective 

action taken as a result of each survey, and the result of any corrective action taken shall be recorded.

45. The results of each performance test conducted pursuant to Condition 35, 36, and 37 shall be recorded. At a 

minimum, the permittee shall maintain records of:

a. The date of each test;

b. Each test plan;

c. Any documentation required to approve an alternate test method;

d. Conditions during the test, including the engine power rating; 

e. The results of each test; and

f. The name of the company or entity conducting the analysis.

46. For each engine, the permittee shall maintain records of:

a. The amount of fuel used each month for each engine (in gallons or MMscf, as appropriate);

b. For each fuel shipment, fuel supplier certification showing the sulfur content of the fuel;

c. For each engine required to be certified or using certification, documentation from the manufacturer 

that each engine is certified to the applicable standards;
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 9 of 16

Version 1.0

d. The maintenance plan for each engine;

e. All maintenance activities conducted for each engine on a monthly basis; and

f. For emergency engines, maintain a log of the hours of operation, including the date, time, duration, and 

reason(s) for use

Section 5: Notification and Reporting Requirements

47. Notification of Construction or Modification, and Operations 

The permittee shall submit a written or electronic notice to the reviewing authority within 30 days from 

when the permittee begins actual construction or modification, and when the permittee begins operations 

or resumes operation. 

48. Notification of Change in Ownership 

If the permitted source changes ownership, then the permittee must submit a written or electronic notice to 

the reviewing authority within 90 days before or after the change in ownership is effective. In the report, the 

permittee must provide the reviewing authority a written agreement containing a specific date for transfer 

of ownership, and an effective date on which the new owner assumes partial and/or full coverage and 

liability under this permit. The submittal must identify the previous owner, and update the name, street 

address, mailing address, contact information, and any other information about the source if it would 

change as a result of the change of ownership. The permittee shall ensure that the permitted source 

remains in compliance with the general permit during any such transfer of ownership. 

49. Notification of Closure 

The permittee must submit a report of any permanent or indefinite closure to the reviewing authority in 

writing within 90 days after the cessation of all operations at the permitted source. The notification must 

identify the owner, the current location, and the last operating location of the permitted source. It is not 

necessary to submit a report of closure for regular, seasonal closures. 

50. Annual Reports

The permittee shall submit an annual report on or before March 15 of each calendar year to the reviewing 

authority. The annual report shall cover the period from January 1 to December 31 of the previous calendar 

year and shall include:

a. An evaluation of the permitted source’s compliance status with the emission limitations and standards 

in Section 2 for each location in which the permitted source located during the calendar year;

b. Summaries of the required monitoring, testing and recordkeeping in Sections 3 and 4; and

c. Summaries of deviation reports submitted pursuant to Condition 50.

51. Deviation Reports 

The permittee shall promptly report to the reviewing authority any deviations from permit requirements 

including deviations attributable to upset conditions. Deviation reports shall include:

d. Identity of the affected emissions unit where the deviation occurred;

e. Nature of the deviation;

f. Length of time of the deviation; 

g. Probable cause of the deviation; and

h. Any corrective actions or preventive measures taken as a result of the deviation to minimize emissions 

from the deviation and to prevent future deviations.

i. For the purposes of this permit, promptly means:
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 10 of 16

Version 1.0

i. Within 72 hours of discovery for deviations from any opacity or emission limit in Condition 17 or 23; 

or

ii. Within 30 days after the end of the month in which the permittee discovered the deviation for all 

other deviations.

52. Performance Test Reports 

The permittee shall submit a test report to the reviewing authority within 45 days after the completion of 

any required performance test. At a minimum, the test report shall include:

a. A description of the affected emissions unit and sampling location(s);

b. The time and date of each test;

c. A summary of test results, reported in units consistent with the applicable standard;

d. A description of the test methods and quality assurance procedures used;

e. A summary of any deviations from the proposed test plan and justification for why the deviation(s) was 

necessary;

f. The amount of fuel burned, raw material consumed, and/or product produced, as applicable, during 

each test run;

g. Operating parameters of the affected emissions units and control equipment during each test run; 

h. Sample calculations of equations used to determine test results in the appropriate units; and

i. The name of the company or entity performing the analysis.

53. Reporting and Notification Address 

The permittee shall send all required reports to the reviewing authority at the mailing address specified in 

the Approval of the Request for Coverage. 

54. Signature Verifying Truth, Accuracy, and Completeness 

All reports required by this permit shall be signed by a responsible official as to the truth, accuracy, and 

completeness of the information. The report must state that, based on information and belief formed after 

reasonable inquiry, the statements and information are true, accurate, and complete. If the permittee 

discovers that any reports or notification submitted to the reviewing authority contain false, inaccurate, or 

incomplete information, the permittee shall notify the reviewing authority immediately and correct or 

amend the report as soon as is practicable. 

Section 6: Changes to this General Permit

55. Revising, Reopening, Revoking and Reissuing, or Terminating for Cause

The permit may be revised, reopened, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause. The filing of a request 

by you, the permittee, for a permit revision, revocation and re-issuance, or termination, or of a notification 

of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any permit condition. This provision also 

applies to the documents incorporated by reference.

56. Terminating Coverage under this Permit

The reviewing authority may terminate a previously issued Approval of the Request for Coverage, and 

thereby terminate that permittee’s authorization to construct or modify, and that permitted source’s 

authorization to operate under this general permit for cause as defined in Attachment B. The reviewing 

authority may provide the permittee with notice of the intent to terminate, and delay the effective date of 

the termination to allow the permittee to obtain a source-specific permit as required by the reviewing 

authority.
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 11 of 16

Version 1.0

57. Change in Ownership 

If the permitted source changes ownership, the reviewing authority may change the Approval of the 

Request of Coverage to reflect the new ownership in accordance with the administrative amendment 

provisions in 40 CFR 49.159(f).

Section 7: Obtaining Coverage under this General Permit

45. To obtain coverage under this general permit, an applicant must submit a Request for Coverage to the 

appropriate reviewing authority for the area in which the permitted source is or will be located. Attachment 

E contains a list of reviewing authorities and their area of coverage.

46. You must also submit a copy of the Request for Coverage to the Indian Governing Body for any area within 

Indian country in which the permitted source will locate at the same time you submit your Request for 

Coverage to the reviewing authority.
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 12 of 16

Version 1.0

Attachment A: Abbreviations and Acronyms

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

bdt bone dry ton

CAA Federal Clean Air Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

°F degrees Fahrenheit

ft3cubic feet

Mbf thousand board feet

MMBtu/hr million British thermal units per hour

MMscf million standard cubic feet

MW megawatt

lbs/mbf pounds per thousand board feet

lbs/MMBtu pounds per million British thermal units 

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NSR new source review

NOx nitrogen oxides, except N2O

PM particulate matter

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration

VOC volatile organic compounds
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 13 of 16

Version 1.0

Attachment B: Definitions

Approval of the Request for Coverage means a reviewing authority’s letter granting an applicant’s request for 

construction or modification, and operation of a true minor source under the terms and conditions of this 

general permit.

Cause means with respect to the reviewing authority’s ability to terminate a permitted source’s coverage under 

a permit that:

1. The permittee is not in compliance with the provisions of this general permit; 

2. The reviewing authority determines that the emissions resulting from the construction or modification 

of the permitted source significantly contribute to NAAQS violations, which are not adequately 

addressed by the requirements in this general permit;

3. The reviewing authority has reason to believe that the permittee obtained Approval of the Request for 

Coverage by fraud or misrepresentation; or

4. The permittee failed to disclose a material fact required by the Request for Coverage or the regulations 

applicable to the permitted source of which the applicant had or should have had knowledge at the time 

the permittee submitted the Request for Coverage.

Construction means any physical change or change in the method of operation including fabrication, erection, 

installation, demolition, or modification of an affected emissions unit that would result in a change of emissions.

Distillate fuel means fuel oils, including recycled oils that comply with the specifications for fuel oil numbers 1 

and 2, as defined by ASTM 396, or equivalent.

Lumber kiln means a thermally insulated chamber used to dry wood.

Permittee means the owner or operator of a permitted source.

Permitted source means each sawmill facility for which a reviewing authority issues an Approval of the Request 

for Coverage.

Planar mill means a process unit that takes cut and seasoned boards from a sawmill and turns them into finished 

dimensional lumber.

Request for Coverage means a permit application that contains all the information required in the standard 

application form.

Sawmill means a facility that processes logs into lumber. This may include a head saw, a chipper, debarking, 

hedging, log sawing, sawdust conveying and handling, chip conveying and handling, and other associated units.

Standard cubic foot means a measure of the quantity of a gas equal to a cubic foot of volume at a temperature 

of 68 °F and a pressure of 29.92 inches mercury.
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 14 of 16

Version 1.0

Attachment C – Fugitive Dust Control Plan

1. Site Roadways and Plant Yard

a. The dust on the site roadways/plant yard shall be controlled by applications of water, calcium chloride 

or other acceptable fugitive dust control compound approved by the reviewing authority. Applications 

of dust suppressants shall be done as often as necessary to meet all applicable emission limits.

b. All paved roadways/plant yards shall be swept as needed between applications.

c. Any material spillage on roads shall be cleaned up immediately.

2. Plant

a. The drop distance at each transfer point shall be reduced to the minimum the equipment can achieve. 

b. The transfer point from the re-circulating belt to the feed belt shall be equipped with an enclosed chute.

3. Storage Piles

a. Stockpiling of all saw dust shall be performed to minimize drop distance and control potential dust 

problems.

b. Stockpiles shall be watered on an as needed basis in order to meet the opacity limits. Also, equipment to 

apply water or dust suppressant shall be available at the site, or on call for use at the site, within a given 

operating day. 

4. Truck Traffic

a. Vehicles shall be loaded to prevent their contents from dropping, leaking, blowing or otherwise 

escaping. This shall be accomplished by loading so that no part of the load shall come in contact within 

six inches of the top of any side board, side panel or tail gate; otherwise, the truck shall be tarped.

b. A speed limit sign of 15 miles-per-hour or lower shall be posted on site so that it is visible to truck traffic.

5. Corrective Actions

If corrective action needs to be taken, the permittee shall consider and use one or more of the following 

options: adjust the watering and/or sweeping frequencies, reduce drop distances, increase cover, and/or 

take other actions to reduce fugitive dust emissions.
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 15 of 16

Version 1.0

Attachment D – Sample VOC Calculations

Example 1: Western Hemlock with a Maximum Kiln Temperature Less than or Equal to 200 degrees 

Fahrenheit

Methodology:

 VOC emissions (tons/month) = kiln throughput (Mbf/month)*VOC emission factor (lbs/Mbf)*1 

ton/2,000 lbs

Sample:

 Assume kiln throughput: 1 Mbf in a month

 VOC emission factor for western hemlock with kiln firing temperature ≤ 200° F, as shown in Condition 

41: 0.5253 lbs/mbf

 VOC emissions (tons/month) = 1 mbf/month*0.5253 lbs/mbf*(1 tons/2,000 lbs)

 VOC emissions (tons/month) = 2.301 tons/month

Example 2: Coating Emissions

Methodology:

 VOC emissions (tons/month) = solvent usage (gallons)*density (lbs/gal)*% VOC*1 ton/2000 lbs

Sample:

 Assume: 5 gallons of coating used in a month, coating density of 5 lbs/gallon, coating VOC content is 

30%

 VOC emissions (tons/month) = 5 gallons*5 lbs/gallon*0.30 VOC*1 ton/2000 lbs

 VOC emissions (tons/month) = 0.00375 tons/month
General Permit for Sawmill Facilities Page 16 of 16

Version 1.0

Attachment E – List of the EPA Reviewing Authorities and Areas of Coverage

EPA Region Address Area Covered Phone Number

Region I 1 Congress Street

Suite 1100

Boston, MA 02114–2023

Connecticut, Maine, 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, 

Rhode Island, and Vermont

888- 372-7341

617-918-1111

Region II 290 Broadway

25th Floor

New York, NY 10007–1866

New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, 

and Virgin Islands

877-251-4575

Region III 1650 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103–2187

Delaware, District of Columbia, 

Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, 

and West Virginia

800-438-2474

215-814-5000

Region IV Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center

61 Forsyth Street SW

12th Floor

Atlanta, GA 30303

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, 

Kentucky, Mississippi, North 

Carolina, South Carolina, and 

Tennessee

800-241-1754

404-562-9000

Region V 77 West Jackson Street

Chicago, IL 60604

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, 

Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin

800-621-8431

312-353-2000

Region VI 1445 Ross Avenue

Dallas, TX 75202

Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, 

Oklahoma, and Texas 800-887-6063

214-665-2760

Region VII 11201 Renner Boulevard

Lenexa, KS 66219

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and 

Nebraska

800-223-0425

913-551-7003

Region VIII 1595 Wynkoop Street

Denver, CO 80202–1129

Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

800-227-8917

303-312-6312

Region IX 75 Hawthorne Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

American Samoa, Arizona, 

California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, 

and Northern Mariana Islands

866-EPA-9378

415-947-8000

Region X 1200 Sixth Avenue

Seattle, WA 98101

Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and 

Washington

800-424-4372

206-553-1200