Unless specifically exempted, an air contaminant source is required to obtain a permit to construct and operate within Knox County from the Knox County Department of Air Quality Management (Air Quality). An air contaminant source is “any and all sources of emission of air contaminants, whether privately or publicly owned or operated.” The following is a list of common air contaminant sources.
- Process emission sources such as printing presses, asphalt plants, aggregate processing plants and coating processes (painting of automobiles, office equipment, wood furniture, etc.).
- Fuel burning equipment such as boilers, emergency generators, gas or oil-fired heaters, and coal fired steam electric generating plants.
- Incinerators for medical waste, municipal waste, etc.
- Farming equipment, mobile sources and other exempted air contaminant sources are not required to obtain permits.
Permit-by-Rule is a faster and less expensive method of permitting for the following air contaminant sources: gasoline dispensing facilities, emergency engines/generators and auto body refinishing operations.
Construction Permit: Unless specifically exempted or qualify for a Permit-by-Rule, any person in Knox County constructing an air contaminant source or modifying an existing air contaminant source is required to obtain a construction permit.
Title V Operating Permit: Persons planning to operate an air contaminant source that is a Title V source require a Title V operating permit.
Non-Title V Operating Permit: Unless specifically exempted or qualify for a Permit-by-Rule, persons planning to operate an air contaminant source that is not a Title V source require a Non-Title V operating permit.
Click on the boxes below for more information on these permits.
On Nov. 20, 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency signed a final rule to reduce emissions from oil and natural gas operations.
Knox County Air Quality is working with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to develop a State Plan for existing oil and gas facilities in Tennessee. For additional information on TDEC’s resources, click here.
Questions?
Please call 865-215-5900 or email airquality@knoxcounty.org if you have any questions or need assistance.
Click here for the Knox County Department of Air Quality Management Regulations.
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