If three or more years remain prior to the expiration of the Title V permit, the permit must be reopened and revised. If two years or less remain, the changes can be made when the permit is renewed, at the end of its five year term. Permits contain specific requirements for facilities to operate pollution control equipment, monitor and limit pollution emissions, and report violations. The primary benefit to the public is that air permits limit the amount of air pollution allowed at a stationary source. This process also includes public review of the proposed operating permit.
Permits are enforceable documents.
A Title V permit grants a source permission to operate. The permit includes all air pollution requirements that apply to the source, including emissions limits and monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements. It also requires that the source report its compliance status with respect to permit conditions to the permitting authority. An NSR permit authorizes the construction of new major sources of air pollution or major modifications of existing sources. NSR permits require the installation and maintenance of pollution control devices.