Permit-to-Install and Operate (PTIO) Program
Common Questions
Who needs a permit under the new PTIO program?
The PTIO program affects non-Title V facilities that have one or more air contaminant sources and were historically required to apply for and obtain a PTI, PTO or PTO registration pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Chapters 3745-31 or 3745-35.
How is the new PTIO program different?
There are three main differences between the old PTI/PTO program and the new PTIO program.
- Facilities will apply for and receive one permit (PTIO) instead of two (PTI and PTO).
- Most permits will be renewed every 10 years instead of every five.
- A Permit Evaluation Report (PER) will be submitted by each facility instead of quarterly reports for some facilities and no reports for others.
Historically, non-Title V facilities were required to obtain a PTI before installing an air contaminant source. After installation, the facility applied for and obtained a PTO. With the new PTIO program, these two steps are combined. Facilities will apply for a single permit covering both the installation and operation of air contaminant sources. All PTIOs at a facility have a consistent renewal date. For most facilities, PTIOs are renewed every 10 years. Historically each air contaminant source at a facility could have a different 5 year renewal date. Once issued a PTIO, each facility will be required to submit a Permit Evaluation Report (PER) on an annual basis which includes broad compliance and deviation related information.
What are the benefits of PTIO for permitting?
PTIO condenses two separate permitting processes into one. The following permit processing steps will be halved with PTIO:
- process each application;
- enter the appropriate data;
- review the associated documents;
- develop terms and conditions;
- write the proposed permit;
- incorporate any comments;
- complete final issuance of the permit (including printing, copying and mailing).
The historic duplication of effort required a considerable amount of staff time and increased paperwork and Agency costs. By combining the processes and eliminating duplicate tasks, both Ohio EPA and permit applicants are able to allocate resources more efficiently. By reducing staff time and other costs, the Agency is able to increase compliance assurance activities that provide greater benefits to the environment and the public.
By consolidating the installation and operation requirements into one permit, Ohio EPA anticipates that permit holders will be better able to understand and comply with permit requirements. The result should be an increase in the number of facilities in compliance, which achieves Ohio EPA's objective of obtaining cleaner air.
What are the benefits of PTIO for reporting?
The new report provides a greater amounts of compliance information and is simpler to complete. Under the PTIO program, each facility that receives a PTIO will be obligated to submit a Permit Evaluation Report (PER). The PER will need to be submitted on an annual basis for all emissions units regulated by a PTIO.
The information provided in the PER will include information historically required through specific quarterly reporting along with additional more comprehensive information not previously reported. Facilities who currently are not required to submit reports will be obligated to submit a PER for all emission units regulated by an issued PTIO.
Under the PTIO program, Ohio EPA will provide facilities with a PER form and annual reporting reminders. Ohio EPA district staff and local air agencies will also assist facilities with completion of the report as needed. The new structured reporting regimen is expected to increase compliance, improve consistency in reporting and lead to a better understanding of permittee record-keeping and reporting obligations.
Facilities will use the PER to report compliance issues, deviations, exceedances, and visible emission incidents. Ohio EPA staff will also conduct regulatory oversight through review of PER data and compliance inspections.
An additional benefit of the PER is increased communication between facilities and Ohio EPA. Facilities can use the PER to report changes in ownership, business shutdowns, shutdown of emissions units and violations. Gathering this information in a consistent and predictable manner will also help improve the accuracy of data available to the public.
When was PTIO initiated?
June 30, 2008.
How can I recieive updates regarding the PTIO program?
We have created a PTIO electronic news service (Listserv) to notify interested parties, via e-mail, on the progress of the PTIO program implementation. These notifications include progress updates, forms and guidance. Ohio EPA welcomes and encourages all individuals and organizations interested in PTIO to subscribe to this service.
To subscribe please send an e-mail to majordomo@lists.epa.state.oh.us and place only the following in the message body:
subscribe PTIO
If you have difficulties subscribing to this list contact Erica Engel-Ishida at (614) 644-2835.
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