How do I know if I need to have a permit for my baghouse or dust collector?
If you are creating enough dust to need a dust collector, I would venture to say that you will need to have an emissions permit. The EPA allows the state environmental protection agencies to oversee the issuing of environmental permits in its district, so long as they meet or exceed the national standards set by the EPA.
Baghouses usually fall under the EPA Clean Air regulations NESHAPs (National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Pollutants), NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standards) and many others that are industry/process specific. Many of these cover things such as particulate matter, mercury, lead, and other harmful compounds.
More than likely you are required to have a permit, either state or federal for a baghouse or dust collector. Your first point of contact should be your local permitting authority for air pollution sources. Permits for businesses are usually administered at the state or local community level. Contact your State Small Business Assistance Program or your State Environmental Agency for assistance with this matter.
