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Air Quality Standard Permit for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

This page provides links to the rule regarding an Air Quality Standard Permit for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills, as well as a link to the form required to register this standard permit.

The Standard Permit is located in 30 TAC Chapter 330Exit the TCEQ, Subchapter UExit the TCEQ, and serves as a preconstruction authorization for air contaminant emissions to the atmosphere from Municipal Solid Waste Landfill (MSWLF) and Transfer Station sites.

This Standard Permit includes facilities commonly found at landfills and waste transfer sites, as well as authorizes the beneficial use of landfill gas. The following facilities are typically found at a MSWLF or Transfer Station and may be authorized under the Standard Permit if the facility meets the conditions for any of the Permits by Rule (PBR) or Standard Permits listed below:

This allows the MSWLF owner/operator to construct and operate facilities, covered under these and any other PBR's, and Standard Permits, as part of the initial or modified authorization under the Standard Permit.

The authorization for the Standard Permit under 30 TAC Chapter 330Exit the TCEQ, Subchapter UExit the TCEQ, requires a Certification Form (available in PDF or Word) submitted by the landfill's Responsible Official (RO) or Duly Authorized Representative (DAR). No fee is required. When you certify, the information must show how you meet the general and specific conditions of the Standard Permit, which can easily be shown by using the SP Checklist (available in PDF or Word).

To find out whether your site may use this Standard Permit, use the "Quick Screen" (available in PDF or Word). If your site is not able to use the Standard Permit, check the other possible preconstruction authorizations listed below for a MSWLF or Transfer Station:

Emission Calculations

As a part of determining which portions of the Standard Permit apply to a MSWLF or Transfer Station, emissions of organic compounds must be estimated. Emission calculation methods vary depending on the circumstances, but the EPA has guidance in AP-42Exit the TCEQ, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) developed a spreadsheet that covers the most common methods. These emissions are also very important in determining the applicability of federal standards.

Federal Performance Standards

There are at least three federal standards which may apply to a MSWLF:

1. Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60 (40 CFR Part 60), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) Subpart WWWExit the TCEQ, Standards of Performance for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills, applies for municipal solid waste landfills constructed, modified, or reconstructed between May 30, 1991 and July 17, 2014.

  • To help determine if a MSWLF is subject to these regulations, use the NSPS WWW Checklist for Conditions and Requirements (available in PDF or Word).
  • The Standard Permit incorporates some of the definitions, the landfill gas control requirements, the reporting, the monitoring, and the recordkeeping requirements in NSPS WWW. Under NSPS WWW there are a number of reports that require submittal to the TCEQ. Particularly, the GCCS design plans and AMOC require approval before proceeding. See the guidance for NSPS WWW Reporting and Recordkeeping Submittal Forms PDF or Word to assist submitting these reports.

2. Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60 (40 CFR Part 60), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) Subpart XXX, Standards of Performance for Municipal Solid Waste Landfills, applies for municipal solid waste landfills constructed, modified, or reconstructed after July 17, 2014.

  • To help determine if a MSWLF is subject to these regulations, use the NSPS XXX Checklist for Conditions and Requirements (available in PDF or Word).
  • Under NSPS XXX there are a number of reports that require submittal to the TCEQ. Particularly, the GCCS design plans and AMOC require approval before proceeding. See the guidance for NSPS XXX Reporting and Recordkeeping Submittal Forms (available in PDF or Word) to assist submitting these reports.

3. Title 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart AAAA, National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Municipal Solid Waste Landfills.

  • To help determine if a MSWLF is subject to these regulations, use the MACT AAAA Flowchart and checklist (available in PDF or Word). Under MACT AAAA there is semi-annual reporting in addition to NSPS WWW or XXX requirements. See the guidance for MACT AAAA (available in PDF or Word) forms to assist submitting these reports.

Texas State Standards

Some MSWLFs in Texas are subject to standards under 30 TAC Chapter 113, Subchapter D, Division 1, Municipal Solid Waste Landfills. These are state rules which implement federal emission guidelines for existing landfills. Please consult the Chapter 113 rule text to determine if your MSWLF is subject to these standards, and to find the specific compliance requirements.

Recordkeeping

Under the Standard Permit, your records must identify the rules under which your facility is operating and demonstrate compliance for a rolling 12-month period. Be sure you keep at least these records:

  • a copy of the Standard PermitExit the TCEQ
  • a copy of NSPS WWW, NSPS XXX, or MACT AAAA and all related reports and monitoring
  • records documenting compliance with the above rules.

These records must be kept on site and readily available on request for inspection by the TCEQ or any air pollution control program that has jurisdiction. If you have questions about the type of records you should keep, contact the Air Program in the TCEQ regional office that serves your county.

Questions? We Can Help

If you have questions about this or any other Standard Permit, contact us.