CAA Authorization Advancement in EPA's South Central Territory
Region 6 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and 66 Tribes. For sources located on Tribal lands within this region, the EPA is typically the permitting authority for federal environmental permits, including those required under the Clean Air Act (CAA), rather than state or local agencies.
### General Process Overview
The permit application process involves several key steps. First, identify the applicable federal permits required for your project. Common permits include CAA permits, but other permits (e.g., under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) may also be necessary, depending on the activity.
Next, prepare and submit a complete application package. Use EPA's forms and guidance documents to ensure accuracy. The application should include detailed information about emissions, control technologies, and potential environmental impacts.
Once submitted, EPA staff will review the application for completeness and technical sufficiency. They may request additional information if needed. If so, this is known as a Request for Additional Information (RAI).
For many permits, EPA will publish a notice to solicit public comment. This is a required step for certain types of permits, particularly under the CAA. After considering public comments and any additional information, EPA will issue a draft permit, a final permit, or a denial, as appropriate.
### Specific Steps for CAA Permits (e.g., PSD, Title V)
For CAA permits, early consultation with EPA Region 6 Air Permitting staff is strongly encouraged to clarify requirements and expectations for your specific project on Tribal land.
Applicants must submit a complete application package, including all necessary forms and supporting documentation. EPA will review the application for completeness, may issue RAIs, and engages in dialogue with the applicant.
### Tribal Coordination
EPA Region 6 has a dedicated Tribal Coordinator to assist with projects on Tribal lands. Early and ongoing engagement with both EPA and Tribal officials is strongly encouraged to address any unique concerns or requirements specific to the Tribe.
### Key Recommendations
- **Early Consultation:** Contact EPA Region 6 Air Permitting staff as early as possible to clarify requirements and expectations for your specific project on Tribal land. - **Complete Applications:** Ensure your application is thorough and addresses all regulatory requirements to minimize delays. - **Public Engagement:** Be prepared for a public comment period, which is a standard part of the federal permitting process.
### Contact Information
- **Air Permits Section Chief:** Cynthia Kaleri (214-665-6772) - **Tribal Coordinator:** Erica LeDoux (214-665-7265) - **State/Local Coordinators:** Separate contacts for each state within Region 6 (see EPA website for details)
### Additional Notes
- **Permit Types:** The process and requirements can vary significantly depending on the type of source and the specific federal regulations involved. EPA strongly recommends project-specific consultation. - **Timelines:** Completeness reviews typically take about 30 days, but the overall permitting process can take much longer, especially if additional information is requested or if public comments raise substantive issues. - **Online Resources:** EPA provides application forms, checklists, and guidance documents online to assist applicants.
For the most accurate and project-specific guidance, always consult directly with EPA Region 6’s permitting staff and the Tribal Coordinator early in your planning process. Other important resources include the Region 6 website, which offers Air Permitting Policy & Guidance, Air Permitting Terms, CAA Permitting Tools & Related Resources, and more.
- In addition to the Clean Air Act permits, other federal permits like those under the Safe Drinking Water Act or Resource Conservation and Recovery Act may also be necessary for a project, depending on the activity.
- For activities on Tribal lands within Region 6, the EPA is typically the permitting authority for federal environmental permits, including those required under the Clean Air Act.
- EPA staff will review the application for completeness and technical sufficiency, and may ask for additional information if needed, a process known as a Request for Additional Information.
- Public engagement is a standard part of the federal permitting process, and for certain types of permits, particularly under the Clean Air Act, EPA will publish a notice to solicit public comments.
- Early consultation with EPA Region 6 Air Permitting staff is strongly encouraged for CAA permits to clarify requirements and expectations for a specific project on Tribal land.
- Project-specific consultation is strongly recommended by the EPA to ensure the process and requirements can vary significantly depending on the type of source and the specific federal regulations involved.
- The permit process can take much longer than just the 30-day completeness review, especially if additional information is requested or if public comments raise substantive issues.
