Governing Law and Regulations
Regulatory Agencies
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Office of Waste, Air, and Radiation Management Bureau of Air Quality
Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD)
City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Air Management Services (AMS)
See ADDRESSES & CONTACTS for addresses and telephone numbers.
See national section for basic information and federal regulations.
Comparison: State vs. Federal
• Rules. Pennsylvania requires operating permits for all sources of air contaminants. Major sources must apply for a Title V permit, while smaller sources will receive a state operating permit. Pennsylvania is authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to administer its own air emissions permit program. DEP's Title V permit program follows the federal provisions, including provisions establishing greenhouse gas permitting thresholds, and received full approval from EPA.
The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has developed its own air quality permitting regulations and application forms. Philadelphia AMS has incorporated by reference the state permitting provisions with minor changes but requires that permit applications be submitted on forms developed by AMS.
• Administration and enforcement.