Indiana Administrative Code Title 325 - AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD OF THE STATE OF INDIANA
Indiana Administrative Code — Title 325: Air Pollution Control Board
The Air Pollution Control Board (APCB) is the regulatory authority responsible for developing and enforcing rules aimed at controlling air pollution and protecting air quality in the State of Indiana. Title 325 establishes the legal framework and procedures for regulating emissions, permitting, and enforcement to ensure public health and environmental protection.
Key Areas Covered in Title 325:
1. Authority and Purpose
The APCB is established under Indiana state law with the responsibility to adopt rules to prevent and control air pollution.
Its purpose is to maintain and improve air quality by regulating sources of pollution and implementing state and federal clean air standards.
2. Definitions
Title 325 includes definitions of important terms such as “emission,” “source,” “air contaminant,” and “ambient air quality.”
These definitions provide clarity and uniformity for interpreting the rules.
3. Emission Standards
The Board sets limits on the amount and types of pollutants that can be emitted into the air from various sources.
This includes standards for industries, vehicles, and other pollution sources.
Emission standards often align with or incorporate federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.
4. Permitting
Sources of air pollution must obtain permits before construction or operation.
The permit process involves:
Application submission.
Technical review.
Public notice and opportunity for comment.
Permits include conditions and limitations to ensure compliance with air quality standards.
5. Monitoring and Reporting
Facilities are required to monitor their emissions regularly.
They must submit periodic reports to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) documenting compliance with permit conditions.
6. Inspections and Enforcement
The APCB has the authority to conduct inspections of facilities to ensure compliance.
Violations of air pollution rules may result in penalties such as fines, orders to cease operations, or corrective actions.
The Board can hold hearings and issue enforcement orders.
7. Air Quality Standards
Establishes ambient air quality standards for pollutants like ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and lead.
These standards protect public health and welfare by limiting pollutant concentrations in outdoor air.
8. Public Participation
The Board provides opportunities for public comment on proposed rules and permits.
Public hearings and notices are part of the decision-making process to ensure transparency and community involvement.
9. Specific Source Rules
Title 325 includes rules targeting specific types of sources, such as:
Industrial processes.
Motor vehicles and fuel regulations.
Incinerators.
Fugitive dust control.
These specialized rules address unique pollution challenges from various activities.
Summary Table
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Authority & Purpose | Establishes APCB authority to regulate air pollution |
| Definitions | Clarifies key terms for rule interpretation |
| Emission Standards | Limits on pollutant emissions from various sources |
| Permitting | Process for obtaining permits to operate pollution sources |
| Monitoring & Reporting | Requirements for emissions tracking and reporting |
| Inspections & Enforcement | Compliance checks and penalties for violations |
| Air Quality Standards | Ambient air pollutant concentration limits |
| Public Participation | Opportunities for community input on rules and permits |
| Specific Source Rules | Regulations for particular pollution sources and activities |
Purpose and Impact
Title 325 ensures that Indiana’s air quality is protected through effective regulation of pollutants. By enforcing emission limits, permitting processes, and compliance measures, the APCB helps safeguard public health, comply with federal standards, and promote environmental sustainability.
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