Virginia Law

A. Prior to submitting an application for processing under subsections B through F of this section, the owner may request a nonbinding applicability determination as to which particular provisions of the new source review program are applicable. The request for the applicability determination shall include sufficient information as may be necessary for the department to make an applicability determination and may include the same information required for an application. Within 30 days after receipt of a request, the department will (i) notify the applicant of the applicability determination or (ii) provide a determination that the information provided by the owner is insufficient to make an applicability determination, along with the identification of any deficiencies.

B. Within 30 days after receipt of an application, the department will notify the applicant of the status of the application. The notification of the initial determination with regard to the status of the application will be provided by the department in writing and will include (i) a determination as to which provisions of the new source review program are applicable, (ii) the identification of any deficiencies, and (iii) a determination as to whether the application contains sufficient information to begin application review. The determination that the application has sufficient information to begin review is not necessarily a determination that it is complete. Within 30 days after receipt of any additional information, the department will notify the applicant in writing of any deficiencies in such information. The date of receipt of a complete application for processing under subsection C of this section shall be the date on which the department received all required information, including any applicable permit fees, and the provisions of § 10.1-1321.1 of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law have been met, if applicable.

C. The department will normally process an application according to the steps specified in subdivisions 1 through 4 of this subsection. Processing time for these steps is normally 90 days following receipt of a complete application. If a public hearing is required, processing time is normally 180 days following receipt of a complete application. The department may extend this time period if additional information is needed.

1. Complete the preliminary review and analysis in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1190 and the preliminary determination of the department. This step may constitute the final step if the provisions of 9VAC5-80-1170 concerning public participation are not applicable.

2. When required, complete the public participation requirements in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1170.

3. Consider the public comments received in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1170.

4. Complete the final review and analysis and the final determination of the department.

D. The department will normally take final action on an application after completion of the applicable steps in subsection C of this section and, if applicable, 9VAC5-80-45.

E. The department shall notify the applicant in writing of its decision on the application, including its reasons, and shall also specify the applicable emission standards. These emission standards are applicable during any emission testing conducted in accordance with 9VAC5-80-1200.

F. The applicant may appeal the decision pursuant to Part VIII (9VAC5-170-190 et seq.) of 9VAC5-170 (Regulation for General Administration).

G. Within five days after notification to the applicant pursuant to subsection E of this section, the notification and any comments received pursuant to the public comment period and public hearing shall be made available for public inspection at the same location as was the information in 9VAC5-80-1170 E 1.

H. In granting a permit pursuant to this section, the department shall provide in writing a clear and concise statement of the legal basis, scientific rationale, and justification for the decision reached. When the decision of the department is to deny a permit pursuant to this section, the department shall, in consultation with legal counsel, provide a clear and concise statement explaining the reason for the denial, the scientific justification for the same, and how the department's decision is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Copies of the decision, certified by the director, shall be mailed by certified mail to the permittee or applicant.