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| Environmental News |
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| More DEP Permit Fee Increases |
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The April 13, 2019 PA Bulletin contains proposed significant increases in DEP Air Quality Permit Review fees. These fees will affect all who have air quality permits. Written comments are due by June 17, 2019 and DEP will be holding three public hearings as follows:
- May 13, 2019 1 pm, DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh
- May 15, 2019 1 pm, DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street, Norristown
- May 16, 2019 1 pm, DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg
Additionally, there is a proposed new annual maintenance fee for both Title V and non-Title V permits, a new fee for asbestos notifications and an increase in the existing operating permit fees. Aside from the annual Consumer Price Index increase, DEP has not addressed the Title V per ton emission fee. Also added was a definition for ‘synthetic minor facility.’
This proposal does not impose an emission fee for carbon dioxide, even though it is classified as a ‘regulated pollutant’.
In response to questions from industry members of DEP’s Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee (AQTAC), DEP provided a weak, incomplete look at what the air program costs and failed to look at where costs could be made. They did not, by any means, perform a complete work analysis.
We will be working with the Chamber and others as appropriate on this issue and will be filing comments, not the least of which will be DEP’s lack of a comprehensive look at the air program and a comprehensive look at fees. Should you have any questions or comments, contact Josie Gaskey.
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