But I'm not a technical expert. The Agency realizes many citizens who attend public hearings are not engineers or scientists. Information will be provided so you will have the opportunity to learn about the review process and about the technical criteria on which Ohio EPA bases its decision. Staff from Ohio EPA's air division, district offices, local air pollution control agencies, and the Public Interest Center are available to assist you. Ohio EPA does not have the authority to determine a facility's location.
Site selection is determined by the company, local authorities, and zoning ordinances.
A. No, not on all applicants. This bill requires background checks for those types of permits only. DAPC has no legal authority to conduct background checks or to consider such information in issuing or denying air permits. The overriding consideration in issuing or denying any air permit is the effect the new source will have on air quality. Protection of air quality and the health of surrounding residents is DAPC's primary goal.