title = "Environmental Permits: Types and Facility Obligations"

content = """
Operating an industrial metal manufacturing facility requires multiple environmental permits at the federal, state, and local levels. Ridgecrest Metalworks' EHS manager maintains the permit register and is the primary contact for all regulatory agencies. However, all supervisors and operators must understand which permits cover their operations, because permit conditions define the rules for how those operations must be run.

**Air operating permit.** Ridgecrest holds a state air quality permit (typically a Title V or minor source permit depending on annual emissions). This permit identifies:
- Each significant emission source (paint booth, welding area, grinding cells, thermal furnaces).
- The annual emission limits for each regulated pollutant (NOx, VOC, PM, HAPs).
- Required operational controls for each source (e.g., ventilation system must be operating whenever paint spray is occurring).
- Monitoring, recordkeeping, and annual reporting requirements.

Non-operation of required controls (e.g., running the spray booth with exhaust fans off) is an immediate permit violation.

**Industrial pretreatment permit.** Issued by the local POTW, this permit authorizes Ridgecrest to discharge treated industrial wastewater to the municipal sewer. Permit conditions include numeric effluent limits and self-monitoring requirements. Changes to process chemistry (new cleaning chemicals, new coating processes) that could affect discharge quality must be reported to the POTW before the process change is made.

**Hazardous waste generator permit (Notification).** Under RCRA, Ridgecrest is registered as a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) or Small Quantity Generator (SQG) based on monthly hazardous waste generation rates. The generator status determines: accumulation time limits (90 days for LQG), storage area requirements, emergency plan requirements, and reporting obligations.

**Stormwater permit (NPDES Industrial General Permit).** Covers stormwater runoff from the facility. Requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), periodic inspections of outdoor areas, and corrective action if stormwater samples show elevated pollutants.

**Spill prevention (SPCC Plan).** If Ridgecrest stores oil in quantities above threshold (aboveground storage ≥ 1,320 gallons or below ground ≥ 42,000 gallons total), an EPA Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan is required. This plan describes secondary containment, inspection schedules, and spill response procedures.

All permits are on file in the EHS office. The current permit limits and conditions are reviewed in the annual environmental compliance audit.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
