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Air Permits for Gas Stations on Tribal Lands in California

General Air Quality Permit for New or Modified Minor Source Gasoline Dispensing Facilities in Indian Country within California

Docket for this Action: EPA-R09-OAR-2016-0580

On this page:

Summary

On May 1, 2019, EPA Region 9 issued a final General Permit under the Clean Air Act Tribal Minor New Source Review program at 49.151 through 49.161 (Tribal Minor NSR program). This General Permit is available for gasoline dispensing facilities (GDFs), such as gas stations, located in Indian country within the geographical boundaries of California. For information on GDFs in Indian country outside of California please see: 5 Source Categories - Gasoline Dispensing Facilities (Final Rule).

This General Permit provides a streamlined permitting option for owners and operators that are planning to construct or modify a gas station in Indian country within California and require a preconstruction permit under the Tribal Minor NSR program. Typically, projects qualifying for the General Permit will receive approval within 90 days of the EPA receiving a request.

The Tribal Minor NSR requires a preconstruction permit for certain new or modified GDFs that construct or modify on or after September 1, 2014. The General Permit is one way for gas stations to meet the permitting requirements of the Tribal Minor NSR program. No owner or operator is required to use the General Permit. Only owners and operators of GDFs that are approved to be covered under the General Permit are required to comply with its terms and conditions.

General Permit Package Documents

  • General Permit
    Owners and operators approved for coverage under must comply with the terms and conditions of this permit. This link includes copies of documents incorporated by reference into the permit.
  • Needs Questionnaire
    Use the questionnaire to determine whether you need a permit and whether you would qualify for the General Permit
  • Request for Coverage Instructions
    Instructions for completing the Request for Coverage
  • Request for Coverage
    Application form used to request coverage under the General Permit. Please ensure your Request for Coverage meets one of the criteria in Appendices A and B related to protecting federally listed species and protecting historic properties.
  • GDF Potential to Emit Calculator v.3.0
    Used to estimate emissions from your gas station, and can be submitted with a Request for Coverage to provide the required emissions calculations
  • Technical Support Document
    Provides background information on the terms and conditions in the permit

Webinar Presentation

On July 17, 2019, EPA conducted a webinar for tribes to discuss the permitting requirements for gas stations on tribal lands under the Tribal Minor NSR program.

Note: While the General Permit adopts by reference certain standards and procedures used by the California Air Resources Board’s vapor recovery program, the State of California does not have any authority to implement or enforce its vapor recovery program in any area of Indian country.