Air

Any source with the potential to emit regulated pollutants above the following threshold levels is required to submit an application:

• Any source emitting more than 5 ton/year of lead (Pb) or 25 tons/year of any other pollutant; OR
• An incinerator of any kind

Any source with the potential to emit regulated pollutants above the following threshold levels is required to submit a Title V permit application.

• A source that has the Potential To Emit (PTE)>100 tpy of any criteria pollutant, which include sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter 2.5, particulate matter 10 , carbon monoxide
• PTE>10 tpy of any individual hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or
• PTE>25 tpy of combined HAPs
• When required by other applicable regulations (For example, NSPS or MACT).

Some general guidance for minor source operation is described below.

If you have questions, please call 406-444-3490

Do I need a Montana Quality Permit (MAQP)?

Any source with the potential to emit regulated pollutants above the following threshold levels is required to submit an application:

• Any source emitting more than 5 ton/year of lead (Pb) or 25 tons/year of any other pollutant; OR
• An incinerator of any kind

Can I build my facility before getting an MAQP?

You must apply for, and receive an MAQP prior to construction of a facility or modification at an existing facility.

What do I need to do to get an MAQP?

1. Complete the application form for a stationary source.
   • Stationary Source Permit Application  (Stationary source is defined as: any building, structure, equipment, or facility, including, but not limited to, factories, refineries, boilers or power plant).
   • Send each completed application to:   DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov
2. As part of the permit application, a public notice must be posted in a newspaper of local circulation. An affidavit of this notice must be provided as part of the application.
3. Submit appropriate   fee.

How much does it cost to apply for a new MAQP?

The cost of an MAQP depends on the source type. Find the appropriate application fee  here .

What is the timeline to get an MAQP?

75 to 90 days upon complete application. The timeline for the 75 day process is shown  here . The timeline for the 90 day process is shown  here .

How often do MAQP permits need to be renewed?

• MAQPs do not expire. For changes to a facility with an existing MAQP, see the Existing Facility section for the necessary form.

Some general guidance for Title V sources is described below.

If you have questions, please call 406-444-3490

What is an Operating Permit and why is it different than an MAQP?

Operating permits are issued for those facilities that fall under the Title V program. A Title V Operating Permit contains all applicable air pollution requirements including emission limits, operational restrictions, monitoring, testing and reporting requirements.

Below is a list of what Title V permits do not cover.

• Permits do not and can not add new emission limitations
• Permits do not and can not change existing emission limitations
• Determinations made in the preconstruction permit process are not up for re-approval during the operating permit process
• National ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) are not considered applicable requirements in the operating permits

What sources require an Title V operating permit?

Any source with the potential to emit regulated pollutants above the following threshold levels is required to submit a Title V permit application.

• A source that has the Potential To Emit (PTE)>100 tpy of any criteria pollutant, which include sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter 2.5, particulate matter 10 , carbon monoxide
• PTE>10 tpy of any individual hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or
• PTE>25 tpy of combined HAPs
• When required by other applicable regulations (For example, NSPS or MACT).

When do I need to do to get a Title V Permit?

1. Complete the Title V operating permit application:
   • Stationary Source Permit Application
   • Fee
2. Send each completed application to:   DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov

What is the timeline to get a Title V permit?

• Title V Operating permit applications are due within 1 year of the commencement of operation.
• Permits take no less than 110 days to become effective
• Permits are issued draft for a 30 day public comment period
• Permits are issued proposed for a 45 day EPA review period
• Permits are issued as Date of Decision for the 30 day appeal period to the Montana Board of Environmental Review
• Permits are then final and effective in the State of Montana
• EPA has an appeal period of 60 days beginning at the end of EPA’s 45 day

How much does it cost to apply for a new Title V operating permit?

Find the applicable Title V application or renewal fee  here .

How often do Title V permits need to be renewed?

Title V Operating Permit renewal is required every 5 years.

Owners or operators may construct, install or use equipment necessary to complete or operate an oil or gas well facility without a Montana Air Quality Permit (MAQP) in accordance with Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 16, Emission Control Requirements for Oil and Gas Well Facilities Prior to Issuance of a MAQP. The owner or operator must apply for a MAQP, or register the facility in lieu of applying for a MAQP, within 60 days after the initial well completion date. Information about the registration process is described below.

If you have questions, please call 406-444-3490

What is a registration and why is it different than a MAQP?

The registration program contains all applicable registration requirements, including operating, emission control, inspection, repair and record keeping requirements. The registration process and information can be found in ARM 17.8 Subchapter 17, Registration of Air Contaminant Sources. The registration program is specifically for minor source oil or gas well facilities, which produce oil and/or natural gas. If a facility can’t comply with the requirements of the registration program they must apply for a MAQP in accordance with ARM 17.8 Subchapter 7, Permit, Construction and Operation of Air Contaminant Sources.

Is my facility eligible for registration?

The following requirements must be met for an oil or gas well facility to be eligible for registration.

• Must meet the definition of an Oil or Gas well facility contained in Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 75, Chapter 2, Part 1, General Provisions and Administration
• Must be a minor source oil or gas well facility.

Refer to the   Oil and Gas PTE Guidance  for clarification when calculating an oil or gas well facility’s PTE if desired.

If my facility is eligible for registration am I required to register?

There is no requirement to register a registration-eligible facility in lieu of obtaining a MAQP, you may choose one or the other based on the owner’s preference.

Can I construct my facility before submitting the registration?

An application for a MAQP (ARM 17.8.7) or submittal of a registration form (ARM 17.8.17) must be received within 60 days after the initial well completion date. Owners or operators who comply with the requirements of ARM 17.8.16 may construct, install or use equipment necessary to complete or operate an oil or gas well facility without a MAQP until the department’s decision on the application is final, or the facility is registered in lieu of obtaining a MAQP.

What do I need to do to register my oil and gas well facility??

• Follow all applicable requirements contained in 17.8.16 beginning at well completion.
• Complete the   Oil or Gas Well Registration  form. Refer to the   Instructions for Registering, Updating, or Deregistering an Oil or Gas Well Facility  for clarification when completing a registration form, if desired.
• Submit the new registration fee.
• Submit the completed registration form by email to:   DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov

How much does it cost to register a facility?

For a new registration the cost is $500, due at the time the registration is submitted to the Department.

What is the timeline to register a facility?

• A registration form must be submitted within 60 days of initial well completion.
• A facility is considered registered upon Department receipt of a complete registration form. A registration form is not complete until the registration fee is received by the Department.
• The Department will acknowledge receipt of the registration within 30 days and may communicate any concerns regarding the registration content or request additional information as necessary.

How often do registrations need to be renewed?

Registrations do not expire, there is no requirement for renewal.

Some general guidance for registered crushing and screening facility operation is described below.

All nonmetallic mineral crushing and screening facilities meeting the applicability requirements of ARM 17.8.1802, including those facilities previously covered under a Montana Air Quality Permit, are required to register in accordance with the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 18 – Standards and Requirements for Sand and Gravel, Concrete, and Asphalt. Click  here  to read the registration rules. The information below includes all applicable forms and guidance documents to help you register. If you have questions, please call 406-444-3490.

Is my facility eligible for registration?

A crushing and screening plant, also known as a nonmetallic mineral processing plant (NMMPP), is eligible for registration if:

• Equipment is used to crush, grind, or screen nonmetallic minerals
• Annual production at any one location does not exceed 8,000,000 tons as a rolling 12-month total.

Am I required to register?

Yes. This registration program takes the place of individual permits for eligible facilities. All facilities that are eligible to register are required to do so.

What do I need to do to register?

To register, the owner or operator of an existing or new NMMPP must:

• Download and complete the   Air Quality Registration Notification form  and   Attachment A. Step by step instructions for filling out these documents are found in Section 4 of the  Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants guidance.
• Submit the completed documents to  DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov, including any applicable fee, so that it is received at least 15 calendar days prior to the date you plan to begin operation.

What is the timeline between registering and operating?

• You are considered registered upon the Department’s receipt of the complete registration (including appropriate fees, if required). This is the “registration date.”
• You may not operate for the first 15 days after the registration date.
• Within 15 days after the registration date, the Department will publish acknowledgement of the registration, including registration date and the location(s) provided in Attachment A on the Air Resources page.
• 15 days after the registration date, you may operate.

How often do I need to renew my registration?

Registrations do not expire, there is no requirement for renewal.

What are the fees associated with registering?

No fee is required at the time of registration.

What are the annual fees?

DEQ has developed an annual operating fee structure to cover the costs of administering this program. The fee structure can be found in ARM 17.8.505 and is as follows: 

• crushers/screeners are $0.01 per annual ton of production; and
• concrete batch plants are $0.05 per annual cubic yard of production.
• asphalt plants are $0.05 per annual ton of production

If the above amount is:

• less than $500, the fee is $500; or
• greater than $13,000, the fee is $13,000.

Should I register a location as temporary or permanent?

At the time of registration, you must identify whether you plan to stay at a given location for less than 12 months (considered a “temporary” location) or longer than 12 months (considered a “permanent” location). You may not stay at a temporary location for longer than 12 months unless you notify the department in advance that you are changing the designation from temporary to permanent. Additional limits on engine horsepower-hours become applicable at permanent locations.

All Concrete Batch Plant facilities meeting the applicability requirements of ARM 17.8.1802, including those facilities previously covered under a Montana Air Quality Permit, are required to register in accordance with the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 18 – Standards and Requirements for Sand and Gravel, Concrete, and Asphalt.  Click  here  to read the registration rules. The information below includes all applicable forms and guidance documents to help you register. If you have questions, please call 406-444-3490.

Is my facility eligible for registration?

A Concrete Batch Plant is eligible for registration if:

• A stationary or portable facility is used to combine various ingredients, such as sand, water, aggregate, fly ash, potash, cement, and cement additives, to form concrete
• Annual production at any one location does not exceed 1,000,000 cubic yards as a rolling 12-month total.

Am I required to register?

Yes. This registration program takes the place of individual permits for eligible facilities. All facilities that are eligible to register are required to do so instead of applying for and obtaining a MAQP.

What do I need to do to register?

To register, the owner or operator of an existing or new concrete batch plant must:

• Download and complete the   Air Quality Registration Notification form  and   Attachment A. Step by step instructions for filling out these documents are found in Section 4 of the   Concrete Batch Plants guidance.
• Submit the completed documents to   DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov, including any applicable fee, so that it is received at least 15 calendar days prior to the date you plan to begin operation.

What is the timeline between registering and operating?

• You are considered registered upon the Department’s receipt of the complete registration (including appropriate fees, if required). This is the “registration date.”
• You may not operate for the first 15 days after the registration date.
• Within 15 days after the registration date, the Department will publish acknowledgement of the registration, including registration date and the location(s) provided in Attachment A on the Air Resources page.
• 15 days after the registration date, you may operate.

How often do I need to renew my registration?

Registrations do not expire, there is no requirement for renewal.

What are the fees associated with registering?

No fee is required at the time of registration.

What are the annual fees?

DEQ has developed an annual operating fee structure to cover the costs of administering this program. The fee structure can be found in ARM 17.8.505 and is as follows: 

• crushers/screeners are $0.01 per annual ton of production; and
• concrete batch plants are $0.05 per annual cubic yard of production.
• asphalt plants are $0.05 per annual ton of production

If the above amount is:

• less than $500, the fee is $500; or
• greater than $13,000, the fee is $13,000.

Should I register a location as temporary or permanent?

At the time of registration, you must identify whether you plan to stay at a given location for less than 12 months (considered a “temporary” location) or longer than 12 months (considered a “permanent” location). You may not stay at a temporary location for longer than 12 months unless you notify the department in advance that you are changing the designation from temporary to permanent. Additional limits on engine horsepower-hours become applicable at permanent locations.

All Asphalt Plant facilities meeting the applicability criteria of ARM 17.8.1802, including those facilities previously covered under a Montana Air Quality Permit, are required to register in accordance with the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 18 – Standards and Requirements for Sand and Gravel, Concrete, and Asphalt.  Click   here  to read the registration rules. The information below includes all applicable forms and guidance documents to help you register. If you have questions, please call 406-444-3490.

Is my facility eligible for registration?

An Asphalt Plant is eligible for registration if:

• A stationary or portable facility is used to manufacture asphalt by heating and drying aggregate and mixing it with asphalt cement.
• Allowable dryer fuels are natural gas, propane, distillate fuel, waste oil, diesel, or biodiesel.
• Both batch mix and drum mix asphalt plants do not exceed the following production limits:
  • A batch mix asphalt plant must have annual production at any one location of less than 324,000 tons as a rolling 12-month total.
  • A drum mix asphalt plant must have annual production at any one location of less than 996,000 tons as a rolling 12-month total.

Am I required to register?

Yes. This registration program takes the place of individual permits for eligible facilities. All facilities that are eligible to register are required to do so instead of applying for and obtaining a MAQP.

What do I need to do to register?

To register, the owner or operator of an existing or new asphalt plant must:

• Download and complete the   Air Quality Registration Notification form  and   Attachment A. Step by step instructions for filling out these documents are found in Section 4 of the   Asphalt Plants guidance.
• Submit the completed documents to   DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov, including any applicable fee, so that it is received at least 15 calendar days prior to the date you plan to begin operation.

What is the timeline between registering and operating?

• You are considered registered upon the Department’s receipt of the complete registration (including appropriate fees, if required). This is the “registration date.”
• You may not operate for the first 15 days after the registration date.
• Within 15 days after the registration date, the Department will publish acknowledgement of the registration, including registration date and the location(s) provided in Attachment A on the Air Resources page.
• 15 days after the registration date, you may operate.

How often do I need to renew my registration?

Registrations do not expire, there is no requirement for renewal.

What are the fees associated with registering?

No fee is required at the time of registration.

What are the annual fees?

DEQ has developed an annual operating fee structure to cover the costs of administering this program. The fee structure can be found in ARM 17.8.505 and is as follows: 

• crushers/screeners are $0.01 per annual ton of production; and
• concrete batch plants are $0.05 per annual cubic yard of production.
• asphalt plants are $0.05 per annual ton of production

If the above amount is:

• less than $500, the fee is $500; or
• greater than $13,000, the fee is $13,000.

Should I register a location as temporary or permanent?

At the time of registration, you must identify whether you plan to stay at a given location for less than 12 months (considered a “temporary” location) or longer than 12 months (considered a “permanent” location). You may not stay at a temporary location for longer than 12 months unless you notify the department in advance that you are changing the designation from temporary to permanent. Additional limits on engine horsepower-hours become applicable at permanent locations.

Any source with the potential to emit regulated pollutants above the following threshold levels is required to submit an application:

• Any source emitting more than 5 ton/year of lead (Pb) or 25 tons/year or any other pollutant; OR
• An incinerator of any kind

Any source with the potential to emit regulated pollutants above the following threshold levels is required to submit a Title V permit application.

• A source that has the Potential To Emit (PTE)>100 tpy of any criteria pollutant, which include sulfur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter 2.5, particulate matter 10 , carbon monoxide
• PTE>10 tpy of any individual hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or
• PTE>25 tpy of combined HAPs
• When required by other applicable regulations (For example, NSPS or MACT).

Some general guidance for minor source operation is described below.

If you have questions, please call 406-444-3490

Do I need to renew permit?

A valid Montana Air Quality Permit (MAQP) does not expire. However, preconstruction permitting approval associated with a specific project generally expires if commencement of construction or contractual obligations that would constitute a substantial loss associated with the project has not occurred within 3 years. A facility requiring an MAQP will generally require modification of that MAQP for any new or modified emitting unit(s) or emissions increase(s) which do not qualify as a de minims change as provided by the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 17.8.745.

The Department may revoke an MAQP or any portion of an MAQP in accordance with ARM 17.8.763 upon written request of the permittee, or for a violation of any requirements of the Clean Air Act of Montana, rules adopted under that Act, or any applicable requirement contained in the Montana State Implementation Plan.

What do I need to do if I make changes to my permitted facility?

A facility must apply for a modification to their existing MAQP for changes not covered by the de minimis permitting exclusion provided by the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 17.8.745. In most cases, changes allowed by the de minimis rule requires a minimum 10-day notification to the Department prior to the change, and must provide specific information required by the rule including information necessary to determine the change in potential to emit of the facility. The Department strives to provide written response to a written proposal of applicability of the de minimis permitting exclusion upon request. Contact the Department for further information at 406.444.3490.

To apply for a modification to your existing MAQP, utilize the application forms available here and submit to :  DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov

What do I need to do if a facility with a Montana Air Quality Permit changes owner/operator?

The Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 17.8.765 provides that a Montana Air Quality Permit (MAQP) may be transferred from one owner or operator to another if the Department receives written notice of intent to transfer, including the names and authorized signatures of the transferor and transferee. The Department has developed an  Intent to Transfer Ownership form which may help administrate this. A request to transfer ownership can be submitted to  DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov.

Do I need to submit an emissions inventory?

Yes. Annual emissions data can be submitted via the Air Emission Inventory Entry System

• An Instruction Manual is available   here.
• Data entry can be completed   here.

Are there any fees associated with my facility?

Yes. In addition to application fees, the Department also requires annual operation fees. Operation fees are collected on an annual basis based on the emissions submit to the Air Emissions Inventory Entry System.

How to prepare for source testing and reporting?

Facilities preparing to conduct a source test or submit test results must following the Montana Source Test Protocol and Procedures Manual (MSTPPM). A source test protocol may be submitted according to the MSTPPM or it may use the alternative source test protocol worksheet and supplement (when testing more than one emission unit). An example of a completed worksheet is available. Source test reports must follow the requirements of the MSTPPM.

• Source Test Protocol Worksheet
• Source Test Protocol 3-page Supplement
• Source Test Protocol Example
• Montana Source Test Protocol and Procedures Manual

Some general guidance for Title V sources is described below.

If you have questions, please call 406-444-3490

What is a Title V Operating Permit?

Title V of the Clean Air Act requires ‘major sources’ of air pollutants and certain other sources to obtain and operate in compliance with a Title V Operating Permit.

• A major source with respect to Title V is a source above that emits above the major source thresholds:
• Emits over 100 tons per year of any criteria pollutant;
• Emits over 10 tons per year of a single HAP; or
• Emits over 25 tons per year of any combination of HAPs.

These facilities are subject to and the associated operating permits are issued pursuant to the Administrative Rules of Montana Title 17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 12 (ARM 17.8.12).

Once you have a Title V Permit

The goal of a TV Operating Permit is to serve as a single document that contains all the applicable requirements associated with the source. The Operating Permit contains permit limits, monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements that are designed to make sure the source knows when it is or isn’t in compliance with air quality regulations.

Operating permits require annual certifications that the source is complying with all applicable requirements. Additionally, permits must be renewed every 5 years.

When do I need to make a change to my Title V Permit?

Title V Operating Permits can be updated. Most changes that require revision to a Montana Air Quality Permit will require revision to the Title V. See the   What do I need to do if I make changes to my permitted facility?   section regarding the MAQP.

There are different types of modifications. These include minor modifications, significant modifications, and administrative amendments. Please call 406-444-3490 to discuss your specific situation.

What do I need to do if I sell my facility?

Complete the  Intent to Transfer Ownership form and submit to  DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov

What is a Responsible Official?

The Responsible Official (RO) has the duty to verify and document that the information submitted is compliant with all applicable requirements in the Operating Permit. The RO can be a corporate officer (a person in charge of a principal business function such as a president, vice president, secretary or treasurer, or any other person who performs similar policy or decision-making functions for the corporation) or their duly authorized representative as approved by the Department, who is responsible for the overall operation of the permitted facility and either supervises 250 or more persons or is in charge of $25 million or more in sales or expenditures.

The RO signs as a representative of the corporation, but may be individually liable under environmental criminal provisions.

What is required if a change in Responsible Official occurs/is requested?

Please notify the Department of the new Responsible Official, including name of the Responsible Official, Title, how the person qualifies as a Responsible Official, and contact information including phone number, mailing address, and email. Please also clearly request an Administrative Amendment to your Title V to initiate the Title V being updated to reflect the new Responsible Official in the permit. The Title V permit need only list the Responsible Official’s name. This submission needs to be signed by the new Responsible Official.

Do I need to renew my permit?

Yes. Title V permits expire every 5 years. Your Title V expiration date should be reflected on the first page of your permit (the first page following the cover letter). A Title V renewal is a separate and distinct requirement from other permit actions such as administrative amendments, minor modifications, and significant modifications. Title V expiration dates are extended only through a renewal action. A complete Title V renewal application is due no less than 6 months prior to your Title V expiration date.

If your permit has already expired, you may be covered under an application shield. Please consult ARM 17.8.1221. Please call 406-444-3490 with questions.

Do I need to submit an emission inventory?

Yes. Annual emissions data can be submitted via the Air Emission Inventory Entry System

1. An Instruction Manual is available   here.
2. Data entry can be completed   here.

Are there any fees associated with my facility?

Yes. Fees are collected on an annual basis based on the emissions submit to the Air Emissions Inventory Entry System.

Are there compliance inspections for Title V sources?

Yes. 

How to prepare for source testing and reporting?

Facilities preparing to conduct a source test or submit test results must do so following the Montana Source Test Protocol and Procedures Manual (MSTPPM). A source test protocol may be submitted according to the MSTPPM or it may use the alternative source test protocol worksheet and supplement (when testing more than one emission unit). An example of a completed worksheet is available. Source test reports must follow the requirements of the MSTPPM.

• Source Test Protocol Worksheet
• Source Test Protocol 3-page Supplement
• Source Test Protocol Example
• Montana Source Test Protocol and Procedures Manual

Some general guidance for registered oil or gas well facility operation is described below.     

• More detailed rules can be found in the Administrative Rules of Montana  (ARM) 17.8 Subchapter 17 , Registration of Air Contaminant Sources.

What do I need to do if I make changes to my facility?

• The Department must be notified within 15 days after the change.
• Complete all applicable portions of the   Oil or Gas Well Registration  form and submit the form by email to:   DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov.

What do I need to do if I sell my facility?

• Complete the   Change of Ownership  form and submit the form to:   DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov
• For an ownership change of multiple facilities, one form may be completed as long as a list or table that identifies each applicable facility by name and registration number is attached.

Are there certifications or renewals required for oil or gas well facilities?

• Annual certifications that the source is complying with all applicable requirements are required.
• Permits must be renewed every 5 years.

Are there compliance inspections for oil or gas well facilities?

Yes, registered oil or gas well facilities may be inspected for compliance by the Department at their discretion.

What is the typical compliance inspection process?

1. The owner or operator will be contacted by the Department to schedule field inspection(s).
2. The Department may request records for each facility inspected, such as compliance data showing hours of operation, production rates and corresponding emission levels.
3. A company representative will be required to accompany the Department inspector to all facilities being inspected.
4. Following the inspection(s) the owner or operator will receive an inspection report for each facility detailing compliance determinations and observations.
5. If the facility was found to be out of compliance, the Department will notify the company of further potential actions.

What record am I required to keep?

• Records showing daily hours of operation, production rates, and corresponding emissions must be recorded.
• All records of monthly VOC leak inspections and repairs must be recorded.
• These records must be maintained for at least five years, be available for inspection and submitted to the Department upon request.

Are there any fees associated with my facility?

Currently there is an $850 annual operating fee for each registered oil or gas well facility. Operating fees are reviewed annually and may be subject to change.

When can I deregister my facility?

• You may request to deregister a facility if it can be clearly demonstrated that the potential to emit (PTE) of the facility is less than 25 tons per year (tpy) of any regulated airborne pollutant.
• Facilities that are not deregistered prior to March 1 are subject to the annual operating fees for that year.

How do I request to deregister my facility?

• There is no required form to submit for a deregistration request, however, when a full PTE analysis is required, the Department recommends that the   Oil or Gas Well Registration  form be used.
• Submit a request to deregister a facility along with supporting information by email to:   DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov.

Are there any guidance documents or references I can use?

• Instructions for Registering, Updating, or Deregistering an Oil or Gas Well Facility.
• Oil or Gas Well Facilities and Calculating Potential to Emit (PTE)
• Maximum Production Determination for Calculating PTE at Oil or Gas Well Facilities

Some general guidance for registered crushing and screening facility operation is described below.

Need to register? Please go to the “New Facility” page, click on Registered Sources, and visit the “What do I need to do to register” banner to obtain a registration form. All nonmetallic mineral crushing and screening facilities meeting the applicability requirements of ARM 17.8.1802, including those facilities previously covered under a Montana Air Quality Permit, are required to register in accordance with the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 18 – Standards and Requirements for Sand and Gravel, Concrete, and Asphalt.

What are the annual fees?

DEQ has developed an annual operating fee structure to cover the costs of administering this program. The fee structure can be found in ARM 17.8.505 and is as follows: 

• crushers/screeners are $0.01 per annual ton of production; and
• concrete batch plants are $0.05 per annual cubic yard of production.
• asphalt plants are $0.05 per annual ton of production

If the above amount is:

• less than $500, the fee is $500; or
• greater than $13,000, the fee is $13,000.

How do I update an existing registration?

If certain changes occur at a registered nonmetallic mineral processing plant (NMMPP), the owner or operator must work with the Department to update the registration. Examples of registration updates include:

• Owner/Operator Updates:  Registrations are nontransferable. If the owner or operator of a registered NMMPP changes, the new owner or operator is responsible for ensuring that the facility is properly registered. If the new owner or operator is not already registered to operate an NMMPP under this program, the new owner or operator must register using the   Air Quality Registration Notification form  as described in Section 4 of the   Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants guidance. If the new owner or operator is already registered to operate NMMPP under this program, and the new facility will be operated at one of the owner or operator’s existing locations, there is no need to submit a new Registration Notification or any form
• Deregistration:  If you will no longer operate NMMPP in Montana and wish to be removed from the program, you must fill out a   Air Quality Deregistration Notification form  and submit it to the Department to avoid being charged an annual fee.
• Location Updates:  For any proposed new temporary or permanent location, the owner or operator shall notify the Department using the   Attachment A – Location Notice & Update form  at least 15 days before beginning to operate at the location.

Are there compliance inspections or performance tests required for crushers and screens?

Yes.

• Compliance inspections are scheduled annually by the DEQ based on criteria determined by the department Initial performance tests for visible emissions.  
• Initial performance tests for visible emissions are required for any NMMPP that is subject to the additional federal regulations of 40 CFR 60 Subpart OOO must conduct initial emissions tests within 180 days of initial startup to demonstrate compliance with the opacity limitations.
• If you have already completed initial performance tests, the written report of the results of these tests must be presented to the Department upon request.
• Additional tests:  The Department has the authority to require an emissions performance test. All emissions performance tests must conform to the requirements of the   Montana Source Test Protocol and Procedures Manual.

What records am I required to keep?

Registered sources must maintain records that can be produced during an inspection for demonstrating compliance with this program. The records must also be submitted to the Department upon request. Records must include:

• The location at which the facility was operated.
• Daily production rates and rolling 12-month total production.
• Daily horsepower-hours of engines and rolling 12-month total horsepower hours for operations at permanent locations.

How do I deregister my facility?

Submit a request to deregister a facility using the  Air Quality Deregistration Notification form along with supporting information by email to:  DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov.

Are there any quidance documents to help me?

Yes. The following documents provide guidance on the registration process:

• Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants guidance
• Concrete Batch Plants guidance
• Asphalt Plants guidance

Some general guidance for registered concrete batch facility operation is described below.

Need to register? Please go to the “New Facility” page, click on Registered Sources, and visit the “What do I need to do to register” banner to obtain a registration form. All Concrete Batch Plant facilities meeting the applicability requirements of ARM 17.8.1802, including those facilities previously covered under a Montana Air Quality Permit, are required to register in accordance with the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 18 – Standards and Requirements for Sand and Gravel, Concrete, and Asphalt.

What are the annual fees?

DEQ has developed an annual operating fee structure to cover the costs of administering this program. The fee structure can be found in ARM 17.8.505 and is as follows: 

• crushers/screeners are $0.01 per annual ton of production; and
• concrete batch plants are $0.05 per annual cubic yard of production.
• asphalt plants are $0.05 per annual ton of production

If the above amount is:

• less than $500, the fee is $500; or
• greater than $13,000, the fee is $13,000.

How do I update an existing registration?

If certain changes occur at a registered concrete batch plant, the owner or operator must work with the Department to update the registration. Examples of registration updates include:

• Owner/Operator Updates:  Registrations are nontransferable. If the owner or operator of a registered concrete batch plant changes, the new owner or operator is responsible for ensuring that the facility is properly registered.
  • If the new owner or operator is not already registered to operate concrete batch plants under this program, the new owner or operator must register using the   Air Quality Registration Notification form  as described in Section 4 of the   Concrete Batch Plants guidance.
  • If the new owner or operator is already registered to operate concrete batch plants under this program, and the new facility will be operated at one of the owner or operator’s existing locations, there is no need to submit a new Registration Notification or any form
• Deregistration:  If you will no longer operate concrete batch plants in Montana and wish to be removed from the program, you must fill out a   Air Quality Deregistration Notification form  and submit it to the Department to avoid being charged an annual fee.
• Location Updates:  For any proposed new temporary or permanent location, the owner or operator shall notify the Department using the   Attachment A – Location Notice & Update form  at least 15 days before beginning to operate at the location.

Are there compliance inspections for concrete batch plants?

The Department has the authority to require an emissions performance test. All emissions performance tests must conform to the requirements of the Montana Source Test Protocol and Procedures Manual.

What records am I required to keep?

Registered sources must maintain records that can be produced during an inspection for demonstrating compliance with this program. The records must also be submitted to the Department upon request. Records must include:

• The location at which the facility was operated.
• Daily production rates and rolling 12-month total production.
• Daily horsepower-hours of engines and rolling 12-month total horsepower hours for operations at permanent locations.
• A log of required facility inspections, repairs, and maintenance

How do I deregister my facility?

Submit a request to deregister a facility using the  Air Quality Deregistration Notification  form along with supporting information by email to:  DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov .

Are there any guidance documents to help me? 

Yes. The following documents provide guidance on the registration process:

• Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants guidance
• Concrete Batch Plants guidance
• Asphalt Plants guidance

Some general guidance for registered asphalt facility operation is described below.

Need to register? Please go to the “New Facility” page, click on Registered Sources, and visit the “What do I need to do to register” banner to obtain a registration form. All Asphalt Plant facilities meeting the applicability criteria of ARM 17.8.1802, including those facilities previously covered under a Montana Air Quality Permit, are required to register in accordance with the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 17, Chapter 8, Subchapter 18 – Standards and Requirements for Sand and Gravel, Concrete, and Asphalt.

What are the annual fees?

DEQ has developed an annual operating fee structure to cover the costs of administering this program. The fee structure can be found in ARM 17.8.505 and is as follows: 

• crushers/screeners are $0.01 per annual ton of production; and
• concrete batch plants are $0.05 per annual cubic yard of production.
• asphalt plants are $0.05 per annual ton of production

If the above amount is:

• less than $500, the fee is $500; or
• greater than $13,000, the fee is $13,000.

How do I update an existing registration?

If certain changes occur at a registered asphalt plant, the owner or operator must work with the Department to update the registration. Examples of registration updates include:

• Owner/Operator Updates:  Registrations are nontransferable. If the owner or operator of a registered asphalt plant changes, the new owner or operator is responsible for ensuring that the facility is properly registered.
  • If the new owner or operator is not already registered to operate an asphalt plant under this program, the new owner or operator must register using the   Air Quality Registration Notification form  as described in Section 4 of the   Asphalt Plants guidance.
  • If the new owner or operator is already registered to operate asphalt plants under this program, and the new facility will be operated at one of the owner or operator’s existing locations, there is no need to submit a new Registration Notification or any form
• Deregistration:  If you will no longer operate asphalt plants in Montana and wish to be removed from the program, you must fill out a   Air Quality Deregistration Notification form  and submit it to the Department to avoid being charged an annual fee.
• Location Updates:  For any proposed new temporary or permanent location, the owner or operator shall notify the Department using the   Attachment A – Location Notice & Update form  at least 15 days before beginning to operate at the location.

Are there compliance requirements for asphalt plants? 

Yes. Initial performance tests for particulate matter and visible emissions are required.

• Any asphalt plant operating under this registration program will need to conduct an initial emissions tests within 180 days of initial startup of a facility.
• If you have already completed an initial performance test, the written report of the results of the test must be presented to the Department upon request.
• The asphalt production rate may not exceed the average production rate during the most recent source test that demonstrated compliance. The owner or operator may retest at a higher production rate at any time.

Additional Tests. The Department has the authority to require an emissions performance test. All emissions performance tests must conform to the requirements of the Montana Source Test Protocol and Procedures Manual, which is available   here.

What records am I required to keep?

Registered sources must maintain records that can be produced during an inspection for demonstrating compliance with this program. The records must also be submitted to the Department upon request. Records must include:

• The location at which the facility was operated.
• Daily production rates and rolling 12-month total production.
• Daily pressure drop, in inches of water.
• Daily horsepower-hours of engines and rolling 12-month total horsepower hours for operations at permanent locations.

How do I deregister my facility?

Submit a request to deregister a facility using the  Air Quality Deregistration Notification form along with supporting information by email to:  DEQ-ARMB-Admin@mt.gov.

Are there any guidance documents to help me?

Yes. The following documents provide guidance on the registration process:

• Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants guidance
• Concrete Batch Plants guidance
• Asphalt Plants guidance