Air emissions
Stationary engines, commonly used as backup or emergency generators, are regulated by several federal air standards and state air permits. Learn more on the MPCA air quality program page for engines.
State permits
An air permit is required is required if potential air emissions from the entire business are over certain levels or if a federal new source performance standard applies to the engine. Use this emissions calculator to determine potential air emissions from your gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and propane engines:
Additional guidance is provided on the MPCA air quality program page for engines.
Federal permits
Two types of federal rules — the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) — can apply to stationary engines depending on date of manufacture, size, fuel type, and how the engine is being used. Use the U.S. EPA engine regulation navigation tools for a quick assessment and summary of requirements for your engine.
- NESHAP can apply regardless of whether a facility needs an air permit.
- NSPS can impact whether a facility needs an air permit.
Air permit due dates
| Requirement | Due date |
|---|---|
| Emission inventory fee for previous reporting year | Mailed to permit holders between February and April, due within 30 days |
| Emission inventory report | April 1 |
| Emissions summary review period | Begins in August/September |
Hazardous waste
You need a hazardous waste identification number if your business produces any amount of hazardous waste.
Businesses generating most types of hazardous waste are required to report annually, pay a fee, and obtain a license for the subsequent year. Facilities in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington County are licensed and inspected by their county. Facilities in greater Minnesota are licensed and inspected by the MPCA. If you produce only small amounts of hazardous waste, you probably qualify as a very small quality generator:
See the Hazardous waste identification and management page for information on managing specific types of hazardous waste, such as oil filters and oil-spill cleanup materials. Oily wastes generally don't require a hazardous waste license, but check with your county to be sure.
Hazardous waste due dates
| Requirement | Due date |
|---|---|
| Hazardous waste generators fee | Mailed to license holders in first quarter, due date on invoice |
| License application | Due August 15 for Greater Minnesota businesses; Twin Cities metro businesses, contact your county |
Storage tanks
Report leaks and spills to the Minnesota Duty Officer at 651-649-5451 or 800-422-0798. Most aboveground storage tanks larger than 500 gallons or underground tanks larger than 110 gallons have to be registered with the MPCA. See the storage tanks pages for more information.
Beyond compliance