§7661b Permit applications

Summary

Any source named earlier must get a permit when either a permit program starts for it or when it becomes covered by the earlier rule, whichever happens later. Permit applications must include a compliance plan that explains how the source will meet all the rules. The plan must have a schedule of steps and require progress reports at least every 6 months. Permit holders must also certify at least once a year that they follow the permit and must quickly tell the permitting authority if they break any permit rules. Within 12 months after a source becomes subject to the permit program (or sooner if the permitting authority sets an earlier date), the owner must file the compliance plan and a signed permit application certified by a responsible official. The permitting authority must approve or deny a complete application within 18 months after receiving it. For applications filed in the first full year of a new program, the authority must act on at least one-third of those permits each year for up to 3 years and set reasonable priorities for construction or modification cases. If a timely, complete application is pending, lack of a final permit is not a violation unless the applicant failed to provide requested information. Copies of applications, plans, reports, certifications, and issued permits must be available to the public. Information protected under section 7414(c) of this title may be submitted separately and kept confidential, but the permit’s contents are not protected.