New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is announcing changes to its general permits (GPs) and general operating permits (GOPs) this year. GPs apply to minor source facilities while GOPs apply to major source facilities. The changes are described in detail below.
NJDEP also made available a graphic presentation describing the changes taking place in 2017. Please find that file in the link shown:
Change from GP-016/GOP-002 to GP-016A/GOP-002A These two permits are required for “small emitters” and are also known as SEGAP permits. It is important to note that NJDEP is also combining several old permits together for minor source facilities under the new GP-016A name. The new GP-016A will not only include sources applicable to the previous GP-016, but it will also include sources that were previously applicable to General Permits 2 (GP-002 for confined abrasive equipment) and 3 (GP-003 for woodworking equipment). Again, the new names for these permits will be GP-016A and GOP-002A. GP-016A and GOP-002 will also make the online application process simpler. The date for the availability of these new permits has not been announced, but interested parties will be able to post public comments for these two new permits to NJDEP beginning on March 20, 2017. NJDEP has been known to heed specific requests about these permits, so affected parties are encouraged to leave comments.
Facilities that currently have GP-016/GOP-002, GP-002, or GP-003 will not have to make immediate changes to their facility’s permits. There are two ways a change to the new permit will be required. First if the facility installs additional equipment that would be covered under GP-016A after the effective date, a new permit will have to be obtained. Second, when the facility has to renew a permit that is scheduled to expire after the effective date of the new permit, the facility will have to apply for the new applicable general permit instead of continuing with the old version.
Baron Environmental Associates provides services for New Jersey Air Permitting at every step of the regulatory process - including permit applicability, applying for a permit, and permit compliance. If you would like a free review or proposal, or simply have questions, please contact our office through email or at 908-508-9000.