Tag: Annual reporting

As we move into the New Year in 2025, it is an ideal time for small businesses subject to air quality regulations, such as National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), to assess their compliance and prepare for upcoming recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Ensuring your facility’s adherence to these regulations helps maintain environmental standards and avoid potential penalties.

Steps to Ensure Compliance

1. Review Your Air Quality Permits
   • Begin by examining your facility’s air permits. Take note of all recordkeeping and reporting obligations, including due dates for submissions. If you cannot locate your permits, Pennsylvania DEP has a public records portal on their website where you can locate copies of existing air permits.

2. Understand Your Reporting Requirements
   • Facilities subject to NESHAPs such as the 6X and RICE rule are reminded that annual compliance reports must be submitted by January 31, 2025. These reports often include certifications of compliance as well as documentation of any deviations and corrective actions taken. Remember, regulatory agencies such as DEP and EPA often understand that occasional deviations can occur; the key is to promptly identify issues and address them accordingly.

3. Check for Additional Reporting Obligations
   • Not all NESHAPs require annual compliance reports, and due dates may vary for those that do. Make sure to verify the specific requirements applicable to your facility.

Common NESHAPs with January Reporting Deadlines

Several area source National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs) have annual compliance reporting deadlines at the end of January. Notable examples include:

• Metal Fabrication and Finishing Source Categories (6X NESHAP): Facilities must submit annual compliance reports by January 31. This includes documentation of compliance for miscellaneous metal and plastic parts coating operations.
• Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) NESHAP (Subpart ZZZZ): Facilities operating stationary RICE at area sources are required to submit their annual compliance reports by January 31 each year.
• Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations (Subpart HHHHHH): Existing area sources engaged in these activities must submit their initial notification by January 11, with subsequent annual compliance certifications typically due by January 31.
• Plating and Polishing Operations NESHAP (Subpart WWWWWW): Facilities involved in plating and polishing processes are required to prepare an annual compliance certification report by January 31 each year.

Need Assistance? If you have questions about your compliance responsibilities or need help navigating air-quality regulations, Pennsylvania’s Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) is here to help. Contact us for guidance tailored to your small business needs.

By staying proactive and informed, you can ensure a successful start to the new year and continued compliance with environmental standards