Operation Permit Options

If you have decided that you are not exempt, you will need to apply for an operation air permit. There are several operation permit options available, which include Registration Operation Permits, General Operation Permits, and Source-Specific Operation Permits (see the Definitions or FAQ pages or click on the icons below).

Streamlined Permit Options

You may want to consider one of the streamlined permits available.

• Registration Permits are available to smaller emitting facilities that can cap their emissions and meet other eligibility criteria.
• General Permits are available for printing facilities, rock crushing facilities, and asphalt plants. These permits are written with standardized terms and will not include requirements specific to your facility’s operations. DNR's web site for Air Permit Fact Sheets and Forms contains links to the GOP application forms.
• If you have a printing business, visit DNR's Printers' Guide to Air Permits and Environmental Opportunities to learn about permit options developed especially for printers.

Obtaining these permits is a fairly simple process, as they have a short list of eligibility criteria. They offer simplified application procedures and can be issued within 15 days of applying.

Source-Specific Permits

If you do not choose a streamlined permit option, you will need to apply for a source-specific air permit. Please review the Air Pollution Permit Application Instruction Booklet, Version 2.2. You may choose to print portions of this document. Then click the button at the bottom of this page to continue on to the Section 1 forms.

Air Pollution Construction or Operation Permits all require that the same forms be used for the applications. Not every form is required for each application. The forms are grouped into different sections that have similar purposes. Download and save each of the sections that you might need to work with. Each PDF file has form-specific instructions tacked on following the forms themselves.

The Department of Commerce Small Business Clean Air Assistance Program has links to all the permit forms on its Air Pollution Permits web site [exit DNR]. Print off and complete the appropriate forms and send in to DNR's Air Program at:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Air Management
Attn: Permits
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921

Operation permits can require a few months to obtain as well as having fees associated with them. To find out more, click on the icons below:

Application Completeness

After you have filled in all the information and submitted your application, you're not quite done. The Department is responsible for reviewing your permit application and making a "completeness determination." The Department's staff have 20 days from the date your application is received to determine if it is complete. You will be notified of the Department's determination. If your application is incomplete, you will then have 30 days to submit the missing information. Responding in timely fashion is very important. If you submit a timely application and respond to any requests for additional information from the Department, you may continue operating.

The Department reserves the right to ask for additional information even after the application is initially deemed complete.