ARIZONA MINING PERMITTING GUIDE - AZGS Document Repository

Air Quality Control Permit
Arizona Mining Permitting Guide
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)
Air Quality Permits Section
1110 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602 771-2308
www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/index.html
PERMITS, AUTHORIZATIONS OR FILINGS:
Air Quality Control Permit
LEGAL AUTHORITY:
A.R.S. § 49-421 et seq.
A.R.S. § 49-471 et seq.
CONDITIONS REQUIRING PERMITS, AUTHORIZATIONS OR FILINGS:
The Air Quality Permits Program ensures that the air pollutants emitted from various sources
do not exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards or cause significant deterioration in
areas which presently have clean air. The program also ensures the preservation of air quality
in our wilderness areas and controls risks caused by the emission of hazardous air pollutants.
Any source that releases, into the air, a regulated air pollutant above specified levels will be
required to first obtain an air quality permit or permit revision to construct, operate or make a
modification.
Arizona Revised Statutes § 49-402 allows counties to assume jurisdiction over stationary
sources of air pollutants, with the exception of refineries, copper smelters, coal-fired power
plants and Portland cement plants. In Arizona, three counties (Maricopa, Pima and Pinal)
issue air quality permits for mining. Elsewhere in the state, ADEQ issues air quality permits
for mining.
EXEMPTIONS:
Some situations that are exempt from the permitting process include: new residential wood
heaters, some asbestos demolition and renovation projects, and agricultural equipment used in
normal farm operations.
FEES:
Permit fees are based on the size and type of facility, applicability of state and federal rules
and regulations, and the type of permit or permit revisions applied for.
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