Virginia Administrative Code

Database updated through January 6, 2011

Article 5 

State Operating Permits 

9VAC5-80-800. Applicability. 

A. Within the limits of subsection C of this section, the provisions of this article apply to the operation 

of any stationary source or emissions unit of a regulated air pollutant. 

B. The provisions of this article apply throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

C. Permits may be issued under this article in situations including, but not limited to, the following: 

1. At the request of any owner: 

a. To designate a stationary source or emissions unit as a synthetic minor; 

b. To combine a stationary source's or emissions unit's requirements under multiple permits 

into one permit; or 

c. To implement emissions trading requirements. 

2. At the discretion of the board: 

a. To cap the emissions of a stationary source or emissions unit contributing to a violation of 

any air quality standard; or 

b. To establish a source-specific emission standard or other requirements necessary to 

implement the federal Clean Air Act or the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law. 

D. A permit may be issued under this article regardless of other permits in force provided that it does 

not contravene any provision of any of the other permits. 

E. For permits issued pursuant to the provisions of subdivision C 2 of this section, a permit application 

is not required from the stationary source or emissions unit, and the provisions of 9VAC5-80-830 and 

9VAC5-80-860 do not apply. 
Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-810. Definitions. 

A. For the purpose of this article and subsequent amendments or any orders issued by the board, the 

words or terms shall have the meaning given them in subsection C of this section. 

B. As used in this article, all terms not defined here shall have the meaning given them in 9VAC5 

Chapter 10 (9VAC5-10-10 et seq.), unless otherwise required by context. 

C. Terms defined. 

"Actual emissions" means the actual rate of emissions of a pollutant from any stationary source or 

emissions unit. In general, actual emissions as of a particular date shall equal the highest annual rate, in 

tons per calendar year, at which the stationary source or emissions unit actually emitted a pollutant during 

the consecutive five-year period which precedes the particular date and which is representative of normal 

stationary source or emissions unit operation. The board may allow the use of a different historical time 

period upon a determination that it is more representative of normal stationary source or emissions unit 

operation. Actual emissions shall be calculated using the stationary source's or emissions unit's actual 

operating hours, production rates, and types of materials processed, stored, or combusted during the 

selected time period. 

"Allowable emissions" means the emission rates of a stationary source or emissions unit calculated by 

using the maximum rated capacity of the emissions units within the stationary source or emissions unit 

(unless the stationary source or emissions unit is subject to state or federally enforceable limits which 

restrict the operating rate or hours of operation or both) and the most stringent of the following: 

1. Applicable emission standards; 

2. The emission limitation specified as a state or federally enforceable permit condition, including 
those with a future compliance date; or

3. Any other applicable emission limitation, including those with a future compliance date. 

"Complete application" or "complete request" means that the application or request contains all the 

information necessary for processing the application or request. Designating an application or request 

complete for purposes of permit processing does not preclude the board from requesting or accepting 

additional information. 

"Contributing to a violation" means, in reference to the potential of a stationary source or emissions 

unit to emit any of the following pollutants, an air quality impact greater than any of the following amounts: 

Carbon monoxide -- 500 μg/m3, 8-hour average 

Carbon monoxide -- 2,000 μg/m3, 1-hour average 

Nitrogen dioxide -- 1 μg/m3, annual average 

PM10 -- 1 μg/m3, annual average 

PM10 -- 5 μg/m3, 24-hour average 

Sulfur dioxide -- 1 μg/m3, annual average 

Sulfur dioxide -- 5 μg/m3, 24-hour average 

Sulfur dioxide -- 25 μg/m3, 3-hour average 

"Emissions cap" means any limitation on the rate of emissions of any regulated air pollutant from one 

or more emissions units established and identified as an emissions cap in any permit issued pursuant to 

the new source review program or operating permit program. 

"Emissions unit" means any part of a stationary source which emits or would have the potential to emit 

any regulated air pollutant. 

"Enforceable as a practical matter" means that the permit contains emission limitations that are 

enforceable by the board or the department and meet the following criteria: 

1. Are permanent. 
2. Contain a legal obligation for the owner to adhere to the terms and conditions. 

3. Do not allow a relaxation of a requirement of the implementation plan. 

4. Are technically accurate and quantifiable. 

5. Identify an averaging time that allows at least monthly (or a shorter period if necessary to be 

consistent with the implementation plan) checks on compliance. 

6. Require a level of recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring sufficient to demonstrate compliance. 

"Existing stationary source" means any stationary source other than a new source. 

"Federally enforceable" means all limitations and conditions which are enforceable by the 

administrator and citizens under the federal Clean Air Act or that are enforceable under other statutes 

administered by the administrator. Federally enforceable limitations and conditions include, but are not 

limited to, the following: 

1. Emission standards, alternative emission standards, alternative emission limitations and 

equivalent emission limitations established pursuant to § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act as 

amended in 1990. 

2. New source performance standards established pursuant to § 111 of the federal Clean Air Act 

and emission standards established pursuant to § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act before it was 

amended in 1990. 

3. All terms and conditions in an operating permit issued pursuant to a program approved by the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with 40 CFR Part 70, including any 

provisions that limit a source's potential to emit, unless expressly designated as not federally 

enforceable. 

4. Limitations and conditions that are part of the implementation plan. 

5. Limitations and conditions that are part of a permit issued under the new source review program. 

6. Limitations and conditions that are part of an operating permit issued pursuant to a program 

approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency into an implementation plan as meeting the 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's minimum criteria for federal enforceability, including 

adequate notice and opportunity for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and public 

comment prior to issuance of the final permit and practicable enforceability. 

7. Limitations and conditions in a regulation of the board or in a Virginia program that has been 

approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under subpart E of 40 CFR Part 63 for the 

purposes of implementing and enforcing § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act. 

8. Individual consent agreements that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has legal 

authority to create. 

"General permit" means a permit issued under this article that meets the requirements of 9VAC5-80-

1030. 

"Major stationary source" means any stationary source which emits, or has the potential to emit, 100 

tons or more per year of any regulated air pollutant. 

"New source" means any stationary source (or portion of it), the construction or relocation of which 

commenced on or after March 17, 1972, and any stationary source (or portion of it), the reconstruction of 

which commenced on or after December 10, 1976. 

"New source review program" means a program for the preconstruction review and permitting of new 

sources or emissions units or expansions to existing ones in accordance with regulations promulgated to 

implement the requirements of §§ 110(a)(2)(C), 165 (relating to permits in prevention of significant 

deterioration areas) and 173 (relating to permits in nonattainment areas) of the federal Clean Air Act. 

"Nonattainment condition" means a condition where any area is shown by air quality monitoring data 

or which is shown by an air quality impact analysis (using modeling or other methods determined by the 

board to be reliable) to exceed the levels allowed by the ambient air quality standard for a given pollutant, 

regardless of whether such demonstration is based on current or future emissions data. 

"Owner" means any person, including bodies politic and corporate, associations, partnerships, 

personal representatives, trustees and committees, as well as individuals, who owns, leases, operates, 
controls or supervises a stationary source. 

"Potential to emit" means the maximum capacity of a stationary source or emissions unit to emit a 

pollutant under its physical and operational design. Any physical or operational limitation on the capacity 

of the stationary source or emissions unit to emit a pollutant, including air pollution control equipment and 

restrictions on hours of operation or on the type or amount of material combusted, stored, or processed, 

shall be treated as part of its design if the limitation or the effect it would have on emissions is state or 

federally enforceable. Secondary emissions do not count in determining the potential to emit of a 

stationary source or emissions unit. 

"Regulated air pollutant" means any of the following: 

1. Nitrogen oxides or any volatile organic compound. 

2. Any pollutant for which an ambient air quality standard has been promulgated. 

3. Any pollutant subject to any standard promulgated under § 111 of the federal Clean Air Act. 

4. Any Class I or II substance subject to a standard promulgated under or established by Title VI of 

the federal Clean Air Act concerning stratospheric ozone protection. 

5. Any pollutant subject to a standard promulgated under or other requirements established under 

§ 112 of the federal Clean Air Act concerning hazardous air pollutants and any pollutant regulated 

under Subpart C of 40 CFR 68. 

6. Any pollutant subject to a regulation adopted by the board. 

7. Any pollutant subject to regulation under the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law. 

"Secondary emissions" means emissions which would occur as a result of the construction or 

operation of a major stationary source, but do not come from the major stationary source itself. Secondary 

emissions include emissions from any offsite support facility which would not be constructed or increase 

its emissions except as a result of the construction or operation of the major stationary source. Secondary 

emissions do not include any emissions which come directly from a mobile source, such as emissions 

from the tailpipe of a motor vehicle, from a train, or from a vessel. 
"State-enforceable" means all limitations and conditions which are enforceable as a practical matter, 

including those requirements developed pursuant to 9VAC5-170-160, requirements within any applicable 

order, regulation of the board, or variance, and any permit requirements established pursuant to 9VAC5 

Chapter 80 (9VAC5-80-10 et seq.). 

"Stationary source" means any building, structure, facility or installation which emits or may emit any 

air pollutant. A stationary source shall include all of the pollutant-emitting activities which belong to the 

same industrial grouping, are located on one or more contiguous or adjacent properties, and are under 

the control of the same person (or persons under common control) except the activities of any vessel. 

Pollutant-emitting activities shall be considered as part of the same industrial grouping if they belong to 

the same "major group" (i.e., which have the same two-digit code) as described in the Standard Industrial 

Classification Manual (see 9VAC5-20-21). 

"Synthetic minor" means a stationary source whose potential to emit is constrained by stateenforceable limits, by federally enforceable limits, or by both so as to place that stationary source below 

the threshold at which it would be subject to permit or other requirements in regulations of the board or in 

the federal Clean Air Act. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-820. General. 

A. The board may issue permits whose applicability is limited to one specific pollutant or to multiple 

specific pollutants emitted by a stationary source or emissions unit. It may also issue permits whose 

applicability is limited to one specific emissions unit or multiple specific emissions units within a stationary

source. The issuance of such permits may occur in any of the situations specified in 9VAC5-80-800 C. 

B. The board may combine the requirements of and the permits for emissions units within a stationary 
source or emissions unit subject to 9VAC5 Chapter 80 (9VAC5-80-10 et seq.) into one permit. The board 

may likewise combine the requirements of and applications for permits for emissions units within a 

stationary source or emissions unit required by 9VAC5 Chapter 80 (9VAC5-80-10 et seq.) into one 

application. 

C. Permits issued under the provisions of 9VAC5-80-10 or Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1700 et seq.) or Article 

9 (9VAC5-80-2000 et seq.) of this part may be considered as having met the requirements of this article 

but shall be subject to the provisions of 9VAC5-80-950, 9VAC5-80-960, 9VAC5-80-970, 9VAC5-80-980, 

9VAC5-80-990, 9VAC5-80-1000, and 9VAC5-80-1010. 

D. No provision of regulations of the board shall limit the power of the board to issue an operating 

permit pursuant to this article in order to remedy a condition that may cause or contribute to the 

endangerment of human health or welfare. 

E. Any decisions of the board made pursuant to this article may be appealed pursuant to Part VIII 

(9VAC5-170-190 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 170. 

F. In order for a permit issued pursuant to this article to be federally enforceable, the following 

conditions shall be met: 

1. The permit shall include a legal obligation that the permittee adhere to the terms and limitations 

of the permit. 

2. The permit shall conform to the requirements of this article and to the requirements of any 

regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that form the basis for this article. 

3. The permit shall contain emission limits, controls, and other requirements that are at least as 

stringent as any applicable limitations and requirements contained in the implementation plan or 

enforceable under the implementation plan. 

4. The emission limits, controls, and other requirements of the permit shall be permanent, 

quantifiable, and enforceable as a practical matter. 

5. The permit shall be issued subject to the public participation requirements of 9VAC5-80-1020. 
6. A copy of the proposed (draft) and final permit shall be sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency on a timely basis. 

G. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection F of this section, no provision of this article shall be 

interpreted to prevent the board from issuing a permit that is not federally enforceable and, if appropriate, 

seeking approval of the permit under the then-current regulations and policies of the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-830. Applications. 

A. For permits issued under the provisions of 9VAC5-80-800 C 1, a single complete application is 

required identifying each emissions unit to be covered by the permit. The application shall be submitted 

according to procedures approved by the board. Where several units are included in one stationary 

source, a single complete application shall be submitted covering all units which are to be permitted in the 

stationary source. A separate complete application is required for each stationary source. 

B. Any application form, report, or compliance certification submitted to the board shall meet the 

requirements of 9VAC5-20-230. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-840. Application information required. 

A. The board shall furnish application forms to applicants. 
B. Each application for a permit under the provisions of 9VAC5-80-800 C 1 shall include, but not be 

limited to, the following: 

1. Company name and address (or plant name and address if different from the company name), 

owner's name and agent, and telephone number and names of plant site manager or contact or 

both. 

2. A description of the source's processes and products (by Standard Industrial Classification 

Code). 

3. All emissions of regulated air pollutants. 

a. A permit application shall describe all emissions of regulated air pollutants emitted from any 

emissions unit to be covered by the permit. 

b. Emissions shall be calculated as required in the permit application form or instructions. 

c. Fugitive emissions shall be included in the permit application to the extent quantifiable. 

4. Emissions rates in tons per year and in such terms as are necessary to establish compliance 

consistent with the applicable standard reference test method. 

5. Information needed to determine or regulate emissions as follows: fuels, fuel use, raw materials, 

production rates, loading rates, and operating schedules. 

6. Identification and description of air pollution control equipment and compliance monitoring 

devices or activities. 

7. Limitations on source operation affecting emissions or any work practice standards, where 

applicable, for all regulated air pollutants at the source. 

8. Calculations on which the information in subdivisions 3 through 7 of this subsection is based. 

Any calculations shall include sufficient detail to permit assessment of the validity of such 

calculations. 

9. Any additional information or documentation that the board deems necessary to review and 

analyze the air pollution aspects of the stationary source or emissions unit. 
C. The above information and analysis shall be determined and presented according to procedures 

and using methods acceptable to the board. 

D. For permits issued pursuant to the provisions of 9VAC5-80-800 C 2, the provisions of subsections 

A and B of this section do not apply. 

E. For permits issued pursuant to the provisions of 9VAC5-80-800 C 2, the board may request any 

information or documentation that it deems necessary to review and analyze the air pollution aspects of 

the stationary source or emissions unit. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-850. Standards and conditions for granting permits. 

A. A permit may be granted pursuant to this article if it is shown to the satisfaction of the board that the 

following standards and conditions will be met: 

1. The stationary source or emissions unit shall operate without causing a violation of the 

applicable provisions of regulations of the board; 

2. The stationary source or emissions unit shall be in compliance with all applicable emission 

standards or meet the provisions of any administrative enforcement mechanism issued pursuant to 

9VAC5-170-120; and 

3. The stationary source or emissions unit shall operate in conformance with any applicable control 

strategy, including any emission standards or emission limitations, in the implementation plan in 

effect at the time that an application is submitted so as not to prevent or interfere with the 

attainment or maintenance of any applicable ambient air quality standard. 

B. Permits may be granted to stationary sources or emissions units located in nonattainment areas 

provided the requirements of subdivisions A 1 and 2 of this section are met. 
C. Permits granted pursuant to this article may contain emission standards as necessary to implement 

the provisions of this article. The following criteria shall be met in establishing emission standards to the 

extent necessary to assure that emissions levels are enforceable as a practical matter: 

1. Standards shall be based on averaging time periods for the standards as appropriate based on 

applicable air quality standards, any emission standard applicable to the emissions unit prior to the 

date the permit is issued, or the operation of the emissions unit, or any combination thereof. The 

emission standards may include the level, quantity, rate, or concentration or any combination of 

them for each affected pollutant. 

2. In no case shall a standard result in emissions which would exceed the lesser of the following: 

a. Allowable emissions for the emissions unit based on emission standards applicable prior to 

the date the permit is issued; or 

b. The emission rate based on the potential to emit of the emissions unit. 

3. Emission standards shall only include limitations that are determined by the board to be 

achievable through application of production processes or available methods, systems, and 

techniques, including, but not limited to, any of the following: emissions control equipment, fuel 

cleaning or treatment, fuel combustion techniques, or substitution of less toxic or nontoxic 

materials. 

4. The standard may prescribe, as an alternative to or a supplement to an emission limitation, an 

equipment, work practice, fuels specification, process materials, maintenance, or operational 

standard, or any combination of them. 

D. In consideration of the factors specified below, the owner may propose and the board may 

establish an alternative emission standard provided the owner demonstrates to the satisfaction of the 

board that it meets the standards and conditions in subsection A and subdivision C 2 of this section and is 

enforceable as a practical matter. 

1. The impact upon the ability of the stationary source or emissions unit to operate in a competitive 
and efficient manner. 

2. The previous efforts to reduce actual emissions taken at the owner's initiative. 

3. The technological and economic practicality of reducing emissions. 

4. The impact upon the availability and cost of fuels and process materials. 

E. An emission standard may be changed to allow an increase in emissions level provided the 

amended standard meets the requirements of subsection A of this section and the increased emissions 

levels would not make the stationary source or emissions unit subject to the new source review program. 

F. Operating permits issued under this article may contain, but not be limited to, any the following 

elements as necessary to ensure that the permits are enforceable as a practical matter: 

1. Emission standards as set out in this section. 

2. Conditions necessary to enforce emission standards. Conditions to provide enforceability may 

include, but not be limited to, the following: 

a. Limit on fuel sulfur content; 

b. Limit on production rates with time frames as appropriate to support the emission standards 

in this section; 

c. Limit on raw material usage rate; and 

d. Limits on the minimum required capture, removal and overall control efficiency for any air 

pollution control equipment. 

3. Specifications for permitted equipment, identified as thoroughly as possible. The identification 

shall include, but not be limited to, type, rated capacity, and size. 

4. Specifications for air pollution control equipment installed or to be installed and the 

circumstances under which such equipment shall be operated. 

5. Specifications for air pollution control equipment operating parameters, where necessary to 

ensure that the required overall control efficiency is achieved. The operating parameters may 
include, but not be limited to, the following: 

a. Pressure indicators and required pressure drop; 

b. Temperature indicators and required temperature; 

c. pH indicators and required pH; and 

d. Flow indicators and required flow. 

6. Requirements for proper operation and maintenance of any pollution control equipment, and 

appropriate spare parts inventory. 

7. Stack test requirements. 

8. Reporting or recordkeeping requirements, or both. 

9. Continuous emission or air quality monitoring requirements, or both. 

10. Compliance schedules.

11. Other requirements as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the applicable state and 

federal regulations. 

G. Permits granted pursuant to this article shall contain terms and conditions to the extent necessary 

to ensure that: 

1. The permit meets the requirements of this article; 

2. The permit is enforceable as a practical matter; and 

3. The permittee adheres to the terms and conditions of the permit. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-860. Action on permit application. 

A. After receipt of an application or any additional information, the board shall advise the applicant in 
writing of any deficiency in such application or information no later than 30 days after receipt of the 

application or additional information. 

B. The board will normally process an application according to the steps specified in subdivisions 1 

through 5 of this subsection. Processing time for these steps is normally 90 days following receipt of a 

complete application. If a public comment period is required, processing time is normally 180 days 

following receipt of a complete application. The board may extend this time period if additional information 

is needed. 

1. Complete the preliminary review and analysis in accordance with 9VAC5-80-870 and the 

preliminary determination of the board; 

2. Inspect the stationary source or emissions unit, provided an inspection has not been conducted 

within the last six months; 

3. When required, complete the public participation requirements in accordance with 9VAC5-80-

1020; 

4. Consider the public comments received in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1020; and

5. Complete the final review and analysis and the final determination of the board. 

C. The board will normally take final action on an application after completion of the steps in 

subsection B of this section except in cases where a public hearing to provide the opportunity for 

interested persons to contest the application is granted pursuant to 9VAC5-80-35. The board will review 

any request made under 9VAC5-80-1020 C, and will take final action on the request and application as 

provided in Part I (9VAC5-80-5 et seq.) of this chapter. 

D. The board shall issue the permit or notify the applicant in writing of its decision, with its reasons, not 

to issue the permit. 

E. Within five days after receipt of the permit pursuant to subsection B of this section, the applicant 

shall maintain the permit on the premises for which the permit has been issued and shall make the permit 

immediately available to the board upon request. 
F. Appeals of decisions rendered pursuant to this article shall follow the procedures outlined in Part 

VIII (9VAC5-170-190 et seq.) of 9VAC5-170 (Regulation for General Administration). 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; Clean Air Act (§§ 110, 112, 165, 173, 182 and Title V); 40 CFR Parts 

51, 61, 63, 70 and 72. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998; amended, Virginia Register 

Volume 25, Issue 6, eff. December 31, 2008. 

9VAC5-80-870. Application review and analysis. 

A. No permit shall be granted pursuant to this article unless compliance with the standards in 9VAC5-

80-850 is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the board by a review and analysis of the application 

performed on a source-by-source basis as specified below: 

1. Applications shall be subject to a control technology review to determine if each emissions unit 

that is to be permitted within the stationary source is equipped to comply with all applicable 

emission standards. 

2. Applications may be subject to an air quality analysis to determine the impact of pollutant 

emissions. 

B. If the board has reason to believe that a source may be in violation of an air quality standard, it may 

require an air quality impact model. All applications of air quality modeling involved in any air quality 

analysis required by this article shall be based on the applicable air quality models, data bases, and other 

requirements specified in Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51. 

C. Where an air quality impact model specified in Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51 is inappropriate, the 

model may be modified or another model substituted. Such a modification or substitution of a model may 

be made on a case-by-case basis, or, where appropriate, on a generic basis for a specific state program. 

Written approval of the board must be obtained for any modification or substitution. In addition, use of a 
modified or substituted model shall be subject to notice and opportunity for public comment under 9VAC5-

80-1020. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-880. Compliance determination and verification by testing. 

A. The board may require owners of sources subject to this article to conduct such tests as are 

necessary to determine the type or amount or both of the pollutants emitted from the stationary source or 

emissions unit or whether the stationary source or emissions unit will be in compliance with any 

provisions of any regulation of the board. Such tests shall be conducted in a manner acceptable to the 

board. 

B. The requirements under subsection A of this section shall be carried out in accordance with the 

provisions contained in Part I (9VAC5-40-10 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40, Part I (9VAC5-50-10 et seq.) 

of 9VAC5 Chapter 50, and Part I (9VAC5-60-10 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60, as applicable, or by other 

means acceptable to the board. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-890. Monitoring requirements. 

A. The board may require owners of stationary sources subject to this article to install, calibrate, 

operate and maintain equipment for continuously monitoring and recording emissions or process 

parameters or both, and establish and maintain records, and make periodic emission reports as the board 

may prescribe. These requirements shall be conducted in a manner acceptable to the board. 
B. The requirements under subsection A of this section shall be carried out in accordance with the 

provisions contained in Part I (9VAC5-40-10 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40, Part I (9VAC5-50-10 et seq.) 

of 9VAC5 Chapter 50, and Part I (9VAC5-60-10 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60, as applicable, or by other 

means acceptable to the board. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-900. Reporting requirements. 

A. The board may require owners of stationary sources subject to this article to establish and maintain 

records, provide notifications and reports, revise reports, report emission tests or monitoring results in a 

manner and form and using procedures as the board may prescribe. Any records, notifications, reports, or 

tests required under this section shall be retained by the owner for at least three years following the date 

of such records, notifications, reports or tests. If an owner wishes to request the establishment of an 

average emissions baseline for a period longer than three years, that owner must maintain records for 

that period. 

B. The requirements under subsection A of this section shall be carried out in accordance with the 

provisions contained in Part I (9VAC5-40-10 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 40, Part I (9VAC5-50-10 et seq.) 

of 9VAC5 Chapter 50, and Part I (9VAC5-60-10 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60, as applicable, or by other 

means acceptable to the board. 

C. If a stationary source or emissions unit is shut down, the owner shall notify the board within six 

months of the date the stationary source or emissions unit is shut down and the provisions of 9VAC5-80-

950 shall apply. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 
Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-910. Existence of permit no defense. 

The existence of a permit under this article shall not constitute a defense to a violation of the Virginia 

Air Pollution Control Law or regulations of the board and shall not relieve any owner of the responsibility 

to comply with any applicable regulations, laws, ordinances and orders of the governmental entities 

having jurisdiction. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-920. Circumvention. 

Regardless of the exemptions provided in this article, permits shall be required of owners who 

circumvent the requirements of this article by causing or allowing a pattern of ownership or development 

over a geographic area of a stationary source which, except for the pattern of ownership or development, 

would otherwise require a permit. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-930. Compliance with local zoning requirements. 

No provision of this article or any permit issued thereunder shall relieve any owner from the 

responsibility to comply in all respects with any existing zoning ordinances and regulations in the locality 

in which the stationary source is located provided, however, that such compliance does not relieve the 
board of its duty under 9VAC5-170-170 and § 10.1-1307 E of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law to 

independently consider relevant facts and circumstances. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-940. Transfer of permits. 

A. No person shall transfer a permit from one location to another, or from one piece of equipment to 

another. 

B. In the case of a transfer of ownership or name change of a stationary source, the new owner shall 

abide by any current permit issued to the previous owner or to the same owner under the previous source 

name. The new owner shall notify the board of the change in ownership or source name or both within 30 

days of the transfer or name change. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-950. Termination of permits. 

A. A permit or any amendment thereof shall be valid for the life of the source unless the board 

terminates the permit under the conditions of subsections B or C of this section. 

B. The board may terminate a permit with the consent of the owner for good cause shown by the 

owner or on its own motion provided that the termination is accomplished in accordance with the 

provisions of regulations of the board and the Administrative Process Act. 

C. Upon a final determination that a stationary source or emissions unit is shut down permanently, the 
board shall revoke any permits for that source or emissions unit in accordance with 9VAC5-20-220. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-960. Changes to permits. 

A. The general requirements for making changes to permits are as follows: 

1. Changes to a permit issued under this article shall be made as specified under subsections B 

and C of this section and 9VAC5-80-970 through 9VAC5-80-1000. 

2. Changes to a permit issued under this article may be initiated by the permittee as specified in 

subsection B of this section or by the board as specified in subsection C of this section. 

3. Changes to a permit issued under this article and incorporated into a permit issued under Article 

1 (9VAC5-80-50 et seq.) of this part shall be made as specified in Article 1 (9VAC5-80-50 et seq.) 

of this part. 

4. This section shall not be applicable to general permits. 

B. The requirements for changes initiated by the permittee are as follows: 

1. The permittee may initiate a change to a permit by submitting a written request to the board for 

an administrative permit amendment, a minor permit amendment or a significant permit 

amendment. The requirements for these permit revisions can be found in 9VAC5-80-970 through 

9VAC5-80-990. 

2. A request for a change by a permittee shall include a statement of the reason for the proposed 

change. 

C. The board may initiate a change to a permit through the use of permit reopenings as specified in 

9VAC5-80-1000. 
Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-970. Administrative permit amendments. 

A. Administrative permit amendments shall be required for and limited to the following: 

1. Correction of typographical or any other error, defect or irregularity which does not substantially 

affect the permit. 

2. Identification of a change in the name, address, or phone number of any person identified in the 

permit, or of a similar minor administrative change at the source. 

3. Change in ownership or operational control of a source where the board determines that no 

other change in the permit is necessary, provided that a written agreement containing a specific 

date for transfer of permit responsibility, coverage, and liability between the current and new 

permittee has been submitted to the board and the requirements of 9VAC5-80-940 have been 

fulfilled. 

4. The combining of permits as provided in 9VAC5-80-800 C 1 b. 

B. The administrative permit amendment procedures are as follows: 

1. The board will normally take final action on a complete request for an administrative permit 

amendment no more than 60 days from receipt of the request. 

2. The board shall incorporate the changes without providing notice to the public under 9VAC5-80-

1020. However, any such permit revisions shall be designated in the permit amendment as having 

been made pursuant to this section. 

3. The owner may implement the changes addressed in the request for an administrative 

amendment immediately upon submittal of the request. 
Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-980. Minor permit amendments. 

A. Minor permit amendment procedures shall be used only for those permit amendments that: 

1. Do not violate any applicable regulatory requirement; 

2. Do not involve significant changes to existing monitoring, reporting, or recordkeeping 

requirements that would make the permit requirements less stringent, such as a change to the 

method of monitoring to be used, a change to the method of demonstrating compliance or a 

relaxation of reporting or recordkeeping requirements; 

3. Do not require or change a case-by-case determination of an emission limitation or other 

standard; 

4. Do not seek to establish or change a permit term or condition (i) for which there is no 

corresponding underlying applicable regulatory requirement and (ii) that the source has assumed 

to avoid an applicable regulatory requirement to which the source would otherwise be subject. 

Such terms and conditions include: 

a. An emissions cap assumed to avoid classification as a modification under the new source 

review program or § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act; and 

b. An alternative emissions limit approved pursuant to regulations promulgated under § 

112(i)(5) of the federal Clean Air Act; 

5. Are not modifications under the new source review program or under § 112 of the federal Clean 

Air Act; and 

6. Are not required to be processed as a significant amendment under 9VAC5-80-990; or as an 

administrative permit amendment under 9VAC5-80-970. 
B. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, minor permit amendment procedures may be used for 

permit amendments involving the use of economic incentives, emissions trading, and other similar 

approaches, to the extent that such minor permit amendment procedures are explicitly provided for in a 

regulation of the board or a federally-approved program. Minor permit amendment procedures may also 

be used to require more frequent monitoring or reporting by the permittee or to reduce the level of an 

emissions cap. 

C. Notwithstanding subsection A of this section, minor permit amendment procedures may by used for 

permit amendments involving the rescission of a provision of a permit provided there is made by the 

board and the owner a mutual determination that the provision is rescinded because all of the statutory or 

regulatory requirements (i) upon which the provision is based or (ii) that necessitated inclusion of the 

provision are no longer applicable. 

D. A request for the use of minor permit amendment procedures shall include all of the following: 

1. A description of the change, the emissions resulting from the change, and any new applicable 

regulatory requirements that will apply if the change occurs. 

2. A request that such procedures be used. 

E. The public participation requirements of 9VAC5-80-1020 shall not extend to minor permit 

amendments. 

F. Normally within 90 days of receipt by the board of a complete request under minor permit 

amendment procedures, the board will do one of the following: 

1. Issue the permit amendment as proposed. 

2. Deny the permit amendment request. 

3. Determine that the requested amendment does not meet the minor permit amendment criteria 

and should be reviewed under the significant amendment procedures. 

G. The requirements for making changes are as follows: 

1. The owner may make the change proposed in the minor permit amendment request immediately 
after the complete request is filed. 

2. After the change under subdivision 1 of this subsection is made, and until the board takes any of 

the actions specified in subsection F of this section, the source shall comply with both the 

applicable regulatory requirements governing the change and the proposed permit terms and 

conditions. 

3. During the time period specified in subdivision 2 of this subsection, the owner need not comply 

with the existing permit terms and conditions he seeks to modify. However, if the owner fails to 

comply with the proposed permit terms and conditions during this time period, the existing permit 

terms and conditions he seeks to modify may be enforced against him. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-990. Significant amendment procedures. 

A. The criteria for use of significant amendment procedures are as follows: 

1. Significant amendment procedures shall be used for requests for permit amendments that do 

not qualify as minor permit amendments under 9VAC5-80-980 or as administrative amendments 

under 9VAC5-80-970. 

2. Significant amendment procedures shall be used for those permit amendments that: 

a. Involve significant changes to existing monitoring, reporting, or recordkeeping requirements 

that would make the permit requirements less stringent, such as a change to the method of 

monitoring to be used, a change to the method of demonstrating compliance or a relaxation of 

reporting or recordkeeping requirements. 

b. Require or change a case-by-case determination of an emission limitation or other standard. 

c. Seek to establish or change a permit term or condition (i) for which there is no corresponding 
underlying applicable regulatory requirement and (ii) that the source has assumed to avoid an 

applicable regulatory requirement to which the source would otherwise be subject. Such terms 

and conditions include: 

(1) An emissions cap assumed to avoid classification as a modification under the new source 

review program or § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act. 

(2) An alternative emissions limit approved pursuant to regulations promulgated under § 

112(i)(5) of the federal Clean Air Act. 

B. A request for a significant permit amendment shall include the following: 

1. A description of the change, the emissions resulting from the change, and any new applicable 

regulatory requirements that will apply if the change occurs. 

2. A suggested draft permit prepared by the applicant. 

C. The provisions of 9VAC5-80-1020 shall apply to applications made under this section. 

D. The board will normally take final action on significant permit amendments within 90 days after 

receipt of a complete request. If a public comment period is required, processing time for a request is 

normally 180 days following receipt of a complete request except in cases where a public hearing to 

provide the opportunity for interested persons to contest the request is granted pursuant to 9VAC5-80-35. 

The board may extend this time period if additional information is needed.

E. The owner shall not make the change applied for in the significant amendment request until the 

amendment is approved by the board under subsection D of this section. 

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; Clean Air Act (§§ 110, 112, 165, 173, 182 and Title V); 40 CFR Parts 

51, 61, 63, 70 and 72. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998; amended, Virginia Register 

Volume 25, Issue 6, eff. December 31, 2008. 
9VAC5-80-1000. Reopening for cause. 

A. A permit may be reopened and revised in any of the following situations: 

1. Additional regulatory requirements or changes to existing requirements become applicable to 

emissions units or pollutants covered by the permit. 

2. The board determines that the permit contains a material mistake or that inaccurate statements 

were made in establishing the emissions standards or other terms or conditions of the permit. 

3. The board determines that the permit must be revised to assure compliance with the applicable 

regulatory requirements or that the conditions of the permit will not be sufficient to meet all of the 

standards and requirements contained in this article. 

B. Proceedings to reopen and reissue a permit shall follow the same procedures as apply to initial 

permit issuance and shall affect only those parts of the permit for which cause to reopen exists. Such 

reopening shall be made as expeditiously as practicable. 

C. Reopenings shall not be initiated before a notice of such intent is provided to the source by the 

board at least 30 days in advance of the date that the permit is to be reopened, except that the board may 

provide a shorter time period in the case of an emergency. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-1010. Enforcement. 

A. Permits issued under this article shall be subject to such terms and conditions set forth in the permit 

as the board may deem necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable standards. 

B. Regardless of the provisions of 9VAC5-80-950, the board may revoke any permit if the permittee: 

1. Knowingly makes material misstatements in the permit application or any amendments to it; 
2. Fails to comply with the terms or conditions of the permit; 

3. Fails to comply with any emission standards applicable to an emissions unit included in the 

permit; 

4. Causes emissions from the stationary source or emissions unit which result in violations of, or 

interfere with the attainment and maintenance of, any ambient air quality standard; or fails to 

operate in conformance with any applicable control strategy, including any emission standards or 

emission limitations, in the implementation plan in effect at the time that an application is 

submitted; or 

5. Fails to comply with the applicable provisions of 9VAC5-80-10 and Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1700 et 

seq.) and Article 9 (9VAC5-80-2000 et seq.) of this part. 

C. The board may suspend, under such conditions and for such period of time as the board may 

prescribe, any permit for any of the grounds for revocation contained in subsection B of this section or for 

any other violations of regulations of the board. 

D. Violation of regulations of the board shall be grounds for revocation of permits issued under this 

article and are subject to the civil charges, penalties and all other relief contained in Part I (9VAC5-20-10 

et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 20 and §§ 10.1-1309, 10.1-1311 and 10.1-1316 of the Virginia Air Pollution 

Control Law. 

E. The board shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision, with its reasons, to change, suspend or 

revoke a permit. 

F. Nothing in the regulations of the board shall be construed to prevent the board and the owner from 

making a mutual determination that a permit is invalid or revoked prior to any final decision rendered 

under subsection B of this section. 

G. Nothing in the regulations of the board shall be construed to prevent the board and the owner from 

making a mutual determination that a permit is rescinded because all of the statutory or regulatory 

requirements (i) upon which the permit is based or (ii) that necessitated issuance of the permit are no 
longer applicable. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-1020. Public participation. 

A. Prior to the decision of the board, permit applications for permits containing provisions that are 

necessary for the permit to be federally enforceable shall be subject to a public comment period of at 

least 30 days. 

B. When a public comment period is required, the board shall notify the public, by advertisement in at 

least one newspaper of general circulation in the affected air quality control region, of the opportunity for 

public comment on the information available for public inspection under the provisions of subsection A of 

this section. The notification shall be published at least 30 days prior to the day of the public hearing. 

1. Information on the permit application (exclusive of confidential information under 9VAC5-170-

60), as well as the preliminary review and analysis and preliminary determination of the board, 

shall be available for public inspection during the entire public comment period in at least one 

location in the affected air quality control region. 

2. A copy of the notice shall be sent to all affected local air pollution control agencies, to all states 

sharing the affected air quality control region, to the regional administrator of the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, and to any other governmental entity required to be notified 

under state or federal law or regulation. 

C. Following the initial publication of the notice required under subsection B of this section, the board 

will receive written requests for a public hearing to contest the preliminary determination of the board 

pursuant to the requirements of 9VAC5-80-35. In order to be considered, the request shall be submitted 

no later than the end of the comment period. Request for a public hearing shall contain the following 
information: 

1. The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the requester; 

2. The names and addresses of all persons for whom the requester is acting as a representative 

(for the purposes of this requirement, an unincorporated association is a person); 

3. The reason why a public hearing is requested; 

4. A brief, informal statement setting forth the factual nature and the extent of the interest of the 

requester or of the persons for whom the requester is acting as representative in the application or 

preliminary determination, including an explanation of how and to what extent such interest would 

be directly and adversely affected by the issuance, denial, amendment, or revocation of the permit 

in question; and

5. Where possible, specific references to the terms and conditions of the permit in question, 

together with suggested revisions and alterations of those terms and conditions that the requester 

considers are needed to conform the permit to the intent and provisions of the Virginia Air Pollution 

Control Law. 

D. The board will review any request made under subsection C of this section, and will take final 

action on the request as provided in 9VAC5-80-860 C.

Statutory Authority 

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; Clean Air Act (§§ 110, 112, 165, 173, 182 and Title V); 40 CFR Parts 

51, 61, 63, 70 and 72. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998; amended, Virginia Register 

Volume 25, Issue 6, eff. December 31, 2008. 

9VAC5-80-1030. General permits. 

A. The requirements for issuance of a general permit are as follows: 

1. The board may issue a general permit covering a stationary source or emissions unit category 
containing numerous similar stationary sources or emissions units that meet the following criteria: 

a. All stationary sources or emissions units in the category shall be essentially the same in 

terms of operations and processes and emit either the same pollutants or those with similar 

characteristics. 

b. Stationary sources or emissions units shall not be subject to case-by-case standards or 

requirements. 

c. Stationary sources or emissions units shall be subject to the same or substantially similar 

requirements governing operation, emissions, monitoring, reporting, or recordkeeping. 

2. Stationary sources or emissions units subject to a general permit shall comply with all 

requirements applicable to other permits issued under this article. 

3. General permits shall (i) identify the criteria by which stationary sources or emissions units may 

qualify for the general permit and (ii) describe the process for stationary sources or emissions units 

to use in applying for the general permit. 

4. General permits shall be issued in accordance with § 9-6.14:4.1 C 11 of the Administrative 

Process Act. 

5. In addition to fulfilling the requirements specified by law, the notice of public comment shall 

include, but not be limited to, the following: 

a. The name, address and telephone number of a department contact from whom interested 

persons may obtain additional information including copies of the draft general permit. 

b. The criteria to be used in determining which stationary sources or emissions units qualify for 

the general permit. 

c. A brief description of the stationary source or emissions unit category that the department 

believes qualifies for the general permit including, but not limited to, an estimate of the number 

of individual stationary sources or emissions units in the category. 

d. A narrative statement of the estimated air quality impact contributed by the stationary source 
or emissions unit category covered by the general permit including information regarding 

specific pollutants and the total quantity of each emitted pollutant and the type and quantity of 

fuels used, if applicable. 

e. A brief description of the application process to be used by stationary sources or emissions 

units to request coverage under the general permit. 

f. A brief description of the comment procedures required by 9VAC5-80-1020. 

B. The requirements for application for a general permit are as follows: 

1. Stationary sources or emissions units that would qualify for a general permit shall apply to the 

board for coverage under the terms of the general permit. Stationary sources or emissions units 

that do not qualify for a general permit shall apply for coverage under a permit issued under the

other provisions of this article. 

2. The application shall meet the requirements of this article and include all information necessary 

to determine qualification for and to assure compliance with the general permit. 

3. Stationary sources or emissions units that become subject to the general permit after it is issued 

to other stationary sources or emissions units in the category addressed by the general permit 

shall file an application with the board using the application process described in the general 

permit. The board shall issue the general permit to the stationary source or emissions unit if it 

determines that the stationary source or emissions unit meets the criteria set out in the general 

permit. 

C. The requirements for issuance of a general permit are as follows: 

1. The board shall grant the conditions and terms of the general permit to stationary sources or 

emissions units that meet the criteria set out in the general permit covering the specific stationary 

source or emissions unit category. 

2. The issuance of a permit to a stationary source or emissions unit covered by a general permit 

shall not require compliance with the public participation procedures under 9VAC5-80-1020. 
3. A response to each general permit application may not be provided. The general permit may 

specify a reasonable time period after which a stationary source or emissions unit that has 

submitted a complete application shall be deemed to be authorized to operate under the general 

permit. 

4. Stationary sources or emissions units covered under a general permit may be issued a letter, a 

certificate, or a summary of the general permit provisions, limits, and requirements, or any other 

document which would attest that the stationary source or emissions unit is covered by the general 

permit. 

5. The general permit shall specify where the general permit and the letter, certificate, summary or 

other document shall be maintained by the source. 

D. The requirements for enforcement of a general permit are as follows: 

1. The stationary source or emissions unit shall be subject to enforcement action under 9VAC5-80-

1010 for operation without a permit issued under this article if the stationary source or emissions 

unit is later determined by the board or the administrator not to qualify for the conditions and terms 

of the general permit. 

2. The act of granting or denying a request for authorization to operate under a general permit shall 

not be subject to judicial review. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998. 

9VAC5-80-1040. Review and evaluation of article. 

A. Prior to April 1, 2001, the department shall perform an analysis on this article and provide the board 

with a report on the results. The analysis shall include (i) the purpose and need for the article; (ii) 

alternatives which would achieve the stated purpose of this article in a less burdensome and less intrusive 
manner; (iii) an assessment of the effectiveness of this article; (iv) the results of a review of current state 

and federal statutory and regulatory requirements, including identification and justification of requirements 

of this article which are more stringent than federal requirements; and (v) the results of a review as to 

whether this article is clearly written and easily understandable by affected entities. 

B. Upon review of the department's analysis, the board shall confirm the need to (i) continue this

article without amendment, (ii) repeal this article, or (iii) amend this article. If the board's decision is to 

repeal or amend this article, the board shall authorize the department to initiate the applicable regulatory 

process to carry out the decision of the board. 

Statutory Authority 

§§ 10.1-1308 and 10.1-1322 of the Code of Virginia. 

Historical Notes 

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 11, eff. April 1, 1998.