Enviro-Nav

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Welcome to the Environmental Responsibility Navigator (Enviro-Nav)

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Reources (DNR) created this interactive “one-stop shop” to help small business owners understand and manage their environmental requirements.

Enviro-Nav is a convenient tool that will prompt you through a series of questions about your operation. Once completed, you will be provided a summary of likely environmental regulatory requirements, links to guidance documents and contact information.

All businesses can benefit from the information on environmental requirements provided in Enviro-Nav. There is also customized information for a number of Wisconsin’s business sectors. If you are a business in any of the following industries, you will be guided through questions and provided with information tailored to your industry after answering some initial basic questions.

  • Asphalt Plant
  • Auto Body Repair
  • CAFO/Non-CAFO Farm
  • CBD Oil Extraction
  • Commercial Building w/ Heat
  • Crusher/Sand Gravel Plants
  • Demolition Asbestos Removal
  • Digester
  • Dry Cleaner
  • Emergency Generator Engine
  • Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics
  • Gasoline Dispensing
  • Grain Handling
  • Metal Fabrication
  • Printing
  • Salvage Yards
  • Solar Farms
  • Wood Products


Please note: the Environmental Responsibility Navigator is an anonymous tool. Your progress and results are not saved long-term and the DNR will not have access to your information. As you continue through Enviro-Nav, your progress will be saved every time you click “Next (Save Progress).” This will allow you to leave and come back later, within a two-week period. This application uses cookies to store progress. If you clear your cookies, your progress will be lost.

Disclaimer: The information provided by the Environmental Responsibility Navigator is not intended to provide an official, binding or exhaustive permitting determination by the Wisconsin DNR. It will provide you with a good understanding of likely permits you will need based on the questions you answer. However, the permitting laws and regulations that apply may change based on the actual location and circumstances of your specific business and they may not address every environmental issue or regulation that could apply.
Contact the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program at DNRSmallbusiness@wisconsin.gov

Welcome to the Environmental Responsibility Navigator (Enviro-Nav)

What information are you looking for?




Individual or residential concern

Please select all topics of concern from the following options:














Business and Government Environmental Requirements

You have selected the business and local government environmental requirements path. This will begin the navigation of your trip through our different programs that might require permits or other compliance actions on your part. But first, there are certain issues all entities need to be aware of before starting the journey.
Will your plans include construction that disturbs more than 10,000 square feet of undisturbed ground?


Business and Government Environmental Requirements

When disturbing any land to start a project for private, industry or government use there are steps to take before moving even one shovel of dirt, to protect the natural resources, endangered species and minimize the spread of invasive species.
In total, will your project disturb one or more acres of land?


Storm Water Construction

Discharges from certain agricultural and silvicultural activities described in s. NR 216.42, Wis. Adm. Code, are exempt from needing a WPDES storm water construction site permit. Exemptions include:

  • Planting, growing, cultivating and harvesting of crops for human or livestock consumption and pasturing or yarding of livestock, including sod farms and tree nurseries. Note: This exemption does not include the construction of structures such as barns, manure storage facilities or barnyard runoff control systems.
  • Silviculture activities, including tree nursery operations, tree harvesting operations, reforestation, tree thinning, prescribed burning and pest and fire control. These activities are not regulated by NR 216 if activities follow standard industry practice and are not related to clearing and grubbing an area of a construction site that would otherwise be regulated.
Does your project meet one of these exemptions?


Storm Water Construction

Prior to conferring construction storm water permit coverage, the DNR also reviews the project for potential impacts on waterways and wetlands, endangered and threatened resources and registered historical or archaeological sites. 
Have you evaluated the project for impacts to these resources?


Construction - Wetlands

All wetlands in Wisconsin are protected by state statute and regulated by the DNR. Landowners and developers are required to avoid wetlands with their projects whenever possible. For projects that cannot avoid wetlands, the following activities may require a DNR exemption or wetland permit:

  • Filling-Placing dredged or fill materials into a wetland (e.g., soil, concrete, gravel, etc.).
  • Excavating-Removing material from a wetland.
  • Grading-Conducting earthwork to change the grade or contours of the land.
  • Mechanized Land Clearing-Clearing shrubs or trees from wetlands by bulldozing or grubbing and removing the root structures.
  • Other Activities-Placing structures, including but not limited to utility infrastructure, timber mats, sheds, soil or spoil piles, in a wetland resulting in temporary impacts.


To get an initial idea of whether there are wetlands on your property or a property you are interested in purchasing, see Property Lookup for Waterways and Wetlands to use DNR map tools or submit the location and boundary of the area you are planning to impact.
To request a wetland determination from DNR staff and learn more, visit Wetland Identification.
Does your project involve a wetland?


Construction - Wetlands

Exemptions have been created for some types of artificial wetlands and nonfederal wetlands. Both types of exemptions require outside review to determine eligibility.

Artificial Wetland Exemption
Is there evidence that a wetland or stream existed before 1991?


Construction - Wetlands

Artificial Wetland Exemption
Does the area serve as a fish spawning or as a passage to a fish spawning area?


Construction - Wetlands

Artificial Wetland Exemption
Is it a wetland that was created as a result of a wetland mitigation requirement?


Construction - Wetlands

Nonfederal Wetland Exemption

To process a nonfederal wetland exemption request, the DNR must have evidence that the wetland is not subject to federal oversight. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the only government entity that can make a jurisdictional determination for nonfederal wetland exemption purposes. To request a jurisdiction determination from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visit:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-St. Paul District Regulatory Branch

Because a USACE jurisdictional determination can be a lengthy process, DNR advises that project proponents contact a wetland team staff to discuss options while waiting for the jurisdictional determination, applying for a general permit, or applying for an individual permit. Although DNR cannot approve an exemption request until a USACE jurisdictional determination is made, staff will review other eligibility requirements and work with stakeholders to discuss options for all exemption requests submitted.

If your project is not eligible for a wetland exemption, a permit is likely required.
Would you like more information about types of wetland permits?


Construction - Wetlands

The type of wetland permit you may need depends on the size of the project and the type of activity.
Will the project distrub more than 10,000 square feet?


Construction - Wetlands

Will your project impact any of the following types of wetlands?
  • Great Lakes ridge and swale complexes
  • Interdunal wetlands
  • Coastal plain marshes
  • Boreal rich fens
  • Calcareous fens
  • Emergent marshes containing wild rice (N/A for highway projects)
  • Sphagnum bogs south of STH 16 and STH 21 west of Lake Winnebago and on USH 151 east of Lake Winnebago


Construction - Wetlands

Is the project in the City of Superior?


Construction - Wetlands

Is the project being carried out under the direction and supervision of a city, town, village or county and/or by a municipal stormwater or sewer utility?


Construction - Wetlands

Does the project involve the construction, reconstruction or maintenance of a highway, bridge, arch or culvert as part of a municipal public transportation project?


Construction - Wetlands

Is the purpose of your project to construct a new public or municipal road or to construct a new crossing, for a public or municipal road, over a navigable waterway where there was previously no crossing?


Construction - Wetlands

Is the purpose of the project to conduct construction activities to build or expand commercial, residential, or industrial development?


Construction - Wetlands

Is the purpose of the project to fill wetlands to create a buildable lot to be sold and/or developed at a later date?


Construction - Wetlands

Is the purpose of the project to build, reconstruct or maintain a recreational structure or facility?


Construction - Waterways

The DNR regulates activities that may impact navigable waters below the Ordinary High Water Mark. A navigable waterway is defined through case law as any waterway that has a defined bed and bank and upon which it is possible to float a canoe or small watercraft on a recurring basis. 

To get an initial idea of whether your project may impact a waterbody on your property or a property you are interested in purchasing, see Property Lookup for Waterways and Wetlands to use DNR map tools or submit the location and boundary of the area you are planning to impact.
Will your project be in, on the shore of, or otherwise impact a navigable waterway?



Construction - Waterways

The Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) is defined as “the point on the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of the water is so continuous as to leave a distinct mark either by erosion, destruction of terrestrial vegetation or other easily recognized characteristic."

Water marks are often at various elevations, but the most permanent and prevalent marks constitute the OHWM. The OHWM doesn't change with temporary fluctuations in water levels, nor is it always at or near open water.

Only Department Staff can make a formal determination of the location of the OHWM but here are some clues that you can use:
  • Existing seawalls and rock riprap banks are likely at or just above the OHWM.
  • There is a transition from established mature trees to non woody plants or very young trees.
  • There are prominent water stains on permanent structures that indicate the OHWM.
Will your project involve areas below the Ordinary High Water Mark?


Construction - Waterways

Will you be adding fill below the Ordinary High Water Mark?


Construction - Waterways

Are you going to build a recreational structure on a shoreline, such as a boat ramp, pier, boat house, boat mooring, swim raft, or water ski platform?


Construction - Waterways

Will your construction project involve building a waterway crossing such as a culvert, bridge, or ford?


Construction - Waterways

Will you be dredging or grading?


Construction - Waterways

Will you be installing intake/outfall structures, dry hydrants, or pilings or any other miscellaneous structure (e.g. geothermal energy system, innovative shoreline cleaning system, etc.) on the bed of the waterway?


Construction - Waterways

Are you going to install a crop irrigation system?


Construction - Waterways

Is a purpose of your project to control shoreline erosion?


Construction - Waterways

Will your project affect a waterway but did not fit into any of the previous categories?


Water Supply

Where will you get your water?



Water Supply

Are you the municipal system owner or operator?


Water Supply

Will you be constructing or reconstructing a well?


Water Supply

You indicated the facility will be constructing or reconstructing a drinking water well. Facilities with wells may be regulated as public water systems.

Note: "Serving" water means that you have water available for drinking regardless of whether the water is actually consumed.
Will the well:





Water Supply

Will the facility have one or more wells with a combined pump capacity of 70 gallons per minute or more, or will the well serve a school or wastewater treatment plant?



Water Supply

Will the high capactiy well system be within the Great Lakes Basin?



Water Supply

Are there any existing wells that will no longer be used?



Water Supply

Would you like additional information on best practices for wells?


Water Supply

Will the water supply:




Water Supply

Will you be distributing municipal water to other customers and up charging them on their water bills?


Water Supply

Are any wells changing ownership?


Water Supply

Will the facility have one or more wells with a combined pump capacity of 70 gallons per minute or more, or will the well serve a school or wastewater treatment plant?



Water Supply

Will the high capactiy well system be within the Great Lakes Basin?



Water Supply

Are there any existing wells that will no longer be used?



Water Supply

Would you like additional information on best practices for wells?


Pollution Prevention

New or expanding businesses can sometimes reduce or eliminate their environmental regulatory burden by planning their processes differently or using different raw materials in their processes.
Before delving in to the environmental responsibilities for your facility, would you like to learn more about ways to prevent or minimize pollution and operate more sustainably?
If you select Yes, a list of resources will be provided at the Last Stop.


First Stop

You selected business or local government and have reviewed the critical first steps to take for any activity on your site. Now is the time to select the next path for your journey in understanding what requirements are needed.
If your business is related to one of the industries shown below, you can click the icon to continue learning about specific environmental requirements that are required. If you don't see your industry, you can continue on with the general environmenal responsibility navigation to review requirements for air, wastewater, storm water and waste management by selecting the "other" tile at the end of the list.
Asphalt Plant
Asphalt Plant 		Auto Body Repair
Auto Body Repair 		CAFO / Non-CAFO Farm
CAFO / Non-CAFO Farm 		CBD Oil Extraction
CBD Oil Extraction 		Commercial Building w/ Heat
Commercial Building w/ Heat
Crusher / Sand Gravel Plants
Crusher / Sand Gravel Plants 		Demolition Asbestos Removal
Demolition Asbestos Removal 		Digester
Digester 		Dry Clearner
Dry Clearner 		Emergency Generator Engine
Emergency Generator Engine
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics 		Gasoline Dispensing
Gasoline Dispensing 		Grain Handling
Grain Handling 		Metal Fabrication
Metal Fabrication 		Printing
Printing
Salvage Yards
Salvage Yards 		Solar Farms
Solar Farms 		Wood Products
Wood Products 		Other
Other

First Stop

Since you did not select one of the specific industries listed on the previous screen, you will now navigate through the main programs with environmental responsibilities that are implemented by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. You can also contact the DNR’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program to ask questions about your activities and what requirements might impact your facility.

Helpline: 855-889-3021 Email: DNRsmallbusiness@wisconsin.gov
Select each of the programs listed below that you wish to obtain more information on:




Asphalt

Likely Permits or Requirements for Asphalt Plants

Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to hot mix asphalt plants. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options that you wish to obtain more information on:
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is a combination of approximately 95% stone, sand or gravel bound together by asphalt cement, a product of crude oil. Asphalt cement is heated and mixed with the aggregate at an HMA facility. Some plants may also process reclaimed asphalt as well. Once mixed, the asphalt is loaded into trucks for transport to the construction site. HMA plants can be permanently located on a site or be skid mounted or portable to allow movement to meet construction project needs.

Runoff from spills and dust around an asphalt plant can create storm water contamination. Asphalt plants are under a SIC code that requires a Tier 2 permit or No Exposure application to be submitted.

There are limited sources of hazardous waste at an asphalt plant; however each industrial facility should evaluate their wastes to determine whether they are hazardous. Solvent rags used for cleaning and used oil from vehicle maintenance (if done on site) have proper methods to follow when disposing of them.

Resources to help with compliance of the requirements.

Autobody

Likely Permits or Requirements for Auto Body Refinishing or Collision Repair Shop

Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to auto body refinishing or collision repair shops. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Auto body shops generate air pollution from the paints, solvents, adhesives and other materials used, in the form of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. Grinding or sanding can also create particle pollution with some hazardous air pollutants as well. Most shops generate amounts small enough to be exempt from air pollution permits, but even if exempt from a permit there are air regulations that apply.

If you operate a dry shop, where no water is used to rinse cars, parts, equipment, floors or paint booths, then the shop will not generate wastewater. Only rags/wipes (damp or dry), compressed air, brooms or similar techniques are used to clean vehicles and the shop. If water is used for any of these activities, then a wastewater permit will be needed.

Shops will have a wide range of wastes requiring proper management as either solid or hazardous waste. Used and waste oils generated at an auto body shop will have very specific conditions for their collection, storage and disposal. The same applies to items such as batteries, mercury-containing switches and used lamps (if the shop replaces their halogen/fluorescent bulbs).

DNR created a lengthy checklist for all environmental requirements that can be helpful to walk through periodically as a reminder of the requirements that apply.

CAFO/Non-CAFO Farms

Likely Permits or Requirements for Commercial Buildings Installing New Heat/Power Equipment

Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) and Non-CAFO facilities. If you have a digester and related activities, please go through the Digester option in addition to this navigation to cover all possible requirements. If you have emergency generator engines installed that do not use digester gas, review the Emergency Engine navigation as well.

You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
If your operation has 1,000 animal units (AU) or more, your operation is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) and you must obtain a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit (WPDES) from the Department of Natural Resources.

There are certain ag-related wastes that can be best managed by recycling or reusing them. It is illegal to burn any type of plastic in Wisconsin. Don't Burn Agricultural Plastics (WA-1592) [PDF] provides a summary of recycling and disposal options. More information can be found on the Managing agricultural plastics page. Other wastes found on a farm could be 'reused' in a fashion by composting them. Learn more on the Farms and composting in Wisconsin page.

Learn about Nutrient Management Planning (NMP) requirements.

CBD Oil Extraction

Likely Permits or Requirements for CBD Oil Extraction

Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to hemp growing and processing facilities. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Air pollution can be generated by the equipment used for heating, drying and grinding the plants and also from the chemicals and solvents used to extract oils from the plants and clean equipment.

Facilities that process hemp and/or extract oils may fall into an industrial category that requires either a storm water permit or a No Exposure Certification to operate.

Most solvents used to extract oils and/or clean equipment, as well as plant material that has absorbed solvents may be considered hazardous and need to be disposed of properly. Similarly, some lamps, batteries and switches may require special handling.



Commercial Building Heat/Power

Likely Permits or Requirements for Commercial Buildings Installing New Heat/Power Equipment

Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to new heat and power equipment. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Fuel burning heat and power equipment, such as furnaces or emergency generator engines, may require an air permit but often the size of equipment needed for commercial buildings can meet exemption thresholds.

Generator engines will periodically need maintenance that includes an oil change, just like a car engine. It is important to properly manage the used oil according to the waste requirements.

Generator engines fueled by diesel will often include fuel storage in the unit or nearby. EPA regulates oil storage with requirements on spill prevention, control and countermeasures.

Crusher / Sand Mine

Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to rock crushers and sand mines. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Nonmetallic mining operations, that include rock crushers or sand and gravel plants, will emit particulate matter. The small particles are of particular concern for public health. Though if sand washing is conducted the air pollutants will be minimized but a water supply and wastewater issue will be created.

The crushers and sand and gravel plants will need to obtain storm water discharge permits when activities like water spray controls or sand washing is involved.

There are limited sources of hazardous waste at a crusher or sand plant, however each industrial facility should evaluate their wastes to determine whether they are hazardous. Examples include solvent rags used for cleaning, used oil from vehicle maintenance (if done on site) or old waste found on the site when disturbing the land. All have proper methods to follow when disposing of them.

Regulatory Authorities (RAs) are county or local units of government that have passed ordinances governing the reclamation of nonmetallic mining sites, as specified under ch. NR 135, Wis. Adm. Code. They are responsible for permitting and overseeing the reclamation of nonmetallic mining sites within their jurisdiction, including reviewing mine operators' reclamation plans and collecting fees. The RAs in turn transfer fees and provide reports to the DNR's Nonmetallic Mining Program.

Renovation or Demoltion Projects

Likely Permits or Requirements for Demolition with Asbestos Removal

Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to demolition projects with asbestos removal. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Asbestos fibers are a known human carcinogen. Lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of the chest cavity lining) and asbestosis (a fibrotic scarring of lung tissue) have been proven to result from asbestos exposure. When planning a demolition project, an asbestos inspection must be performed to identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the project. The asbestos-containing materials must be removed prior to beginning the project to protect the workers, building occupants and other contractors involved in the project from being exposed to asbestos. Make sure you have followed all required steps to address asbestos removal before beginning demolition.

You must also follow waste management requirements for asbestos removal.

Digesters

Likely Permits or Requirements for Anaerobic Digester Facilities
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to anaerobic digesters. This information is intended only for digesters installed at a farm or a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to break down the wastes produced on site. If outside waste, such as food waste, is added to the mix then it will involve more complicated permitting requirements and you should go back and select “Other” or contact the appropriate wastewater and storm water contact for your area. If looking for other farm related requirements, you can go back through Enviro-Nav and select the CAFO/Non-CAFO industry icon.

You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on.
Biogas is created when organic waste or animal waste, such as manure, decomposes. A natural process called anaerobic digestion creates biogas. Anaerobic digesters are closed systems that harness this natural process to produce biogas and other useful coproducts. These systems also reduce odors, pathogens and waste volume. Biogas recovery is a proven technology that is widely used in sectors like farms, food processing and wastewater treatment.  

Farms with 1,000 or more animal units are called Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs. There is a specific Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit for CAFOs. CAFOs requiring a WPDES permit may use a digester as a manure treatment system before discharging their waste stream to surface or ground water.

Learn about other resources available to agribusiness in Wisconsin.

Dry Cleaner

Likely Permits or Requirements for Dry Cleaning Facilities
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to perchloroethylene (perc) dry cleaners. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification. If you operate a dry-cleaning facility that uses a process other that perchloroethylene, return to the main menu and select the “other” category to learn about requirements.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on. Links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Dry cleaners use a variety of solvents in specialized machines to clean fabric. Regulations depend on the type of solvent used. Many dry cleaners use perchloroethylene (perc), but some are moving away from perc and using less-toxic alternatives. Perc is regulated as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP). Federal regulations apply to perc and to some facilities using petroleum-based solvents as well.

It’s illegal to dump unused or used solvents or dry-cleaning wastewater on the ground or to a body of water. It also can’t be discharged to a septic system. Wastewater should also not be discharged to a sanitary sewer unless authorized by the receiving wastewater treatment plant.

Dry cleaning facilities must evaluate all waste streams to determine whether they are hazardous. Dry cleaning solvents are usually considered hazardous and other wastes may also be hazardous if they come into contact with those solvents.

It’s important that dry cleaning facilities take measures to prevent spills and prepare to respond if spills do occur. Many spills must be reported immediately to DNR as well as any historical contamination that is discovered.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) licenses dry cleaners and collects fees for dry cleaning facilities as well as the sale of dry-cleaning products.

Pollution prevention methods should be implemented to comply with regulations and prevent harm to human health and the environment. There are also voluntary steps facilities can take to reduce the potential risks posed by dry cleaning operations and reduce the facility’s environmental footprint. Many dry-cleaning facilities are also moving away from perchloroethylene (perc) solvent to alternatives that are less toxic.

Emergency Generator Engine

Likely Permits or Requirements for Emergency Generator Engines​
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to new generator engines. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.​
Generator engines may require an air permit, but some units can meet exemption thresholds. ​

Generator engines will periodically need maintenance that includes an oil change, just like a car engine. It is important to properly manage the used oil according to the waste requirements. ​

Generator engines fueled by diesel will often include fuel storage in the unit or nearby. EPA regulates oil storage with requirements on spill prevention, control and countermeasures. ​

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics

Likely Permits or Requirements for Fiberglass
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to fiberglass reinforced plastic facilities. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Fiberglass reinforced plastics, or reinforced plastic composites, have a federal air toxic standard that will trigger an air pollution permit.

Small industrial sources using paints and solvent based materials should check with their local Wastewater Treatment plant or sewerage district about disposal of any industrial materials. They will have limits on what contaminants can be sent to the sewer. You may need to pretreat your wastewater discharge before sending it to the treatment plant. Review the requirements starting on the DNR wastewater program page. 

Unused paints, coatings and related cleaning solvents are often considered hazardous waste. Before disposing of any unused paint or solvent, it is important to review whether the material is hazardous and then properly manage the waste going forward.

The Minnesota Technical Assistance Program has an industry specific page: Pollution prevention solutions for FRP shops [exit DNR]. It provides Regulatory Resources for FRP Shops [exit DNR]. Also, Resources and associations for FRP Facilities [exit DNR] links to a number of articles on reducing emissions.

Gasonline Dispensing

Likely Permits or Requirements for Gas Stations
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to gas stations. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on. Links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Gasoline vapors contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), such as benzene and can be released without proper management. Gas stations are subject to both state and federal air rules and must take steps to control vapors and detect leaks in order to minimize air emissions.

If a gas station has a car wash, wastewater generated must be disposed of properly and a permit may be needed.

Gas stations must evaluate all waste streams to determine whether they are hazardous and all waste must be managed properly. If the facility does oil changes, there are requirements for proper handling of motor oil, filters and other automotive products.

It’s important that gas stations take measures to prevent spills and prepare to respond if spills do occur. Many spills must be reported immediately to DNR and other entities.

Grain Handling

Likely Permits or Requirements for Grain Handling Facilities
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to wood product manufacturing facilities. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Grain handling facilities are required to comply with a range of air pollution regulations, including needing an air permit. Dust and other particulate matter (PM) emissions generated by grain handling activities are regulated as air pollution. Dust and “bees wings” from grain handling and drying operations and dust from trucks on unpaved roads are common sources of air pollution. Grain handling includes grain elevators and prepared feed manufacturing.

If no process wastewater is generated, then a wastewater industrial discharge permit is not required.

Unused materials from grain handling operations may be considered hazardous waste if heavy metals like chromium are present. Before disposing of any unused materials from processing, it is important to determine whether the material is hazardous and then properly manage the waste going forward. Start with the Ag specific waste page and learn more about agrichemical waste management.

Generator engines fueled by diesel will often include fuel storage in the unit or nearby. EPA regulates oil storage with requirements on spill prevention, control and countermeasures.

Metal Finishing

Likely Permits or Requirements for Metal Fabrication and Finishing Operations
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to metal fabrication and finishing operations. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Metal finishing operations will have processes generating air pollution and need to evaluate their emissions to determine if an air permit is needed or if they qualify for an exemption. Metal working will generate particulate matter, solvents used for cleaning will generate volatile organic compounds (VOC) and hazardous air pollutants and heating units will generate a range of air pollutants. Operations that include welding will generate particulate matter as well as both state and federal hazardous air pollutants. Those that apply paints or coatings to metal parts can trigger state rules on the VOC emissions.

Process wastewater at a metal finishing operation will require a permit, depending on where it is discharged. When discharged to a sewer to be treated at the local municipal wastewater treatment facility, the permit is not with DNR. In that case, a permit is only needed if the facility has a pretreatment step before discharging to the sewer.

Metal finishing operations will likely have waste solvents and wastes contaminated with heavy metals found in the materials used. Each waste stream must be evaluated to determine whether it is hazardous. Proper disposal of all hazardous wastes is required.

Commercial Printing

Likely Permits or Requirements for Commercial Printing Facilities
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to commercial printing facilities. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
A printing operation may be required to have an air pollution control permit or meet specific regulations designed to reduce air pollution emissions. Air pollution is generated from the use of printing inks, coatings, fountain solutions, adhesives, cleaning solvents, fuels burned in press dryers, boilers, or for building heat and dust from paper handling.

Water quality can impact several aspects of a printing operation. Inside the plant, if any wastewater is discharged from a process into a sewer system, the printer should work with the local municipality's wastewater treatment plant to ensure that the discharge limits are being met and if any permits are required.

All printing operations generate waste. Whether its general office wastes, waste inks, solvents, used oils, production waste, off-spec materials, packaging, rags and wipes, or aerosol cans, printers have a wide range of materials to dispose of properly.

The Printer Portal [PDF] is the DNR's primary tool for providing information on environmental compliance and sustainability resources for the printing industry. It is a "one stop shop" approach that is designed to save time and money by connecting you with the appropriate resources available from the DNR.

Salvage Yards

Likely Permits or Requirements for Salvage Yards Facilities
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to salvage yards. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Salvage yards and scrap recycling facilities generally do not require an air permit. However, they can generate different types of air pollution that are each regulated in different ways. The types of air pollution can include: refrigerants, fugitive dust, odors and hazardous air pollutants.

Storm water coming into contact with industrial activity is a potential source of runoff contamination. When storm water comes into contact with materials at scrap recycling facilities that are stored outdoors, such as oil, gas, solvents, or metal, it can become polluted, leading to surface water and groundwater contamination. Fuel tanks, batteries, oily scrap, automotive parts, appliances, antifreeze, waste oils, leaking hydraulic lines and shredder fluff are just a few of the potential sources of storm water contamination.

Salvage yards and scrap recycling facilities will have a wide range of wastes requiring proper management as either solid or hazardous waste. Used oils, refrigerants and hazardous waste generated will have very specific conditions for their collection, storage and disposal. The same applies to items such as batteries, mercury-containing switches and used lamps.

It's important to note that all spills must be contained and cleaned up promptly and the spilled materials must be properly disposed of. In addition, spills over certain quantities must be reported to DNR and may even require federal reporting. Learn what to do in the case of a spill from any of the equipment disposed at the property.

Solar Farms

Likely Permits or Requirements for Solar Farms
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to solar farms. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
If a solar project has more than 1 acre of total land disturbance planned during construction activities, then storm water permit coverage is needed.

It is important to know that Public Service Commission (PSC) will review large solar projects in addition to DNR. All applicants must follow the solar application filing requirements when submitting an application to the PSC.

Wood Products

Likely Permits or Requirements for Wood Products Facilities
Below is a list of the permits and requirements that are likely to apply to wood product manufacturing facilities. You may contact the SBEAP for assistance on these topics if you need additional clarification.
Select each of the options you wish to obtain more information on, otherwise general links on each will be provided at the Last Stop in the Navigator.
Wood products manufacturing and related activities can range from using raw wood or prepared wood products that require cutting, sanding and other handling activities that generate wood dust. Wood dust is regulated as an air pollutant called "particulate matter" or PM. Wood products can be dried, requiring fuel combustion for the ovens, where fuels can range from natural gas, fuel oil, or wood residues. Fuel combustion generates all criteria pollutants and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

If no process wastewater is generated, then a wastewater industrial discharge permit is not required.

Generally wood waste can be disposed as a solid waste, however if any there is contamination of the wood from chemicals, paints or solvents applied it may be considered hazardous waste. Each waste stream must be evaluated to determine whether it is hazardous. Proper disposal of all hazardous wastes is required.

Air Management

Wisconsin DNR requires an air pollution permit for all facilities that have equipment or activities that emit air pollution. Air permits limit the amount of air pollution a facility is allowed to emit to keep the air clean and healthy. Permits are customized, whether for a specific facility or for a category of similar facilities, to promote environmental compliance and provide a basis for legal enforcement if permit conditions are violated.

Most equipment or activities that would be covered in an air permit will fall into one of the following categories.
Select any of the options below that describe activities or equipment at your facility:







Air Management

Do you want to see if a new facility or an addition to an existing facility needs a permit?


Air Management

Do you want to see if your existing facility needs a permit?


Air Management

Are you:


Air Management

Do you know if your existing facility is exempt from permitting or already has an air permit?



Air Management

I know that my existing facility is exempt and I am expanding.
Do you have the 10 tons exemption or another exemption?


Air Management

I need to figure out if the facility with the addition qualifies for a ROP because then they would be exempt from a construction permit.

Do the actual and MTE calculations, look at permit operations matrix (SB-122) and see if you qualify for a ROP.
Do you qualify for a ROP?

Air Management

Please indicate whether the processes and activities for your construction project meet the thresholds in the following specific exemptions. If all processes in a construction project, or all units in the project meet the thresholds on this list, you can use the “specific category of exemptions”. If any process cannot meet one of these conditions, you do not qualify for an exemption:

  • no individual furnace or indirect malt dryer is designed to burn the following fuels at more than the maximum heat input rates indicated (gaseous fuels or distillate oil meeting on-road sulfur content for diesel fuel at 25 million BTU/hour; distillate fuel at 10 mmBTU/hr; residual/crude oil or wood fuel at 5 mmBTU/hr; coal, coke or other solid fuels at 1.0 mmBTU/hr)
  • solid waste incinerator, feed rate of not more than 500 pounds per hour
  • Portland concrete batch plants producing less than 20,000 cubic yards of concrete per month, averaged over 12 consecutive months
  • storage tanks containing organic compounds with a true vapor pressure in pounds per square inch absolute at 70°F of less than 1.52 with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 40,000 gallons
  • VOC storage tanks with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 10,000 gallons of volatile organic compounds
  • painting or coating operations, including associated cleaning operations, which emit or will emit not more than 1666 pounds of volatile organic compounds per month, which are measured prior to entering any emission control devices
  • temporary change in the method of operation or temporary equipment used or to be used for the purpose of testing or research provided that all of the following requirements in rule are met
  • batch cold cleaning or open top vapor degreasing, not using halogenated solvent, has total air to vapor interface of <=1.0 square meter; or if using halogenated solvent, must not be a major source or located at a major source of HAPs
  • conveyorized non-vapor degreasing and conveyorized vapor degreasing equipment which uses halogenated HAP solvent and is not a major source or located at a major source
  • laboratory which emits VOC, SO2, NOX, CO or PM, or a combination of these, at a rate of less than 5.7 pounds per hour, unless emissions of a single federal HAP equal or exceed 10 tons per year or cumulative emissions of federal HAPs exceed 25 tpy. (hourly emissions can be determined by dividing total uncontrolled emissions during a calendar month by hours the
  • lab was in operation during that month)
  • restricted use reciprocating internal combustion engines which are fueled by gaseous fuels, gasoline, or a clean fuel and which have a combined total electrical output of less than 3,000 kilowatts, or the equivalent in brake horsepower.
  • equipment that temporarily increases steam generation capability at a source provided that all of the requirements in rule are met
If one or more of these are selected and all emissions sources in the construction project are covered by a selection, then click on “We meet this exemption.” If any source in the project cannot meet one of these, then select “We don’t meet this exemption.”


Air Management

Indicate whether the processes and activities for your facility meet the thresholds in the following specific exemptions. If all processes in the facility (under allowed combinations) meet the thresholds on this list, you can use the “specific category of exemptions”:

  • no individual furnace or indirect malt dryer is designed to burn the following fuels at more than the maximum heat input rates indicated (gaseous fuels or distillate oil meeting on-road sulfur content for diesel fuel at 25 million BTU/hour; distillate fuel at 10 mmBTU/hr; residual/crude oil or wood fuel at 5 mmBTU/hr; coal, coke or other solid fuels at 1.0 mmBTU/hr)
  • solid waste incinerator, feed rate of not more than 500 pounds per hour
  • Portland concrete batch plants producing less than 20,000 cubic yards of concrete per month, averaged over 12 consecutive months
  • storage tanks containing organic compounds with a true vapor pressure in pounds per square inch absolute at 70°F of less than 1.52 with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 40,000 gallons
  • VOC storage tanks with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 10,000 gallons of volatile organic compounds
  • batch cold cleaning or open top vapor degreasing, not using halogenated solvent, has total air to vapor interface of <=1.0 square meter; or if using halogenated solvent, must not be a major source or located at a major source of HAPs
  • conveyorized non-vapor degreasing and conveyorized vapor degreasing equipment which uses halogenated HAP solvent and is not a major source or located at a major source
  • Chromium electroplating and chromium anodizing operations which are not major sources or located at major sources and which are any of the following: decorative chromium electroplating operation or chromium anodizing operation that uses fume suppressants; decorative chromium electroplating operation that uses a trivalent chromium bath with a wetting
  • agent as a bath ingredient
  • laboratory which emits VOC, SO2, NOX, CO or PM, or a combination of these, at a rate of less than 5.7 pounds per hour, unless emissions of a single federal HAP equal or exceed 10 tons per year or cumulative emissions of federal HAPs exceed 25 tpy. (hourly emissions can be determined by dividing total uncontrolled emissions during a calendar month by hours the
  • lab was in operation during that month)
  • combination of units that meets the following exemptions as listed above: fuel burning unit, solid waste incinerator, storage tanks and only one other of these listed (concrete, painting, degreasing, electroplating, malt dryer, lab)
If all emissions units at the facility meet these exemptions, or fit under the allowed combination, then select “We meet this exemption.” If any emission unit does not fit under the combination, then select “We don’t meet this exemption.”


Air Management

You indicated your facility cannot use the specific categories of exemptions. If you have collected the actual and maximum theoretical emissions information for all of the processes and activities in your construction project or the whole facility, you can determine whether the general exemptions or actual emissions-based exemptions might apply.



Air Management

You have indicated that no permit exemptions will apply to your project or whole facility. Based on the actual and MTE emissions calculations performed for the exemption evaluation, select which permit type would fit your needs (you can select more than one and resources for each will be included in your final report). Refer to the Permit Options Matrix (SB-122) for a quick reference of each permit threshold.
Which permit category will your project/facility fall under, based on your emissions calculations?




Air Management

I am building a new facility.

Need to figure out if the facility with the addition qualifies for a ROP because then they would be exempt from a construction permit.

Do the actual and MTE calculations, look at permit operations matrix (SB-122) and see if you qualify for a ROP.
Do you qualify for a ROP?

Air Management

Please indicate whether the processes and activities for your construction project meet the thresholds in the following specific exemptions. If all processes in a construction project, or all units in the project meet the thresholds on this list, you can use the “specific category of exemptions”. If any process cannot meet one of these conditions, you do not qualify for an exemption:

  • no individual furnace or indirect malt dryer is designed to burn the following fuels at more than the maximum heat input rates indicated (gaseous fuels or distillate oil meeting on-road sulfur content for diesel fuel at 25 million BTU/hour; distillate fuel at 10 mmBTU/hr; residual/crude oil or wood fuel at 5 mmBTU/hr; coal, coke or other solid fuels at 1.0 mmBTU/hr)
  • solid waste incinerator, feed rate of not more than 500 pounds per hour
  • Portland concrete batch plants producing less than 20,000 cubic yards of concrete per month, averaged over 12 consecutive months
  • storage tanks containing organic compounds with a true vapor pressure in pounds per square inch absolute at 70°F of less than 1.52 with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 40,000 gallons
  • VOC storage tanks with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 10,000 gallons of volatile organic compounds
  • painting or coating operations, including associated cleaning operations, which emit or will emit not more than 1666 pounds of volatile organic compounds per month, which are measured prior to entering any emission control devices
  • temporary change in the method of operation or temporary equipment used or to be used for the purpose of testing or research provided that all of the following requirements in rule are met
  • batch cold cleaning or open top vapor degreasing, not using halogenated solvent, has total air to vapor interface of <=1.0 square meter; or if using halogenated solvent, must not be a major source or located at a major source of HAPs
  • conveyorized non-vapor degreasing and conveyorized vapor degreasing equipment which uses halogenated HAP solvent and is not a major source or located at a major source
  • laboratory which emits VOC, SO2, NOX, CO or PM, or a combination of these, at a rate of less than 5.7 pounds per hour, unless emissions of a single federal HAP equal or exceed 10 tons per year or cumulative emissions of federal HAPs exceed 25 tpy. (hourly emissions can be determined by dividing total uncontrolled emissions during a calendar month by hours the
  • lab was in operation during that month)
  • restricted use reciprocating internal combustion engines which are fueled by gaseous fuels, gasoline, or a clean fuel and which have a combined total electrical output of less than 3,000 kilowatts, or the equivalent in brake horsepower.
  • equipment that temporarily increases steam generation capability at a source provided that all of the requirements in rule are met
If one or more of these are selected and all emissions sources in the construction project are covered by a selection, then click on “We meet this exemption.” If any source in the project cannot meet one of these, then select “We don’t meet this exemption.”


Air Management

Indicate whether the processes and activities for your facility as a whole meet the thresholds in the following specific exemptions. If all processes in the facility (under allowed combinations) meet the thresholds on this list, you can use the “specific category of exemptions”. If your facility as a whole cannot meet one of these conditions, you do not qualify for an exemption:

  • no individual furnace or indirect malt dryer is designed to burn the following fuels at more than the maximum heat input rates indicated (gaseous fuels or distillate oil meeting on-road sulfur content for diesel fuel at 25 million BTU/hour; distillate fuel at 10 mmBTU/hr; residual/crude oil or wood fuel at 5 mmBTU/hr; coal, coke or other solid fuels at 1.0 mmBTU/hr)
  • solid waste incinerator, feed rate of not more than 500 pounds per hour
  • Portland concrete batch plants producing less than 20,000 cubic yards of concrete per month, averaged over 12 consecutive months
  • storage tanks containing organic compounds with a true vapor pressure in pounds per square inch absolute at 70°F of less than 1.52 with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 40,000 gallons
  • VOC storage tanks with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 10,000 gallons of volatile organic compounds
  • batch cold cleaning or open top vapor degreasing, not using halogenated solvent, has total air to vapor interface of <=1.0 square meter; or if using halogenated solvent, must not be a major source or located at a major source of HAPs
  • conveyorized non-vapor degreasing and conveyorized vapor degreasing equipment which uses halogenated HAP solvent and is not a major source or located at a major source
  • Chromium electroplating and chromium anodizing operations which are not major sources or located at major sources and which are any of the following: decorative chromium electroplating operation or chromium anodizing operation that uses fume suppressants; decorative chromium electroplating operation that uses a trivalent chromium bath with a wetting
  • agent as a bath ingredient
  • laboratory which emits VOC, SO2, NOX, CO or PM, or a combination of these, at a rate of less than 5.7 pounds per hour, unless emissions of a single federal HAP equal or exceed 10 tons per year or cumulative emissions of federal HAPs exceed 25 tpy. (hourly emissions can be determined by dividing total uncontrolled emissions during a calendar month by hours the
  • lab was in operation during that month)
  • combination of units that meets the following exemptions as listed above: fuel burning unit, solid waste incinerator, storage tanks and only one other of these listed (concrete, painting, degreasing, electroplating, malt dryer, lab)
If all emissions units at the facility meet these exemptions, or fit under the allowed combination, then select “We meet this exemption.” If any emission unit does not fit under the combination, then select “We don’t meet this exemption.”


Air Management

You indicated your facility cannot use the specific categories of exemptions. If you have collected the actual and maximum theoretical emissions information for all of the processes and activities in your construction project or the whole facility, you can determine whether the general exemptions or actual emissions-based exemptions might apply.



Air Management

You have indicated that no permit exemptions will apply to your project or whole facility. Based on the actual and MTE emissions calculations performed for the exemption evaluation, select which permit type would fit your needs (you can select more than one and resources for each will be included in your final report). Refer to the Permit Options Matrix (SB-122) for a quick reference of each permit threshold.
Which permit category will your project/facility fall under, based on your emissions calculations?




Air Management

You have indicated that your facility has an existing permit.
Which permit category does your facility fall under, based on your emissions calculations?






Air Management

Review the Permit Options Matrix (SB-122) to evaluate if you still qualify for the existing ROP that you have.
Do you still qualify for your existing ROP with the new emissions?


Air Management

Please indicate whether the processes and activities for your construction project meet the thresholds in the following specific exemptions. If all processes in a construction project, or all units in the project meet the thresholds on this list, you may be able to use the “specific category of exemptions”:

  • no individual furnace or indirect malt dryer is designed to burn the following fuels at more than the maximum heat input rates indicated (gaseous fuels or distillate oil meeting on-road sulfur content for diesel fuel at 25 million BTU/hour; distillate fuel at 10 mmBTU/hr; residual/crude oil or wood fuel at 5 mmBTU/hr; coal, coke or other solid fuels at 1.0 mmBTU/hr)
  • solid waste incinerator, feed rate of not more than 500 pounds per hour
  • Portland concrete batch plants producing less than 20,000 cubic yards of concrete per month, averaged over 12 consecutive months
  • storage tanks containing organic compounds with a true vapor pressure in pounds per square inch absolute at 70°F of less than 1.52 with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 40,000 gallons
  • VOC storage tanks with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 10,000 gallons of volatile organic compounds
  • painting or coating operations, including associated cleaning operations, which emit or will emit not more than 1666 pounds of volatile organic compounds per month, which are measured prior to entering any emission control devices
  • temporary change in the method of operation or temporary equipment used or to be used for the purpose of testing or research provided that all of the following requirements in rule are met
  • batch cold cleaning or open top vapor degreasing, not using halogenated solvent, has total air to vapor interface of <=1.0 square meter; or if using halogenated solvent, must not be a major source or located at a major source of HAPs
  • conveyorized non-vapor degreasing and conveyorized vapor degreasing equipment which uses halogenated HAP solvent and is not a major source or located at a major source
  • laboratory which emits VOC, SO2, NOX, CO or PM, or a combination of these, at a rate of less than 5.7 pounds per hour, unless emissions of a single federal HAP equal or exceed 10 tons per year or cumulative emissions of federal HAPs exceed 25 tpy. (hourly emissions can be determined by dividing total uncontrolled emissions during a calendar month by hours the
  • lab was in operation during that month)
  • restricted use reciprocating internal combustion engines which are fueled by gaseous fuels, gasoline, or a clean fuel and which have a combined total electrical output of less than 3,000 kilowatts, or the equivalent in brake horsepower.
  • equipment that temporarily increases steam generation capability at a source provided that all of the requirements in rule are met
If one or more of these are selected and all emissions sources in the construction project are covered by a selection, then click on “We meet this exemption.” If any source in the project cannot meet one of these, then select “We don’t meet this exemption.”


Air Management

Indicate whether the processes and activities for your facility meet the thresholds in the following specific exemptions. If all processes in the facility (under allowed combinations) meet the thresholds on this list, you can use the “specific category of exemptions”:

  • no individual furnace or indirect malt dryer is designed to burn the following fuels at more than the maximum heat input rates indicated (gaseous fuels or distillate oil meeting on-road sulfur content for diesel fuel at 25 million BTU/hour; distillate fuel at 10 mmBTU/hr; residual/crude oil or wood fuel at 5 mmBTU/hr; coal, coke or other solid fuels at 1.0 mmBTU/hr)
  • solid waste incinerator, feed rate of not more than 500 pounds per hour
  • Portland concrete batch plants producing less than 20,000 cubic yards of concrete per month, averaged over 12 consecutive months
  • storage tanks containing organic compounds with a true vapor pressure in pounds per square inch absolute at 70°F of less than 1.52 with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 40,000 gallons
  • VOC storage tanks with a combined total tankage capacity of not more than 10,000 gallons of volatile organic compounds
  • batch cold cleaning or open top vapor degreasing, not using halogenated solvent, has total air to vapor interface of <=1.0 square meter; or if using halogenated solvent, must not be a major source or located at a major source of HAPs
  • conveyorized non-vapor degreasing and conveyorized vapor degreasing equipment which uses halogenated HAP solvent and is not a major source or located at a major source
  • Chromium electroplating and chromium anodizing operations which are not major sources or located at major sources and which are any of the following: decorative chromium electroplating operation or chromium anodizing operation that uses fume suppressants; decorative chromium electroplating operation that uses a trivalent chromium bath with a wetting
  • agent as a bath ingredient
  • laboratory which emits VOC, SO2, NOX, CO or PM, or a combination of these, at a rate of less than 5.7 pounds per hour, unless emissions of a single federal HAP equal or exceed 10 tons per year or cumulative emissions of federal HAPs exceed 25 tpy. (hourly emissions can be determined by dividing total uncontrolled emissions during a calendar month by hours the
  • lab was in operation during that month)
  • combination of units that meets the following exemptions as listed above: fuel burning unit, solid waste incinerator, storage tanks and only one other of these listed (concrete, painting, degreasing, electroplating, malt dryer, lab)
If all emissions units at the facility meet these exemptions, or fit under the allowed combination, then select “We meet this exemption.” If any emission unit does not fit under the combination, then select “We don’t meet this exemption.”


Air Management

You indicated your facility cannot use the specific categories of exemptions. If you have collected the actual and maximum theoretical emissions information for all of the processes and activities in your construction project or the whole facility, you can determine whether the general exemptions or actual emissions-based exemptions might apply.



Air Management

You have indicated that no permit exemptions will apply to your project or whole facility. Based on the actual and MTE emissions calculations performed for the exemption evaluation, select which permit type would fit your needs (you can select more than one and resources for each will be included in your final report). Refer to the Permit Options Matrix (SB-122) for a quick reference of each permit threshold.
Which permit category will your project/facility fall under, based on your emissions calculations?







Asphalt - Air

Most portable and stationary asphalt plants can obtain a general permit. The DNR will perform air modeling on a stationary asphalt plant to determine if it is eligible for a general permit. The general permit is limited to facilities with a design production capability of no more than 700 tons of asphalt per hour with a baghouse for emission control and that meet the modeling criteria. Review the fact sheet (AM-382) on the Asphalt Plant webpage, under the Air Rules tab.
Is the design capacity of the hot mix asphalt plant no more than 700 tons per hour?


Asphalt - Air

The general permit has specific fuel usage thresholds for generator engines, to ensure emissions protect the ambient air quality standards. You can review the fact sheet (AM-382) on the Asphalt Plant webpage, under the Air Rules tab for more details on the engine requirements.
Do you have a generator engine rated at more than 600 brake horsepower?


Asphalt - Air

"Fugitive dust" is a term used to describe any particulate matter (PM) emissions released through any means other than a stack or duct of some kind. Any business creating enough dust, smoke, or fumes to be a noticeable source of air pollution must control those emissions. The following are examples of activities that would create fugitive dust:
  • large trucks transporting materials along unpaved roads;
  • unpaved parking lots;
  • piles of materials stored on site, like grain; and
  • dry materials directed to equipment not collected by another device, whether by baghouse, cyclone, wet scrubber, etc.


Any business that creates fugitive dust must do as much as possible to control those emissions and keep them from escaping into the environment. 
Does the facility manage fugitive dust, including having a prepared fugitive dust control plan?


Autobody - Air

Special volatile organic compound (VOC) rules affect auto body shop painting operations and their related cleaning solvents, based on their emissions.

Calculate the quantity of VOC emissions based on actual paints and solvents used and their respective VOC contents, monthly and averaged over each 12 consecutive month period, without consideration of control device efficiency.
Is the shop located in one of the following counties: Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington or Waukesha?


Autobody - Air

Are the actual VOC emissions less than 3 Tons Per Year (TPY) over 12-consecutive rolling months, before controls?


Autobody - Air

There is a specific exemption from permitting for automobile refinishing operations.

Calculate the quantity of VOC emissions based on actual paints and solvents used and their respective VOC contents, monthly and averaged over each 12 consecutive month period, including control device efficiency (if any).
Are the emissions of VOCs less than 1,666 pounds per month?


Autobody - Air

These five metals—cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese and nickel—have been identified as Hazardous Air Pollutants. Compounds with at least one ingredient can include Lead Chromate, Nickel Chromate, or similar mixtures.

Typical uses in autobody paints and coatings:
  • Lead and/or chromate are often found in red, orange and yellow pigments.
  • Cadmium is often found in blue and green pigments.
  • Primer can contain chromium or lead for corrosion resistance.


Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), section 3 (composition), for any of the listed hazardous air pollutants (HAPs).

Documents prepared by the major paint manufacturers that list their product codes for those paints and coatings that include at least one of these regulated materials on this web page: https://nationalsbeap.org/compliance/petition

Keep a current file of SDS for all the coatings and cleaning solvents used at your shop available on-site.
Does the shop use any paints that contain the following?
  • Cadmium (greater than 0.1% by weight)
  • Chromium (greater than 0.1% by weight)
  • Lead (greater than 0.1% by weight)
  • Manganese (greater than 1% by weight)
  • Nickel (greater than 0.1%by weight)


Autobody - Air

The EPA autobody rule requires that use of methylene chloride be minimized. It is strongly recommended that you remove all chemicals containing methylene chloride from your shop, especially if you do not absolutely need them – they are a hazardous waste and must be disposed properly.

Methylene Chloride (MeCl) is also known as di-chloromethane (DCM) or methylene dichloride (identified by CAS no. 75-09-2). Check the container label or the SDS to verify whether any chemical paint strippers in your shop contain this compound.

Some likely brands include: StripRDry, Booth Floor Stripper (both made by CMA Philadelphia); Airplane stripper.

If usage is above the threshold in the rule, then the shop is required to create a plan for minimizing or eliminating the use of MeCl.
Does your shop use any paint stripping materials that include Methylene Chloride?


Autobody - Air

Do you use more than 150 gallons of methylene chloride per year (2,000 pounds)?


CBD Oil Extraction - Air

Dust and other particulate matter (PM) emissions generated by handling hemp plants are regulated as air pollution. Some particulate matter emissions are called fugitive dust.

"Fugitive dust" is a term used to describe any particulate matter (PM) emissions released through any means other than a stack or duct of some kind. Any business creating enough dust, smoke, or fumes to be a noticeable source of air pollution must control those emissions. The following are examples of activities that would create fugitive dust:
  • large trucks transporting materials along unpaved roads;
  • unpaved parking lots;
  • piles of materials stored on site, like plant material; and
  • dry materials directed to equipment not collected by another device, whether by baghouse, cyclone, wet scrubber, etc.

Any business that creates fugitive dust must do as much as possible to control those emissions and keep them from escaping into the environment. 
Does the facility manage fugitive dust, including having a prepared fugitive dust control plan?


CBD Oil Extraction - Air

A variety of compounds can be used to extract oil products. Extraction methods include olive oil, carbon dioxide as well as different solvents including ethanol, methanol, hexane, butane, propane and benzene. The olive oil and carbon dioxide used in oil extraction do not create regulated air pollution. However, the solvent-based materials, whether for extraction or equipment cleaning, are considered volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and most are also considered hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and there are regulations for both categories of air pollutants.
Does your facility use solvents for extracting oils, processing plants and/or cleaning equipment?


CBD Oil Extraction - Air

Fuel combustion also emits regulated pollutants.

Based on the type of fuels you burn, the following are the maximum size units (total heat input capacity) that can be installed without needing an air permit:
  • Wood = 5 million BTU per hour
  • Diesel (distillate fuel oil, #2 fuel oil) = 10 million BTU/hour
  • Gaseous fuel (natural gas, propane) or diesel with ultra-low sulfur (15 ppm) = 25 million BTU/hour
Does the facility have fuel burning equipment, such as a dryer or a boiler for building or process heat, or an emergency generator engine?


CBD Oil Extraction - Air

What fuels will be used?





CBD Oil Extraction - Air

Does the facility have one or more generator engines for backup power?


CBD Oil Extraction - Air

Will the engine(s) be strictly for emergency power and can be defined as a Restricted Use reciprocating internal combustion engine?


CBD Oil Extraction - Air

Will all engines combined be greater than 3,000 kW in size?


Commercial Building Heat/Power - Air

Are you installing a fuel burning furnace/heat system?


Commercial Building Heat/Power - Air

What fuels will your heat system use?




Commercial Building Heat/Power - Air

Are you installing one or more generator engines for backup power?


Commercial Building Heat/Power - Air

A restricted use engine means a stationary engine that is one of the following:
(a) Operated no more than 200 hours per year and meets the definition of emergency stationary RICE or black start engine (used to start a combustion turbine).
(b) Operated in accordance with the definition of limited use stationary RICE (used less than 100 hours per year).

Emergency stationary RICE is:
  • operated to provide electrical power or mechanical work during an emergency situation (when electric power is interrupted, or is used to pump water in the case of fire or flood, etc.)
  • operated under limited circumstances for nonemergency situations, only as allowed in § 63.6640 (f)
  • operates as part of a financial arrangement with another entity in nonemergency situations, only as allowed in § 63.6640(f)(4)(i) or (ii).


Make sure that you can meet the conditions in EPA’s rule for emergency stationary RICE.
Will the engines be strictly for emergency power and can they be defined as a Restricted Use reciprocating internal combustion engine?


Commercial Building Heat/Power - Air

Generator engines less than 3000 kW can be installed without an air pollution permit if they are considered “restricted use” engines.
Will all engines combined be greater than 3,000 kW in size?


Crusher / Sand Mine - Air

There are specific exemptions for fixed or portable crushing or sand plants. If the facility is below these thresholds, then no air permit is needed.

If above these thresholds there is a General Permit for crushing plants, but a sand and gravel plant will need to evaluate whether they are eligible for a Registration Operation Permit or for a Source Specific permit, whether synthetic minor or major.
Is the plant fixed or portable?


Crusher / Sand Mine - Air

You have identified your plant as fixed. Is the throughput no more than 25 tons per hour?


Crusher / Sand Mine - Air

You have identified your plant as portable. Is the throughput no more than 150 tons per hours?


Crusher / Sand Mine - Air

"Fugitive dust" is a term used to describe any particulate matter (PM) emissions released through any means other than a stack or duct of some kind. Any business creating enough dust, smoke, or fumes to be a noticeable source of air pollution must control those emissions. The following are examples of activities that would create fugitive dust:
  • large trucks transporting materials along unpaved roads;
  • unpaved parking lots;
  • piles of materials stored on site, like sand; and
  • dry materials directed to equipment not collected by another device, whether by baghouse, cyclone, wet scrubber, etc.


Any business that creates fugitive dust must do as much as possible to control those emissions and keep them from escaping into the environment. 
Does the facility manage fugitive dust, including having a prepared fugitive dust control plan?


Renovation or Demoltion Projects - Air

Each of these categories will be required to follow DNR requirements on notification and proper removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials as well as other related wastes.

If not included in one of these categories, it is likely a single-family residential project, or similar, that must meet the requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for asbestos removal. Review the DHS requirements on the Asbestos Program webpage. Other related wastes will still have to meet DNR disposal requirements.
Is the demolition or renovation project at one of the following?
  • Two or more contiguous single-family homes
  • Home part of a larger demolition project
  • Multi-family housing with five or more units
  • Industrial, institutional or commercial buildings, including farms and churches
  • Any structure being used in a fire training exercise


Renovation or Demoltion Projects - Air

Have you conducted an inspection to determine whether asbestos-containing materials are present?


Renovation or Demoltion Projects - Air

If no, have you selected a certified contractor to conduct the inspection and do the clean-up work?


Renovation or Demoltion Projects - Air

Have you filed the appropriate notification required prior to beginning demolition, or any work which may disturb asbestos containing material?


Digesters - Air

Some digesters may choose to refine their biogas into Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). RNG facilities have a more complicated permitting process that should be reviewed prior to completing an air pollution permit application. Review the Permit Guidance for RNG Processors document.
Does the facility operate an anaerobic digester to produce biogas for use on-site or to refine into renewable natural gas (RNG)?


Digesters - Air

Digester facilities may direct the biogas into different equipment to create heat or power and each type of equipment will trigger different air pollution regulations.
Are any of the following units operated at the facility using digester biogas as fuel? (Select all that apply)



Digesters - Air

Equipment burning natural gas, propane or fuel oil will also trigger different air pollution requirements.
Does the facility have additional fuel burning units using natural gas, propane, or fuel oil?


Digesters - Air

Digester operations will generate federal hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Generally, formaldehyde from combustion units will be the highest emitted federal hazardous air pollutant. If emissions of formaldehyde are less than 10 tons per year, the combined total of federal HAPs should be less than 25 TPY. Calculate the total maximum emissions from all materials that contain federal hazardous air pollutants (HAP).

Formaldehyde from biogas can be assumed to match the emission factor for natural gas in AP 42, Chapter 1.4 for boilers, chapter 3.2 for engines and total hydrocarbons (THC) emissions in chapter 13.5 for flares.
Does the facility have maximum theoretical emissions less than 10 tons per year of any one federal HAP, or a combination of 25 tons per year of all federal HAPS?


Digesters - Air

Digester operations will also generate state regulated hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). The requirement to meet the state HAPs rule in NR 445 only applies to emissions units not otherwise affected by a NESHAP. Formaldehyde is again likely the first pollutant to trip the threshold in NR 445.

For any units burning group 1 virgin fossil fuels, which includes natural gas, propane and #2 fuel oil, they are exempt from NR 445 requirements.

Biogas is not a fossil fuel so units burning biogas are not exempt from NR 445. In addition to biogas sources of formaldehyde, you must include any boilers not affected by the NESHAP to make sure formaldehyde is below the thresholds in NR 445. There is a searchable/sortable spreadsheet with the state HAPs thresholds under the Chemical Spreadsheet Tool tab on the Air Toxics webpage. You can also review the NR 445 rule for table thresholds.
Are emissions less than the ch. NR 445 Wis. Adm. Code (state HAPs) thresholds?


Digesters - Air

Digester operations with combustion units will generate criteria pollutants: PM10 (Particulate Matter less than 10 microns in size), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Review the interactive map on the nonattainment areas for permitting webpage to confirm the major source threshold in the area of your facility location.

Generally, biogas fired units can use the criteria pollutant emission factors for natural gas in each combustion unit found in AP-42: external combustion (boilers/heaters), internal combustion (engines) and flares in chapter 13.5.

However, SO2 calculations from biogas combustion must assume at least 6,000 ppmv of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Use of a process to remove (scrub) H2S from the gas stream will reduce these emissions. Review the Permit Guidance for RNG Processors. Contact the air permit construction permit coordinator for help on H2S emissions calculations.
Are the maximum theoretical emissions (MTE) of criteria pollutants from the whole facility emissions less than 100 tons per year (TPY), or less than the major source threshold if nonattainment area status lowers the threshold?


Digesters - Air

Digester operations will generate federal hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Generally, formaldehyde from combustion units will be the highest emitted federal hazardous air pollutant. If emissions of formaldehyde are less than 10 tons per year, the combined total of federal HAPs should be less than 25 TPY. Calculate the total maximum emissions from all materials that contain federal hazardous air pollutants (HAP).

Formaldehyde from biogas can be assumed to match the emission factor for natural gas in AP 42, Chapter 1.4 for boilers, chapter 3.2 for engines and THC emissions in chapter 13.5 for flares.
Does the facility have maximum theoretical emissions less than 10 tons per year of any one federal HAP, or a combination of 25 tons per year of all federal HAPS?


Digesters - Air

Digester operations with combustion units will generate criteria pollutants: PM10 (Particulate Matter less than 10 microns in size), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Review the interactive map on the nonattainment areas for permitting webpage to confirm the major source threshold in the area of your facility location.

Generally, biogas fired units can use the criteria pollutant emission factors for natural gas in each combustion unit found in AP-42: external combustion (boilers/heaters), internal combustion (engines) and flares in chapter 13.5.

However, SO2 calculations must be based on the maximum hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration in the digester gas. Use of a process to remove (scrub) H2S from the gas stream will reduce these emissions. Contact the air permit construction permit coordinator for help on H2S emissions calculations.
Are the maximum theoretical emissions (MTE) of criteria pollutants from the whole facility emissions less than 100 tons per year (TPY), or less than the major source threshold if nonattainment area status lowers the threshold?


Dry Cleaner - Air

Perchloroethylene (perc) is regulated as a hazardous air pollutant and is a hazardous waste when disposed of. Improper handling and disposal can result in contamination that is environmentally harmful and costly to clean up.
Does your dry-cleaning business use perchloroethylene (perc) solvent?


Dry Cleaner - Air

Air regulations are partially dependent on when each dry-cleaning machine was installed.
When were your dry cleaning machines installed?



Dry Cleaner - Air

Air regulations are also dependent on the amount of perc used each year.
How much perc has the facility purchased in the last 12 months (beginning on the first day of the calendar month)?




Dry Cleaner - Air

Federal regulations prohibit the use of transfer machines. Transfer machines accomplish washing and drying in separate machines. Usually, the washer extracts excess solvent from the clothes before they are transferred to the dryer, but some older petroleum plants have separate extractors for this purpose.
Are there any transfer machines at the facility?


Dry Cleaner - Air

Federal regulations prohibit the use of perc dry cleaning machines within a building with a residence.
Is the perc dry-cleaning facility located in a building with a residence?


Emergency Generator Engine - Air

A restricted use engine means a stationary engine that is one of the following:
(a) Operated no more than 200 hours per year and that meets the definition of emergency stationary RICE or black start engine (used to start a combustion turbine).
(b) Operated in accordance with the definition of limited use stationary RICE (used less than 100 hours per year).

Emergency stationary RICE is:
  • operated to provide electrical power or mechanical work during an emergency situation (when electric power is interrupted, or is used to pump water in the case of fire or flood, etc.)
  • operated under limited circumstances for nonemergency situations, only as allowed in 40 CFR § 63.6640 (f)
  • operates as part of a financial arrangement with another entity in nonemergency situations, only as allowed in 40 CFR § 63.6640(f)(4)(i) or (ii).


Make sure that you can meet the conditions in EPA’s rule for emergency stationary RICE.
Will the generator engine(s) be strictly for emergency power and can it be defined as a Restricted Use reciprocating internal combustion engine?


Emergency Generator Engine - Air

Generator engines less than 3000 kW can be installed without an air pollution permit if they are considered “restricted use” engines.
Is the combined total electrical output of all engines installed equal to or greater than 3,000 kilowatts?


Fiberglass - Air

Special VOC rules affect certain types of plastic parts coating lines and related cleaning solvents, based on their emissions. Review the VOC RACT Rule fact sheet (AM-466) for more details. If not affected by a RACT rule, then ch. NR 424 Wis. Adm. Code organic compound rule may apply – AM-478.
In addition to manufacturing fiberglass reinforced plastic products, does the facility apply paints or coatings to the plastic parts?


Fiberglass - Air

More industry-specific fact sheets on VOC RACT Rules are on the Painting and Coating webpage or general organic compound rules on the General VOC webpage.
Is the facility located in one of these counties: Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, or Waukesha?


Fiberglass - Air

Calculate the quantity of VOC emissions based on actual paints and coatings, cleaning solvents, adhesives and their respective VOC contents, used monthly and averaged over each 12 consecutive month period, without consideration of control device efficiency. If you need more assistance with emissions, review the Painting/Coating spreadsheets – Actual emissions SB-312 and MTE SB-313.
Are the actual emissions of VOCs from plastic parts coating lines (except for fiberglass boats) and related cleaning activities less than 2.7 TPY?


Fiberglass - Air

Are the daily emissions of VOCs from any process line either:
  • applied in a spray booth (3 sides minimum) less than 30 pounds per day, or
  • if not applied in a booth, less than 15 pounds per day?


Fiberglass - Air

Fiberglass reinforced plastic manufacturing facilities have the potential to be affected by two federal air toxics standards if their emissions are above these thresholds.

Emissions from fiberglass plastic molding processes have special factors to account for percentages of volatile content that are not emitted due to the chemical reaction taking place as the resins cure. USEPA has an example calculations guide as one of the implementation resources for the NESHAP.

Facilities that manufacture and coat fiberglass boats are affected by 40 CFR Part 63 subpart VVVV.
Are Maximum Theoretical Emissions less than 10 tons per year (TPY) of any single federal hazardous air pollutant (HAP), AND less than 25 TPY of all federal HAPs combined?


Fiberglass - Air

Does the facility manufacture fiberglass boats?


Fiberglass - Air

If above the federal HAPS thresholds but not a fiberglass boat manufacturer, does the facility use more than one of the following:




Fiberglass - Air

If HAP emissions are not affected by the federal standards, then the facility must comply with the state HAP requirements. The first step in compliance is keeping emissions below the thresholds in the rule. There is a searchable/sortable spreadsheet with the state HAPs thresholds under the Chemical Spreadsheet Tool tab on the Air Toxics webpage. You can also review the ch. NR 445 Wis. Adm. Code rule for table thresholds.
If below the federal HAP thresholds, is the facility also below the state HAP thresholds?


Fiberglass - Air

Criteria pollutants include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and Particulate Matter.

Paints, coatings, solvents and cleaning solutions will likely have emissions of VOCs. All dust from fabrication activities should be combined for the particulate matter emissions. Any fuel combustion sources (heating units, space heaters, drying ovens) will generate all criteria pollutants.

Review the following spreadsheets for example calculations:
  • Painting/Coating – Actual emissions SB-312 and MTE SB-313
  • Boiler fuel emissions – SB-308
If the facility is below both federal and state HAP thresholds, are the emissions of criteria pollutants below one of the following thresholds?



Gasonline Dispensing - Air

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) from Gasoline Dispensing Facilities — 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart CCCCCC

The NESHAP affects area sources, which include all gasoline dispensing facilities that emit less than 10 tons per year of a single hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or less than 25 tons per year of any combination of HAPs. Most gas stations fall into this group.

The rule applies to all stationary facilities that dispense gasoline into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles, boats, lawn and landscaping equipment, generators and other gasoline-fueled engines. It specifically applies to gasoline dispensing and the EPA’s definition of gasoline does not include diesel fuel.
Which category of gasoline throughput (not including diesel fuel) does the facility fit under?





Gasoline Dispensing - Air

Control of VOCs from Gas Stations-Chapter NR 420 , Wis. Adm. Code

The DNR requires gasoline dispensing facilities to control vapors released during the filling of gasoline storage tanks. The volatile organic compounds in these vapors contribute to ground level ozone. Chapter NR 420, Wis. Adm. Code, regulates the control of gasoline vapors through Stage I vapor recovery requirements that apply to gasoline dispensing facilities and delivery vessels used to bring gasoline to these facilities.
Is the facility located in one of the following counties: Brown, Calumet, Dane, Dodge, Door, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha or Winnebago?


Gasoline Dispensing - Air

Does the facility have storage tanks with a capacity of:
  • more than 2,000 gallons if installed on or before August 1, 1979; OR
  • more than 575 gallons if installed after August 1, 1979?


Gasoline Dispensing - Air

Control of VOCs from Gas Dispensing

Stage II vapor recovery involves capturing and controlling gasoline vapors when a vehicle is being fueled at the pump. The system uses special dispensing nozzles and equipment that collect the vapors and pump them back into the storage tank below ground. Newer vehicles are equipped with their own vapor recovery systems, called onboard refueling vapor recovery or ORVR. The use of both ORVR and Stage II systems to control gasoline vapors is largely redundant.

EPA determined that Stage II vapor recovery was no longer needed and requirements formerly contained in s. NR 420.045, Wis. Adm. Code, were repealed. While DNR no longer regulates Stage II systems, DATCP expects that facilities follow proper decommissioning procedures if they do decide to remove or decommission their systems.
Does the facility operate a Stage II vapor recovery system?


Gasoline Dispensing - Air

Control of VOCs from Gas Dispensing

Stage II vapor recovery involves capturing and controlling gasoline vapors when a vehicle is being fueled at the pump. The system uses special dispensing nozzles and equipment that collect the vapors and pump them back into the storage tank below ground. Newer vehicles are equipped with their own vapor recovery systems, called onboard refueling vapor recovery or ORVR. The use of both ORVR and Stage II systems to control gasoline vapors is largely redundant.

EPA determined that Stage II vapor recovery were no longer needed and requirements formerly contained in s. NR 420.045, Wis. Adm. Code, were repealed. While DNR no longer regulates Stage II systems, DATCP expects that facilities follow proper decommissioning procedures if they do decide to remove or decommission their systems.
Does the facility operate a Stage II vapor recovery system?


Gasoline Dispensing - Air

Wisconsin’s Hazardous Pollutants Rule ch. NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code
Does the facility dispense less than 2 million gallons of gasoline per year (not including diesel fuel)?


Gasoline Dispensing - Air

Wisconsin’s Hazardous Pollutants Rule ch. NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code
Does the facility dispense less than 1.25 million gallons of gasoline per year (not including diesel fuel)?


Gasoline Dispensing - Air

Wisconsin’s Hazardous Pollutants Rule ch. NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code

All gasoline dispensing facilities are affected by Wisconsin’s Hazardous Pollutants Rule in ch. NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code unless they meet an exemption. Gasoline dispensing facilities are exempt from ch. NR 445 Wis. Adm. Code rule requirements based on annual gasoline throughput and county location. Your previous responses indicate you are not exempt from the requirements. The following questions will establish the compliance requirements.
Does the facility dispense less than 11.6 million gallons of gasoline per year?


Gasoline Dispensing - Air

Wisconsin’s Air Emissions Inventory

Facilities with emissions above the thresholds in Wisconsin's air emissions inventory – Ch. NR 438, Wis. Adm. Code must report to the DNR by March 1 the total emissions for the previous calendar year for each air pollutant above a threshold. Gas stations with fuel throughput over 3.99 million gallons per year will be above the reporting threshold for volatile organic compounds and should complete a report.
Does the facility dispense more than 3.99 million gallons of gasoline in a calendar year?


Grain Handling - Air

Dust and other particulate matter (PM) emissions generated by grain handling activities are regulated as air pollution. Some particulate matter emissions are released as fugitive dust.

"Fugitive dust" is a term used to describe any particulate matter (PM) emissions released through any means other than a stack or duct of some kind. Any business creating enough dust, smoke, or fumes to be a noticeable source of air pollution must control those emissions. The following are examples of activities that would create fugitive dust:
  • large trucks transporting materials along unpaved roads;
  • unpaved parking lots;
  • piles of materials stored on site, like grain; and
  • dry materials directed to equipment not collected by another device, whether by baghouse, cyclone, wet scrubber, etc.

    Any business that creates fugitive dust must do as much as possible to control those emissions and keep them from escaping into the environment. 
Does the facility manage fugitive dust, including having a prepared fugitive dust control plan?


Grain Handling - Air

Additional regulated pollutants beyond the particulate matter from the grain handling are emitted from fuel combustion.
Does the facility have fuel burning equipment, such as a grain dryer or a boiler for building or process heat, or an emergency generator engine?


Grain Handling - Air

You have indicated the plant has fuel burning equipment.

Based on the type of fuels you select, the following are the maximum size units (total heat input capacity) that can be installed without needing a construction permit. Note that fuel burning equipment exempted from construction permits could still be required to be included in an operation permit.:
  • Wood = 5 million BTU per hour
  • Diesel (distillate fuel oil, #2 fuel oil) = 10 million BTU/hour
  • Gaseous fuel (natural gas, propane) or diesel with ultra-low sulfur (15 ppm) = 25 million BTU/hour
What fuels will be used?





Grain Handling - Air

Does the facility have one or more generator engines for backup power?


Grain Handling - Air

A restricted use engine means a stationary engine that is one of the following:
  • (a) Operated no more than 200 hours per year and meets the definition of emergency stationary RICE or black start engine (used to start a combustion turbine).
  • (b) Operated in accordance with the definition of limited use stationary RICE (used less than 100 hours per year).


Emergency stationary RICE is:
  • operated to provide electrical power or mechanical work during an emergency situation (when electric power is interrupted, or is used to pump water in the case of fire or flood, etc.)
  • operated under limited circumstances for nonemergency situations, only as allowed in 40 CFR§ 63.6640 (f)
  • operates as part of a financial arrangement with another entity in nonemergency situations, only as allowed in 40 CFR § 63.6640(f)(4)(i) or (ii).


Make sure that you can meet the conditions in EPA’s rule for emergency stationary RICE.
Will the engine(s) be strictly for emergency power and can be defined as a Restricted Use reciprocating internal combustion engine?


Grain Handling - Air

Will all engines combined be greater than 3,000 kW in size?


Grain Handling - Air

Certain grain handling facilities may be affected by a National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). The NESHAP for prepared feeds under 40 CFR Part 63, subpart DDDDDDD (7D) applies only to businesses that are an area source for federal hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and only those that add chromium (Cr) or manganese (Mn) compounds to their product where at least 50 percent of their annual production is animal feed. The processes regulated include: mixing, storage of the meal or mash, steam conditioning, pelleting and pellet cooling, crumbling and screening.

An area source for federal HAPs emits less than 10 tons per year of a single hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or less than 25 tons per year of any combination of HAPs. Examples of emissions calculations are available in the Grain Facility Emissions Calculations SB-310.
Is the facility a prepared feeds manufacturer, with at least 50% of its annual production in animal feed, that adds chromium or manganese compounds, AND has maximum theoretical emissions less than 10 tons per year of any one federal HAP, or less than of 25 tons per year of a combination of all federal HAPS?


Grain Handling - Air

Facilities may be affected by the EPA’s New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) if they meet these specific definitions:
  • Grain terminal elevator means any grain elevator which has a permanent storage capacity of more than 88,100 cubic meters (2.5 million U.S. bushels), except those located at animal food manufacturers, pet food manufacturers, cereal manufacturers, breweries and livestock feedlots.
  • Grain storage elevator means any grain elevator located at any wheat flour mill, wet corn mill, dry corn mill (human consumption), rice mill, or soybean oil extraction plant which has a permanent grain storage capacity of 35,200 cubic meters (1 million bushels).
Is the facility considered either a grain terminal elevator or storage elevator?


Grain Handling - Air

Grain handling operations that have throughput below certain thresholds may fall under an air permit exemption.  
Does the facility store less than 5,500 tons of grain per month?
If the facility is not a storage facilitiy, please select N/A.



Grain Handling - Air

Grain handling operations that have throughput below certain thresholds may fall under an air permit exemption.  
Does the facility process less than 4,500 tons of grain per month?
If the facility is not a processing facilitiy, please select N/A.



Grain Handling - Air

Examples of emissions calculations are available in Grain Facility Emissions Calculations SB-310.
Does the facility have less than 10 tons per year of actual emissions of all criteria pollutants?


Grain Handling - Air

Grain facilities that are affected by either the NSPS or NESHAP mentioned in previous questions are not eligible to use the permit exemption or a registration permit option. Your previous responses have indicated you may still be eligible for a registration permit if below the emissions thresholds. If not calculated already, examples of emissions calculations are available in the Grain Facility Emissions Calculations SB-310.
Are actual emissions less than 50 tons per year for each criteria pollutant?


Grain Handling - Air

Grain facilities that are affected by NSPS DD are not eligible to use the operation permit exemptions. However, you could be eligible for a Registration Permit coverage. You can determine whether the emission from the facility can meet the Registration Permits’ thresholds using the Grain Facility Emissions Calculations SB-310.

Your previous responses have indicated you are not eligible for a registration permit. A source specific air permit is required. If not calculated already, examples of emissions calculations are available in the Grain Facility Emissions Calculations SB-310. Based on the maximum theoretical emissions of criteria pollutants, you may fall into the major or minor source category.
Are maximum theoretical emissions less than 100 tons per year for each criteria pollutant?


Metal Finishing - Air

Regulated air pollutant emissions include criteria pollutants (volatile organic compounds (VOC), nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM)) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). All dust from metal fabrication activities should be combined for the particulate matter emissions. Paints, coatings, solvents and cleaning tank solutions may have emissions of VOCs and HAPs. Fuel combustion sources (heating units, space heaters, drying ovens) will generate all criteria pollutants and HAPs.

Review the following spreadsheets for example calculations:
Do the emissions of criteria pollutants from the whole facility meet any of the following thresholds? (select all that apply)





Metal Finishing - Air

Metal Finishing facilities may be affected by a National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) that emit less than 10 tons per year of a single hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or less than 25 tons per year of any combination of HAPs.

The facility should include total maximum emissions from all materials that contain ≥0.1% by weight of cadmium, chromium, lead or nickel, or ≥1.0% by weight of manganese. This can include emissions of dust created by cutting/grinding the metal substrates as they can contain these compounds above the listed percentages. Also calculate emissions from solvents or chemicals used for coating, pretreating or cleaning metal parts, as they often contain multiple federal HAP compounds. You can find the hazardous components by CAS# in the composition section of the Safety Data Sheet. If no single federal HAP is over 10 TPY, add them all together to see if combination is over 25 TPY.

Review example MTE calculations in the fact sheet SB-113 and the following spreadsheets:
Does the facility have maximum theoretical emissions at least 10 tons per year of any one federal HAP, or a combination of 25 tons per year of all federal HAPS?


Metal Finishing - Air

The facility may also emit hazardous air pollutants triggered by the state hazardous air pollutant (HAP) rule in ch. NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code. The heavy metal HAPs mentioned in the federal HAPs question all have state HAP thresholds. Paints, coatings, solvents and other cleaning solutions will generate some state HAP emissions as well.

There is a searchable/sortable spreadsheet with the state HAPs thresholds under the Chemical Spreadsheet Tool tab on the Air Toxics webpage. You can also review the ch. NR 445 Wis. Adm. Code rule for table thresholds.
Are actual emissions less than both the federal HAPS thresholds (in the previous question) and the ch. NR 445 Wis. Adm. Code (state HAPs) thresholds?


Metal Finishing - Air

Different types of metal finishing operations may be affected by a federal standard, National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), one of which is tied to specific Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.

If the SIC/NAICS combination is included in the table, then the facility is likely affected by the Metal Finishing NESHAP.

Review the Census NAICS website and OSHA SIC listing to make sure you have the most accurate codes for your operation.
Are the facility’s primary SIC and NAICS codes within one of these sets of codes? (SIC and NAICS must both match)


Metal Finishing - Air

If the facility is in the listed categories, do you use materials that contain at least one of the following: ≥0.1% by weight of cadmium, chromium, lead or nickel, or ≥1.0% by weight of manganese?


Metal Finishing - Air

Another NESHAP that might affect a metal finishing operations is if they conduct plating and polishing at the operation. A plating and polishing operation includes the following:
  • Electroplating (other than chromium electroplating);
  • Electroless or non-electrolytic plating;
  • Other non-electrolytic metal coating (such as chromate conversion coating, nickel acetate sealing, sodium dichromate sealing and manganese phosphate coating);
  • Thermal spraying;
  • Dry mechanical polishing;
  • Electroforming; and
  • Electropolishing.


Review the EPA webpage on the NESHAP for more details.
Is the facility a plating and polishing operation?


Metal Finishing - Air

If yes, do you use materials that contain at least one of the following: ≥0.1% by weight of cadmium, chromium, lead or nickel, or ≥1.0% by weight of manganese?


Metal Finishing - Air

Another NESHAP that might affect a metal finishing operations is if they conduct chrome plating. All hard or decorative chromium electroplating or chromium anodizing activities, regardless of size, are affected by the rule. There are a few exceptions:
  • process tanks containing low concentrations of chromium but not used for chromium electroplating or chromium anodizing, such as rinse tanks, etching tanks and cleaning tanks
  • tanks containing a chromium solution but not used with an electrolytic process, such as chrome conversion coating tanks where no electrical current is applied
  • tanks used for research and laboratory operations
Is the facility a chrome plating operation?


Metal Finishing - Air

Is the facility either:
  • a decorative chromium electroplating operation or chromium anodizing operation that uses fume suppressants as an emission reduction technology, or
  • a decorative chromium electroplating operation that uses a trivalent chromium bath that incorporates a wetting agent as a bath ingredient?


Metal Finishing - Air

Special VOC rules affect certain types of metal finishing operations and their related cleaning solvents, based on their emissions. Review the VOC RACT Rule fact sheet (AM-414) for more details. More industry-specific fact sheets on VOC RACT Rules are on the Painting and Coating webpage.  Calculate the quantity of VOC emissions based on actual paints and coatings, cleaning solvents, adhesives and their respective VOC contents, used monthly and averaged over each 12 consecutive month period, without consideration of control device efficiency. If you need more assistance with emissions, review the Painting/Coating spreadsheets: Actual emissions SB-312 and MTE SB-313.
Is the facility located in one of these counties: Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, or Waukesha?  



Commercial Printing - Air

Commercial printing operations that this navigation will provide information for will operate under the main printing industry codes, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) groups 23, 26 or 27 or North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) groups 323 and 5111.
Does the facility operate under the primary SIC of 23, 26, or 27, or NAICS of 323 or 5111?


Commercial Printing - Air

Special VOC rules affect certain types of printing presses and their related cleaning solvents, based on their emissions and location.
Is the facility located in one of these counties: Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, or Waukesha?


Commercial Printing - Air

Calculate the quantity of VOC emissions based on actual inks and coatings, fountain solutions, cleaning solutions, adhesives and their respective VOC contents, used monthly and averaged over each 12 consecutive month period, without consideration of control device efficiency. It may also help to review the RACT rule applicability flow chart (AM588) or the industry specific fact sheets on the Portal under the Air tab.

For a quick guide, review the Facility VOC Size categories on page 2 of the Air Chapter in the Printer Compliance Workbook. You may not be affected if your usage falls in the Very Small VOC category.

If you need more assistance with emissions, review the following:
  • Emissions Guide (AM-525)
  • Actual Emissions spreadsheet (SB304)
Are the actual VOC emissions from all printing operations and their related cleaning solvents less than 3 TPY over 12-consecutive rolling months, before controls?


Commercial Printing - Air

Certain commercial printing facilities may be affected by a National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) if they emit less than 10 tons per year of a single hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or less than 25 tons per year of any combination of HAPs.

Publication rotogravure printers produce saleable paper products such as catalogues, magazines, newspaper inserts and telephone directories. Package-product rotogravure and wide-web flexographic facilities print on paper, plastic film, metal foil and vinyl for use in products such as flexible packaging, labels, gift wrap, floor coverings and decorative laminates. EPA established the NESHAP to reduce emissions from these types of printing operations at major sources of air toxics.

As a quick guide for whether your usage will generate HAPs above these thresholds, the estimates in the Introduction of the Printer Compliance Workbook, on page v, are at 50% of the NESHAP threshold. For more detailed calculations, you can review the information provided in the Emissions Guide (AM-525).

If no single federal HAP is over 10 TPY, add them all together to see if combination is over 25 TPY.
Does the facility have publication rotogravure, package-product rotogravure or wide-web flexographic printing presses?


Commercial Printing - Air

Does the facility have maximum theoretical emissions at least 10 tons per year of any one federal HAP, or a combination of 25 tons per year of all federal HAPS?


Commercial Printing - Air

Most commercial printing facilities will emit hazardous air pollutants (HAP) regulated by EPA and by the state in ch. NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code.

As a quick guide for whether your usage will generate federal HAPs above the thresholds, the estimates in the Introduction of the Printer Compliance Workbook, on page v, are at 50% of the federal HAPs threshold.

For assistance on the ch. NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code HAPs thresholds, review the State HAPs section in the Air Chapter of the Printer Compliance Workbook, starting on page A-13. Tables provide estimates of the state HAPs from commonly used printing materials in gallons per hour or year that will meet the thresholds in ch. NR 445 Wis. Adm. Code. However, they are rough estimates and you could still be below ch. NR 445 Wis. Adm. Code thresholds if usage is above the tables in the workbook. If the usage is above the identified threshold, calculate exact emissions to be sure.

For more detailed calculations, you can review the information provided in the Actual Emissions spreadsheet (SB-304).
Are actual emissions less than both the federal HAPS thresholds and the ch. NR 445 Wis. Adm. Code (state HAPs) thresholds?


Commercial Printing - Air

You have evaluated the thresholds for HAPs and whether you might be eligible for streamlined permits. The next step is to evaluate the criteria pollutant emissions. Criteria pollutants include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Nitrogen Oxides (NOX), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Particulate Matter (PM). Usually, the VOC emissions from a printer will exceed the threshold before any other criteria pollutant. If VOCs are below the threshold, the other criteria pollutants will be.

For a quick guide, review the Facility VOC Size categories on page 2 of the Air Chapter in the Printer Compliance Workbook. You are below 10 TPY if your usage falls in the Small VOC category.

If you need more assistance with emissions, review the following:
  • Emissions Guide (AM-525)
  • Actual Emissions spreadsheet (SB304)
Are actual emissions less than 10 tons per year of each criteria pollutant?


Commercial Printing - Air

Are actual emissions less than 50 tons per year of each criteria pollutant?


Salvage Yards - Air

Regulated refrigerants may not be released into the air. Regulated refrigerants include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), blends and many refrigerant substitutes. Refrigerant recovery operations must be registered with DNR.

In order to be licensed by DOT as a salvage dealer, an auto salvage yard must be registered or certify to DNR that an off-site registered recovery operation will be used to collect refrigerant prior to recycling scrap.

Learn more about the DNR Refrigerant recovery program and check the DOT licensing requirements.
Do you reclaim air conditioning units or refrigerators requiring proper capture of the refrigerants before recycling units?


Salvage Yards - Air

Are the licensing requirements met?


Salvage Yards - Air

Salvage yards may choose to melt aluminum scrap into a salable product. The melting process, also called smelting, creates hazardous air pollutants like dioxins and furans. The aluminum smelting equipment needed for that process will need to meet a federal standard for hazardous air pollutants. For more information on the federal standard, review information on the Secondary aluminum webpage.
Does the facility collect scrap aluminum and smelt it down for sale?


Salvage Yards - Air

Does the facility meet the federal standard for hazardous air pollutants for Secondary Aluminum?



Salvage Yards - Air

"Fugitive dust" is a term used to describe any particulate matter (PM) emissions released through any means other than a stack or duct of some kind. Any business creating enough dust, smoke, or fumes to be a noticeable source of air pollution must control those emissions. The following are examples of activities that would create fugitive dust:
  • large trucks transporting materials along unpaved roads;
  • unpaved parking lots;
  • piles of materials stored on site, like grain; and
  • dry materials directed to equipment not collected by another device, whether by baghouse, cyclone, wet scrubber, etc.


Salvage yards should do as much as possible to control those emissions. For roads or storage piles, this may mean using water or chemicals to prevent dust plumes. Paving roads will reduce dust. Be aware there may be storm water limits on chemicals applied to the ground for dust suppression. Storage piles can be kept within a three-sided building to minimize emissions.

Best management practices recommended by industry experts are provided in the fact sheet Fugitive Dust Management (AM-556) [PDF].
Does the facility manage fugitive dust, including having a prepared fugitive dust control plan?


Wood Products - Air

Many wood product manufacturing processes will generate air pollution. There are a range of air regulations that apply depending on which are included in your operations.
Do wood product related activities at your facility include any of the following?:
  • Sawmill
  • Kiln drying lumber
  • Wood pellets (grinding, drying and forming)
  • Fiberboard
  • Wood burning


Wood Products - Air

Do wood product related activities at your facility include any of the following?:
  • Sawmill
  • Kiln drying lumber
  • Wood pellets (grinding, drying and forming)
  • Fiberboard
  • Wood burning


Wood Products - Air

Wood products facilities may be affected by the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Subparts JJ or DDDD if they emit 10 tons per year or more of a single hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or 25 tons per year or more of any combination of HAPs.

Calculate the total maximum emissions from all materials that contain federal hazardous air pollutants (HAP). This can include emissions from wood dust after treating the lumber with preservative chemicals, or combustion of wood waste from any process. Also calculate emissions from solvents used for coating or staining the wood, as they often contain multiple federal HAP compounds. You can find the hazardous components by CAS# in the composition section of the Safety Data Sheet.

Review example MTE calculations in the fact sheet SB-113 and the spreadsheet for painting/coating – Actual emissions SB-312 and MTE SB-313 and for boiler emissions, SB-308, including wood fueled boilers.

EPA emission factors for a range of wood products manufacturing processes are found in AP-42, Chapter 10.

An EPA example spreadsheet for sawmills includes many processes a range of wood product facilities may include, like wood combustion, woodworking and wood drying: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-07/sawmill_pte_calculator_version_1.0.xlsx

If no single federal HAP is over 10 TPY, add them all together to see if combination is over 25 TPY.
Does the facility have maximum theoretical emissions at least 10 tons per year of any one federal HAP, or a combination of 25 tons per year of all federal HAPS?


Wood Products - Air

The facility may also emit hazardous air pollutants triggered by the state hazardous air pollutant (HAP) rule in chapter NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code.

There is a searchable/sortable spreadsheet with the state HAPs thresholds under the Chemical Spreadsheet Tool tab on the Air Toxics webpage. You can also review the NR 445 rule for table thresholds.
Are actual emissions less than both the federal HAPS thresholds (in the previous question) and the NR 445 (state HAPs) thresholds?


Wood Products - Air

The facility may also emit hazardous air pollutants triggered by the state hazardous air pollutant (HAP) rule in chapter NR 445, Wis. Adm. Code.

There is a searchable/sortable spreadsheet with the state HAPs thresholds under the Chemical Spreadsheet Tool tab on the Air Toxics webpage. You can also review the NR 445 rule for table thresholds.
Are actual emissions less than both the federal HAPS thresholds (in the previous question) and the NR 445 (state HAPs) thresholds?


Wood Products - Air

Wood products operations that are primarily painting and coating operations may fall under an air permit exemption.
Do wood product related activities at your facility include any of the following?:
  • Furniture and cabinets
  • Flat wood paneling
  • Wood doors
  • Molded wood
  • Paint / Stain / Solvent Application
  • Adhesive use


Wood Products - Air

Calculate the quantity of VOC emissions based on actual paints and solvents used and their respective VOC contents, monthly and averaged over each 12 consecutive month period, NOT including control device efficiency (if any). If you need help with calculation, review the spreadsheet for painting/coating – Actual emissions SB-312.
Are the emissions of VOCs from painting and coating and related cleaning solvents, less than 1,666 pounds per month?


Wood Products - Air

Wood products operations with low actual emissions may fall under an air permit exemption. All woodworking activities will generate some level of particulate matter, PM and PM10 (PM less than 10 microns in size).

Wood product finishing operations with either paints, coatings, stains, solvents or adhesives will generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Review example spreadsheet for painting/coating – Actual emissions SB-312 and MTE SB-313.

Wood combustion will have emissions of all criteria pollutants – PM/PM10, VOCs, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx). Fuel combustion sources, whether drying wood or burning wood waste or natural gas/fuel oils, will emit criteria pollutants and HAPs. For help with boiler emissions, review the spreadsheet SB-308, which includes wood fired boilers.

EPA emission factors for a range of wood products are found in AP-42, Chapter 10.

An EPA example spreadsheet for sawmills includes many processes a range of wood product facilities may include, like wood combustion, wood working and wood drying: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-07/sawmill_pte_calculator_version_1.0.xlsx
Are actual emissions less than 10 tons per year of each criteria pollutant?


Wood Products - Air

Are actual emissions less than 50 tons per year of each criteria pollutant?


Air Management

Will your facility plus the expansion continue to meet the 10-ton exemption?


Air Management

Will your facility plus the expansion continue to meet the exemption?


Air Management

Will your facility plus the expansion meet the 10-ton exemption?


Air Management

Will your facility plus the expansion qualify for ROP?


Air Management

Do you qualify for a different ROP?


Wastewater

The DNR regulates municipal and industrial operations discharging wastewater to surface water or groundwater through the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program. Wastewater permits are issued for the direct discharge of wastewater or for the land spreading of industrial waste or sludges.

Some common examples of wastewater that facilities generate include water used in dewatering water, hydrostatic test water and non-contact cooling water.
Does your facility discharge wastewater or land spread industrial waste/sludge?


Wastewater

Will the discharge or land spreading occur from and/or on properties within Tribal Lands?
“Tribal Land” is defined as land owned by or held in trust for the tribes and the land within recognized reservation boundaries.


Wastewater

All Wisconsin septage businesses that service and/or dispose of septage (septic tanks, holding tanks, sanitary grease interceptors, portable restrooms, privies, etc.) need to be licensed by the DNR.

Septage is defined under NR 113.03(55), Wis. Adm. Code as:
“the scum, liquid, sludge, or other waste in any of the following: (a) A septic or holding tank, dosing chamber, grease interceptor, seepage bed, seepage pit, seepage trench, distribution cell, or other component of private onsite wastewater treatment systems, or (b) A privy or portable restroom.”
Does/will your business service dispose of septage?


Wastewater

Does your business have a septage license from the DNR?


Wastewater

Septage storage tanks may need a permit from the DNR.
Do you have a storage tank for septage?


Wastewater

Is the storage tank more than 550,000 gallons


Wastewater

Definitions
“Surface water” means any named or unnamed creek, stream, pond, marsh, bay, reservoir, river, lake, water course, drainage system, or other surface water within the state of Wisconsin.
"Wetland" means an area where water is at, near or above the land surface long enough to be capable of supporting aquatic or hydrophytic vegetation and which has soils indicative of wet conditions.

Surface waters and wetlands can be identified using the Surface Water Data Viewer.
Where will the wastewater and/or sludge be discharged to?






Wastewater

For discharges to surface water, know what these acronyms mean:

“ERW” means Exceptional Resource Water
“ORW” means Outstanding Resource water

Visit the Outstanding and Exceptional Resource Waters webpage for additional information.

ERWs and ORWs can be identified using the Surface Water Data Viewer.
If the proposed discharge will be directly to a surface water, is the surface water classified as an exceptional resource water (ERW) or outstanding resource water (ORW) as defined in ch. NR 102, Wis. Adm. Code?


Wastewater

Wetlands and Practicable Alternatives

For projects that involve discharges to wetlands, an analysis must be done to determine whether there are practicable alternatives for the project that would keep discharges out of the wetland. "Practicable alternatives" means available alternatives that are capable of being implemented after taking into consideration cost, available technology and logistics in light of overall project purposes.
If the proposed discharge will be directly to a wetland, are there no practicable alternative disposal options which would avoid discharge to the wetlands pursuant to ch. NR 103, Wis. Adm. Code, AND will all practicable measures to minimize adverse impacts of the affected wetlands be taken?
Please note: You will be required to provide the 'no practicable alternatives' analysis with the general permit application. 


Wastewater

Groundwater Discharge Average Daily Flow Rate
Will the average daily flow rate be greater than or equal to 15,000 gallons per day to the seepage system, land surface or subsurface system?


Wastewater

Agricultural Fields-Contract Hauler
Is your facility considered a contract hauler that mixes and/or stores liquid waste/sludge from more than one industrial, municipal and/or agricultural source prior to landspreading?


Asphalt - Wastewater

Wastewater is something a business generates from an industrial process. All wastewater discharges to waters of the State of Wisconsin must be addressed in the appropriate WPDES permit. Review the permit options available on the Water ePermits page.
Does your plant have any one of these wastewater discharges?
  • Vehicle wash water
  • Noncontact cooling water
  • Dust suppression water
  • Scrubber water
  • Other industrial process wastewater


Autobody - Wastewater

A dry shop is one where no water is used to rinse cars, parts, equipment, floors, or booths. Only rags/wipes (damp or dry), compressed air, brooms or similar techniques are used to clean vehicles and the shop.
Do you operate a dry shop?


Autobody - Wastewater

In most cases, the only allowed ways to dispose of waste liquids from an autobody refinishing and repair shop is to send it to the local sewer, or to a holding tank that is later pumped and delivered to a local treatment plant.

You must know where all drains in your shop discharge. Open floor drains with unknown outlets should not be allowed to empty out into storm drains, a septic system, or onto the ground. Directing those liquids to a storm drain, onto the ground, into a ditch, into septic systems or into unknown outlets are generally not allowed.

There is a wastewater general permit specific for vehicle wash water.
Do you discharge vehicle rinse water to somewhere other than the local sanitary sewer?


CAFO/Non-CAFO Farms - Wastewater

If your operation has 1,000 animal units (AU) or more, your operation is a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) and you must obtain a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (WPDES) from the Department of Natural Resources.

How to calculate your facility animal unit (AU): Form 3400-025A Animal Unit Calculation Worksheet [PDF]  

Twelve months before an operation becomes a CAFO, it must begin the WPDES permit application process. Preliminary application components include the following items:
Does the facility have 1,000 animal units (AU) in operation?


CAFO/Non-CAFO Farms - Wastewater

Have you submitted all necessary permit application forms for the CAFO WPDES?


CAFO/Non-CAFO Farms - Wastewater

Livestock farms that are not above the CAFO threshold must follow nonpoint runoff requirements.
As a farm below the threshold for CAFO, are you following the non-point source discharge requirements?


CBD Oil Extraction - Wastewater

Will the discharge or landspreading occur from and/or on properties within Tribal Lands?
“Tribal Land” is defined as land owned by or held in trust for the tribes and the land within recognized reservation boundaries.


CBD Oil Extraction - Wastewater

If any option other than “discharge to sanitary sewer” is selected, then you will need to review the WPDES permit options.
What method does the facility use to discharge the wastewater or sludge?




Crusher / Sand Mine - Wastewater

Wastewater is something a business generates from an industrial process. All wastewater discharges must be addressed in the appropriate WPDES permit. There is a combined general permit for process wastewater and storm water from nonmetallic mining or processing.
Does your plant have any one of these wastewater discharges?
  • Vehicle wash water
  • Noncontact cooling water
  • Mine dewatering
  • Dust suppression water
  • Scrubber water
  • Sand/gravel wash water


Digesters - Wastewater

Wastewater is something a business generates from an industrial process. Any wastewater discharges to a body of water or to a storm sewer are regulated through the Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program.
Is the digester being installed at a farm or a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)?


Digesters - Wastewater

Have the appropriate WPDES permit forms been submitted or is the digester listed in the facility’s current WPDES permit?


Digesters - Wastewater

Have the appropriate WPDES permit forms been submitted or is the digester listed in the facility’s current WPDES permit?


Dry Cleaner - Wastewater

Do you discharge any wastewater from your shop to a source other than the local sanitary sewer?


Fiberglass - Wastewater

Wastewater is something a business generates from an industrial process. For a fiberglass plastics manufacturing facility this can include: cooling water, rinse water, etc.
Does the facility produce industrial wastewater?


Fiberglass - Wastewater

What method does the facility use to discharge the industrial wastewater?
If any other option other than “discharge to sanitary sewer” is selected, then you will need to review the WPDES permit options.




Gasoline Dispensing - Wastewater

Any wastewater discharges to a body of water or to a storm sewer are regulated through the Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program.
Does your gas station operate a car wash?


Grain Handling - Wastewater

Wastewater is something a business generates from an industrial process.

Any wastewater discharges to a body of water or to a storm sewer are regulated through the Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program.
Does the facility produce industrial wastewater?


Grain Handling - Wastewater

If any option other than “discharge to sanitary sewer” is selected, then you will need to review the WPDES permit options.
What method does the facility use to discharge the wastewater?




Metal Finishing - Wastewater

Wastewater is something a business generates from an industrial process. For a metal finishing facility this can include: cooling water, dust suppression, rinse water, waste from cleaning tanks, etc.

Any wastewater discharges to a body of water or to a storm sewer are regulated through the Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program.

Metal fabrication facilities may need to pretreat their wastewater prior to discharge. This can include adjusting the pH, removing solids (metal shavings, etc), removing specific heavy metals, etc.
Does the facility produce industrial wastewater?


Metal Finishing - Wastewater

Does the facility treat the wastewater before discharging it?


Metal Finishing - Wastewater

If any option other than “discharge to sanitary sewer” is selected, then you will need to review the WPDES permit options.
What method does the facility use to discharge the industrial wastewater?




Commercial Printing - Wastewater

Wastewater is something a business generates from an industrial process. For a printing facility this can include: prepress wastewater, waste fountain solution, water-based material (e.g., inks, coatings, adhesives, etc.) process cleaning, condenser and blowdown wastewater from air compressors, condensate from air conditioning, non-contact cooling water.

Any wastewater discharges to a body of water or to a storm sewer are regulated through the Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program.
Does the facility produce industrial wastewater?


Commercial Printing - Wastewater

Printing facilities that process film may need to pretreat to remove silver prior to discharge. If you have a silver recovery unit, select “Yes.”

Facilities that have moved to a Computer to Plate system may have eliminated the silver waste, but liquid CTP systems may still require pretreatment due to a high pH in the wastewater. If you have a liquid CTP system, select “Yes”.
Does the facility treat the wastewater before discharging it?


Commercial Printing - Wastewater

If any option other than “discharge to sanitary sewer” is selected, then you will need to review the WPDES permit options.
What method does the facility use to discharge the industrial wastewater?




Wood Products - Wastewater

Wastewater is something a business generates from an industrial process. For a wood products facility this can include: cooling water, dust suppression, rinse water, waste from cleaning tanks, etc.

Any wastewater discharges to a body of water or to a storm sewer are regulated through the Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program.

Wood products facilities may need to pretreat their wastewater prior to discharge.
Does the facility produce industrial wastewater?


Wood Products - Wastewater

If any option other than “discharge to sanitary sewer” is selected, then you will need to review the WPDES permit options.
What method does the facility use to discharge the industrial wastewater?




Storm Water

Pollutants carried in storm water runoff from industrial facilities degrade water quality. Permits are required for industries in certain SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes that may discharge these types of pollutants.

See OSHA’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Manual, or OSHA SIC System Search to search by key word, if you’re not sure which code your facility falls under.
Please select the category of your primary income-producing activity based on your SIC code:





Asphalt - Storm Water

Facilities described in SIC code 2951 for asphalt paving mixes are under Tier 2 of the storm water requirements. Review the current version of the Tier 2 general permit and related fact sheet, found on the industrial storm water permit webpage.

Application information is also found on that page if the plant has not already applied.
Have you applied for the Tier 2 storm water general permit?


Asphalt - Storm Water

Have you filed a No Exposure Certificate?


Asphalt - Storm Water

Is the plant portable?


Asphalt - Storm Water

It is required that you notify DNR of every relocation 20 days before it moves. The air program form is shared with the storm water program, so they are aware of your updated location.
Are you filing the DNR air program relocation notification form (4500-025) when appropriate?


Autobody - Storm Water

Facilities where the primary income-producing activity is classified by the SIC code 5015-Motor Vehicle Parts, Used-facilities primarily engaged in the wholesale or retail distribution of used motor vehicle parts and establishments engaged in dismantling motor vehicles for the purpose of selling parts – must apply for a General WPDES Storm Water Permit No. WI-S059145-4.

However, those facilities primarily engaged in dismantling or processing automobiles for scrap under SIC code 5093, require coverage under General WPDES Storm Water Discharge Permit No. WI-S058831-4, Recycling of Scrap and Waste Materials.

Collision repair, or autobody repair is otherwise classified under SIC 7532 and this is not included in the affected industries for storm water permitting.
Do you dismantle or salvage vehicles for parts, or scrap?


CBD Oil Extraction - Storm Water and Wastewater

The DNR regulates facilities discharging stormwater and/or wastewater to surface water or groundwater through the Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit program. Storm Water permits are applicable for facilities that manufacture food and kindred products for human and livestock consumption classified under Occupational Safety and Health Awareness Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes series 2000-2099.

Wastewater permits are issued for the direct discharge of wastewater or for the landspreading of waste or sludges.

Some common examples of wastewater that facilities generate include water used in cleaning parts, products or floors, cooling water, water mixed with oils or chemicals, water from butcher operations, power washing water or industrial process waste.
Does your facility discharge wastewater or land spread waste or sludge?


CBD Oil Extraction - Storm Water

Does your facility operate under the SIC code categories of either 20 group – Food and Kindred Products, or 4221 – Farm Product Storage?


CBD Oil Extraction - Storm Water

If you are not sure whether the facility has a permit, you can search the database of issued industrial storm water permits to see whether the facility is already covered.
Have you applied for the Tier 2 general permit, a No Exposure Certification, or an individual storm water discharge permit?


CBD Oil Extraction - Storm Water

Does the facility conduct any activities outside that will contaminate storm water?
Answer yes to this question if any raw materials, manufacturing processes, industrial machinery, wastes, intermediate products, final products, or material loading or unloading are conducted outside. The No Exposure fact sheet (SB-020) lists some common activities that can contaminate storm water. It also explains how some of these activities can be corrected in order to qualify for No Exposure Certification.”


Fiberglass - Storm Water

The following question relates to the primary SIC categories for your business. If you are unsure of the SIC, review the descriptions in the resources linked below:
Does the facility operate under the primary SIC of 3000-3099?


Fiberglass - Storm Water

For the following question, answer yes if any raw materials, manufacturing processes, industrial machinery, wastes, intermediate products, final products, or material loading or unloading are conducted outside. The No Exposure fact sheet (SB-020) lists some common activities at facilities that can contaminate storm water. It also explains how some of these can be corrected in order to qualify for No Exposure Certification.
Does the facility conduct any activities outside that will contaminate storm water?


Grain Handling - Storm Water

Does your facility operate under the SIC code categories of either 20 group – Food and Kindred Products, or 4221 – Farm Product Storage?


Grain Handling - Storm Water

If you are not sure whether the facility has a permit, you can search the database of issued industrial storm water permits to see whether the facility is already covered.
Have you applied for the Tier 2 general permit, a No Exposure Certification or an individual storm water discharge permit?


Grain Handling - Storm Water

For the following question, answer “Yes” if any raw materials, manufacturing processes, industrial machinery, wastes, intermediate products, final products, or material loading or unloading are conducted outside. The No Exposure fact sheet (SB-020) lists some common activities that can contaminate storm water. It also explains how some of these activities can be corrected in order to qualify for No Exposure Certification.
Does the facility conduct any activities outside that will contaminate storm water?


Metal Finishing - Storm Water

Metal finishing operations under the SIC 3441 have a different storm water discharge permit than others. The next set of questions will apply to those under 3441. If you select No, you will be directed to questions on the storm water permit requirements for other metal finishing operations.
Does the facility operate under SIC 3441?


Metal Finishing - Storm Water

Have you applied for the Tier 1 general permit, a No Exposure Certification or an individual storm water discharge permit?


Metal Finishing - Storm Water

Answer yes if any raw materials, manufacturing processes, industrial machinery, wastes, intermediate products, final products, or material loading or unloading are conducted outside. The No Exposure fact sheet (SB-020) lists some common activities that can contaminate storm water. It also explains how some of these activities can be corrected in order to qualify for No Exposure Certification.
Does the facility conduct any activities outside that will contaminate storm water?


Metal Finishing - Storm Water

Metal finishing operations under SIC other than 3441 come under the Tier 2 storm water permit category. The facility must apply for a storm water discharge permit or submit a No Exposure Certification.
Have you applied for the Tier 2 general permit, a No Exposure Certification or an individual storm water discharge permit?


Metal Finishing - Storm Water

Answer yes to the following question if any raw materials, manufacturing processes, industrial machinery, wastes, intermediate products, final products, or material loading or unloading are conducted outside. The No Exposure fact sheet (SB-020) lists some common activities that can contaminate storm water. It also explains how some of these activities can be corrected in order to qualify for No Exposure Certification.
Does the facility conduct any activities outside that will contaminate storm water?


Commercial Printing - Storm Water

Printing facilities under the SIC groups 265x, 267x or 27xx are included in the Tier 2 storm water permit category. If within those SIC groups, the facility must apply for a storm water discharge permit or submit a No Exposure Certification.
Does the facility operate under SIC 265x, 267x or 27xx?


Commercial Printing - Storm Water

If you are not sure whether the facility has a permit, you can search the database of issued industrial storm water permits to see whether the facility is already covered.
Have you applied for the Tier 2 general permit, a No Exposure Certification or an individual storm water discharge permit?


Commercial Printing - Storm Water

Answer yes to the following question if any raw materials, manufacturing processes, industrial machinery, wastes, intermediate products, final products, or material loading or unloading are conducted outside. The No Exposure fact sheet (SB-020) lists some common activities that can contaminate storm water. It also explains how some of these activities can be corrected in order to qualify for No Exposure Certification.
Does the facility conduct any activities outside that will contaminate storm water?


Salvage Yards - Storm Water

Facilities where the primary activity is in the wholesale or retail distribution of used motor vehicle parts and establishments engaged in dismantling motor vehicles for the purpose of selling parts under SIC Code 5015, must apply for a General WPDES Storm Water Permit No. WI-S059145-4.

However, those facilities primarily engaged in dismantling or processing automobiles for scrap or recycling other scrap materials under SIC code 5093 require coverage under General WPDES Storm Water Discharge Permit No. WI-S058831-4, Recycling of Scrap and Waste Materials.
Does the facility primarily dismantle or salvage vehicles for parts or scrap?


Salvage Yards - Storm Water

Is the facility a scrap metal recycling facility?


Solar Farms - Storm Water

Sites that have more than one acre of land-disturbing construction activity are required to obtain coverage under a storm water permit during construction. Land disturbing construction activity includes clearing and grubbing, demolition, excavating, pit trench dewatering, vehicle rutting, filling and grading associated with a construction project. Grading includes both rough grading and fine grading. For ground-mounted solar installation, the following areas are likely to have land disturbance: solar arrays, access roads, substation, battery storage, conduit installation, transmission to a substation (aka GenTie), inverters, contractor staging areas and construction parking. All phases of the project and all areas associated with the project should be included, even if they are not contiguous.
Will the project include more than 1 acre in total of land disturbance?


Solar Farms - Storm Water

Solar installations are often long term construction projects, completed in phases. Erosion control practices will differ during different seasons of the year, based on expected types of precipitation and/or frozen ground.
Have you evaluated staged erosion control measures to cover the full length of the project?


Solar Farms - Storm Water

Post-construction storm water management practices must satisfy the performance standards in ss. NR 151.121 to 151.128, Wis. Adm. Code. The DNR has developed technical standards to assist in the design of practices that meet those performance standards.
Have you developed a post-construction erosion control management plan?


Solar Farms - Additional Information

Is the project at least 100 MW in size, or is it being installed by a public utility and sized between 7-50 MW?


Wood Products - Storm Water

Lumber and Wood Products, SIC 2400-2499, are in the Tier 1 industrial permit category. However, Wood Kitchen Cabinets, SIC 2434 is included in the Tier 2 storm water industrial permit category. By selecting the appropriate SIC category, the applicable storm water permit information can be provided.
Does the facility operate under SIC group 24xx?


Wood Products - Storm Water

Does the facility operate under SIC 2434 for Wood Furniture manufacturing?


Wood Products - Storm Water

If you are not sure whether the facility has a permit, you can search the database of issued industrial storm water permits to see whether the facility is already covered.
Have you applied for the Tier 1 or 2 general permit, a No Exposure Certification or an individual storm water discharge permit?


Wood Products - Storm Water

Answer yes to this question if any raw materials, manufacturing processes, industrial machinery, wastes, intermediate products, final products, or material loading or unloading are conducted outside. The No Exposure fact sheet (SB-020) lists some common activities that can contaminate storm water. It also explains how some of these activities can be corrected in order to qualify for No Exposure Certification.
Does the facility conduct any activities outside that will contaminate storm water?


Waste

Wisconsin businesses and institutions are required by federal and state laws to determine if the waste materials they generate are hazardous waste. Hazardous waste is a waste with properties that make it potentially dangerous or harmful to human health or the environment. The universe of hazardous wastes is large and diverse. Hazardous wastes can be liquids, solids, or contained gases.

You can refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators to help you determine whether your business generates hazardous waste.
Has the facility completed waste determinations on all waste streams and does it know what hazardous waste is being generated?



Waste

Universal waste refers to specific materials that have hazardous properties, but when managed correctly do not need to be included in hazardous waste calculations.

Materials classified as universal waste in Wisconsin includes:
  • hazardous waste batteries, such as lithium, nickel-cadmium, silver oxide and lead-acid;
  • hazardous waste pesticides that are either recalled or collected in waste pesticide collection programs;
  • thermometers and mercury-containing equipment; and
  • hazardous waste lamps, such as fluorescent bulbs.


Electronics can also contain hazardous materials and should be properly recycled.
Does the facility manage universal wastes and electronic wastes properly, so those wastes do not count in the hazardous waste generation amount?



Waste

Reusable and disposable wipes are commonly used by businesses and institutions to clean parts and equipment. Through use, the wipes become contaminated with solvents and other materials that could classify them as hazardous waste.
Does the facility manage solvent contaminated wipes according to the exclusions?



Waste

Hazardous secondary materials (HSM) are generated across a wide variety of business, manufacturing and institutional sectors. An HSM is a secondary material such as a spent material, by-product, or sludge that, when discarded, would be identified as a hazardous waste. Federal regulations created an exclusion that would encourage reclamation and recycling of HSM in a way that does not result in increased risk to human health and the environment. When all conditions of the HSM exclusion are met, then the HSM that are legitimately reclaimed are not solid waste and therefore not a hazardous waste. If any of the conditions of the exclusion are not met, then the HSM is considered a solid waste and thus a hazardous waste.

HSM can be reclaimed in one of three ways to meet the exclusion:
  • Generator-controlled, which includes when the HSM is recycled on-site or off-site by the generator or off-site through a tolling contractor (read more: WA-2033)
  • Transfer-based, when transferred to a facility that is a legitimate recycler or tolling contractor/manufacturer making a product or intermediate material for sale (read more: WA-2034)
  • Remanufacturing, when the HSM is generated and then transferred to another person for the purpose of remanufacturing (refer to WA-2033 for information)
Does the facility manage hazardous secondary materials (HSM) to meet the conditional exclusions?



Waste

Paints and solvents can contain hazardous materials, which can mean that filters from paint booths can be classified as hazardous waste.

Without actual test results, it is best to assume that all rags, filters, etc. in contact with hazardous materials are also hazardous and should be counted towards your total waste generation. If you have them tested, using a TCLP test and they are not deemed hazardous, you may dispose with other solid wastes and not count the amount in the hazardous waste generation total. Review the fact sheet Spray Painting and Coating Operations (WA-299), page 4, for more details.
Does the facility have documents that show the paint booth filters are hazardous or non-hazardous?



Waste

There are specific requirements around handling used oil.

Used oil includes: motor oils, greases, emulsions, machine shop coolants, antifreeze, heating media, brake fluids, transmission fluids, other hydraulic fluids, electrical insulating oils, metalworking fluids and refrigeration oils.

Used oil does not include: fuel product storage tank bottoms, fuel product spill cleanup material, other waste that results from oil that has not been used, animal and vegetable oils and greases and materials used as cleaning agents or only for their solvent properties.

Review the fact sheets on used oil (WA-233) and other resources on the Recycling Motor Oil webpage.
Does the plant generate used oil at the site?


Waste

Businesses cannot burn wastes in most situations. You can review information on what is allowed to be burned through the Open Burning webpage.
Do you burn wastes on site?


Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Some wastes such as fluorescent lamps, batteries and thermometers and other mercury-containing devices are classified as “universal waste” instead of hazardous waste if properly stored and recycled. If handled accordingly, they do not count towards a facility’s generator status and are subject to alternative, more flexible standards. However, note that if not managed in accordance with universal waste standards, normal hazardous waste regulations apply. See Management of Universal Waste in Wisconsin.
How much hazardous waste does the facility generate each month and store on-site?




Asphalt - Waste

There are limited sources of hazardous waste at a crusher or sand plant, however each industrial facility should evaluate their wastes to determine whether they are hazardous. This includes waste paint and solvents, solvent rags used for cleaning, used oil from vehicle maintenance (if done on site) or old waste found on the site when disturbing the land. All have proper methods to follow when disposing of them.

Document each waste stream and the weight of material generated per month for each waste stream, add it all up and compare it to the generator thresholds. Do not include liquid industrial waste or used oil (includes antifreeze).

For additional information, refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Do you have industrial wastes such as waste paint or solvents, rags or wipes with solvent, used oil from vehicles or engines maintained on site?


Asphalt - Waste

Used oil includes: motor oils, greases, emulsions, machine shop coolants, antifreeze, heating media, brake fluids, transmission fluids, other hydraulic fluids, electrical insulating oils, metalworking fluids and refrigeration oils.

Used oil does not include: fuel product storage tank bottoms, fuel product spill cleanup material, other waste that results from oil that has not been used, animal and vegetable oils and greases and materials used as cleaning agents or only for their solvent properties.
Does the plant generate used oil at the site?


Asphalt - Waste

Businesses cannot burn wastes in most situations. You can review information on what is allowed to be burned through the Open Burning webpage.
Do you burn wastes on site?


Autobody - Waste

Document each waste stream and the weight of material generated per month for each waste stream, add it all up and compare it to the generator thresholds. Do not include liquid industrial waste, used oil (includes antifreeze), or hazardous waste managed as a universal waste. Wastes that may be managed as a universal (or simply non-hazardous) waste include batteries, fluorescent lights, mercury containing switches and consumer electronics.

In addition to waste paint and solvent, you should also include paint filters, still bottoms and disposable rags, unless you have documentation that confirms they are not hazardous waste.

For additional information, refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Has the facility completed waste determinations on all waste streams and does it know what hazardous waste is being generated?



Autobody - Waste

Without actual test results, it is best to assume that all rags, filters, etc. in contact with hazardous materials are also hazardous and should be counted towards your total waste generation. If you have them tested, using a TCLP test and they are not deemed hazardous, you may dispose with other solid wastes and not count the amount in the hazardous waste generation total. Review the fact sheet Spray Painting and Coating Operations (WA-299), page 4, for more details.
Does the shop have documents that show the paint booth filters are hazardous or non-hazardous?



Autobody - Waste

There are specific requirements around handling used oil.

Used oil includes: motor oils, greases, emulsions, machine shop coolants, antifreeze, heating media, brake fluids, transmission fluids, other hydraulic fluids, electrical insulating oils, metalworking fluids and refrigeration oils.

Used oil does not include: fuel product storage tank bottoms, fuel product spill cleanup material, other waste that results from oil that has not been used, animal and vegetable oils and greases and materials used as cleaning agents or only for their solvent properties.

Review the fact sheets on used oil (WA-233) and other resources on the Recycling Motor Oil webpage.
Does the shop collect and store used oil?


Autobody - Waste

There are limited scenarios where burning used oil is allowed. If your shop does burn oil, review the requirements in the Burning Used Oil fact sheet (WA-1003). If a used oil burner is large enough, it will need to be included in an air permit.
Does the shop burn the used oil?


Autobody - Waste

Review the contaminated wipes exclusion fact sheet (WA-1207) and checklist/notification form.
Does the shop manage solvent contaminated wipes according to the exclusions? (If no wipes used with solvents for shop clean up, select NA.)



Autobody - Waste

Batteries, pesticides, mercury containing equipment and used lamps should be managed according to the universal waste requirements.

All electronics should be properly recycled.
Does the facility manage universal wastes and electronic wastes properly, so those wastes do not count in the hazardous waste generation amount?



Autobody - Waste

Once you’ve added up all your hazardous waste generated in the highest month, you can compare to the threshold.

A Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) = generates 220 lbs or less per month (less than 27 gallons/month or about half of a 55-gallon drum)
Does the facility generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste in any month?


Autobody - Waste

Most shops likely fall in the SQG category.

A Small Quantity Generator (SQG) = generates more than 220 lbs, but less than 2,205 lbs per month (between 27 and 269 gallons/month or about half of a 55-gallon drum up to four full 55-gallon drums)

A Large Quantity Generator (LQG) = generates 2,205 lbs or more a month (at minimum, approximately 270 gallons/month or about 4-5 drums)
Does the facility generate less than 2,205 pounds of hazardous waste in any month?


CAFO/Non-CAFO Farms - Waste

Do you burn wastes on site?


CAFO/Non-CAFO Farms - Waste

Will you generate used oil (including waste antifreeze) on the farm?


CAFO/Non-CAFO Farms - Waste

In Wisconsin, farmers may compost crop residues, manure and animal carcasses generated on their farm sites. Depending on the material and size of the farming operation, DNR wastewater and/or solid waste rules may apply. In most cases, a DNR composting license is not needed for on-farm composting of farm materials.

For information about large-scale farm animal manure or carcass composting, contact your regional DNR agricultural runoff specialist.

For smaller farms not subject to the CAFO rules, composting is regulated by DNR solid waste rules.
Will you be composting on site?


CAFO/Non-CAFO Farms - Waste

Will you compost ONLY crop residue, animal carcasses, farm animal manure, yard residuals and clean chip wood AND will you include ONLY material from your farm?


CBD Oil Extraction - Waste

Wisconsin's hazardous waste laws regulate the management of used oil. Because used oil is easily recyclable, it is illegal to dispose of used oil in a licensed landfill or incinerate it without energy recovery.
If you are installing a generator engine, will you have staff conduct maintenance of it?
If you are not installing an engine and no used oil is generated on site, select N/A.



CBD Oil Extraction - Waste

Do you have proper used oil storage and disposal process?


CBD Oil Extraction - Waste

The solvents used to extract oils from hemp and to clean processing equipment can create waste that is considered hazardous. For example, if processing waste becomes contaminated from the extraction method and contains more than 24% ethanol, the waste would be considered hazardous and would need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Similarly, rags and other cleaning materials that are used with solvents may also be considered hazardous waste. For more information about determining which of your waste streams need to be disposed of as hazardous, see hazardous waste page. Refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Has the facility completed waste determinations on all waste streams and does it know what hazardous waste is being generated?


CBD Oil Extraction - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Some wastes such as fluorescent lamps, batteries and thermometers and other mercury-containing devices are classified as “universal waste” instead of hazardous waste if properly stored and recycled. If handled accordingly, they do not count towards a facility’s generator status and are subject to alternative, more flexible standards. However, note that if not managed in accordance with universal waste standards, normal hazardous waste regulations apply. See Management of Universal Waste in Wisconsin.
How much hazardous waste does the facility generate each month and store on-site?




CBD Oil Extraction - Spill Prevention and Response

Emergency generators using diesel fuel often have connected a storage container. EPA regulates storage of oil to prevent spills from reaching waterways.

A navigable waterway is defined through case law as any waterway that has a defined bed and bank and upon which it is possible to float a canoe or small watercraft on a recurring basis.

If storage is greater than 1,320 or a spill could reach a navigable waterway, the owner must prepare a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure plan.
Do you have engines that use diesel fuel?


CBD Oil Extraction - Spill Prevention and Response

Do you have combined storage capacity of all oil containers, of at least 55 gallons in size, more than 1,320 gallons?


CBD Oil Extraction - Spill Prevention and Response

If the storage is below the threshold, is there a potential for a spill to reach a navigable waterway?


Commercial Building Heat/Power - Waste

If you are installing a generator engine, will you have staff conduct maintenance on it?


Commercial Building Heat/Power - Waste

Do you have proper used oil storage and disposal processes?


Commercial Building Heat/Power - Additional Resources

Are your engines fueled by diesel fuel?


Commercial Building Heat/Power - Additional Resources

Do you have combined storage capacity of all oil containers, of at least 55 gallons in size, of more than 1,320 gallons?


Commercial Building Heat/Power - Additional Resources

A navigable waterway is defined through case law as any waterway that has a defined bed and bank and upon which it is possible to float a canoe or small watercraft on a recurring basis.
If the storage is below the threshold, is there a potential for a spill to reach a navigable waterway?


Crusher / Sand Mine - Waste

There are limited sources of hazardous waste at a crusher or sand plant, however each industrial facility should evaluate their wastes to determine whether they are hazardous. This includes waste paint and solvents, solvent rags used for cleaning, used oil from vehicle maintenance (if done on site) or old waste found on the site when disturbing the land. All have proper methods to follow when disposing of them.

Document each waste stream and the weight of material generated per month for each waste stream, add it all up and compare it to the generator thresholds. Do not include liquid industrial waste or used oil (includes antifreeze).

For additional information, refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Do you have industrial wastes such as waste paint or solvents, rags or wipes with solvent, used oil from vehicles or engines maintained on site?


Crusher / Sand Mine - Waste

Businesses cannot burn wastes in most situations. You can review information on what is allowed to be burned through the Open Burning webpage.
Do you burn wastes on site?


Crusher / Sand Mine - Waste

Waste products from the mine extraction process are covered under the county or local reclamation permit. Materials generated under other processes would be covered by the DNR’s solid waste program.
If you have a fixed plant, are you managing all of the plant and mine solid waste appropriately?
If you are a portable plant, please select N/A.



Renovation or Demoltion Projects - Waste

Do you have a plan for disposal of all demolition and renovation wastes?


Digesters - Waste

Land application of the solids from a digester are still required to follow the same management plans as non-digested wastes. With lower volumes, the digested waste should be easier to manage and minimize runoff. However, some of the contaminants in the waste may be more concentrated after the digester. Mixed wastes added to the digester can impact the level of requirements to follow with land spreading the post-digester materials. The most restrictive waste will dictate the requirements that apply.
Does the facility have a current Nutrient Management Plan or similar plan appropriate to their WPDES permit requirement, that addresses land spreading of the post-digester wastes?


Digesters - Waste

Land application of the solids from a digester are still required to follow the same management plans as non-digested wastes. With lower volumes, the digested waste should be easier to manage and minimize runoff. However, some of the contaminants in the waste may be more concentrated after the digester. Mixed wastes added to the digester can impact the level of requirements to follow with land spreading the post-digester materials. The most restrictive waste will dictate the requirements that apply.
Does the facility have a current Nutrient Management Plan or similar plan appropriate to their WPDES permit requirement, that addresses land spreading of the post-digester wastes?


Dry Cleaner - Waste

How much hazardous waste does the facility generate each month or store on-site?




Emergency Generator Engine - Waste

Will you have staff conduct maintenance on the generator engine(s)?


Emergency Generator Engine - Waste

Do you have proper used oil storage and disposal processes?


Emergency Generator Engine - Additional Resources

Are your engines fueled by diesel fuel?


Emergency Generator Engine - Additional Resources

Do you have combined storage capacity of all oil containers, of at least 55 gallons in size, of more than 1,320 gallons?


Emergency Generator Engine - Additional Resources

A navigable waterway is defined through case law as any waterway that has a defined bed and bank and upon which it is possible to float a canoe or small watercraft on a recurring basis.
If the storage is below the threshold, is there a potential for a spill to reach a navigable waterway?


Fiberglass - Waste

Document each waste stream and the weight of material generated per month for each waste stream, add it all up and compare it to the generator thresholds. Do not include liquid industrial waste, used oil (includes antifreeze), or hazardous waste managed as a universal waste. Wastes that may be managed as a universal (or simply non-hazardous) waste include batteries, fluorescent lights, mercury containing switches and consumer electronics.

In addition to waste paint and solvent, you should also include paint filters, still bottoms and disposable rags, unless you have documentation that confirms they are not hazardous waste.

For additional information, refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Has the facility completed waste determinations on all waste streams and does it know what hazardous waste is being generated?


Fiberglass - Waste

Without actual test results, it is best to assume that all rags, filters, etc. in contact with hazardous materials are also hazardous and should be counted towards your total waste generation. If you have them tested, using a TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) test and they are not deemed hazardous, you may dispose with other solid wastes and not count the amount in the hazardous waste generation total. Review the fact sheet Spray Painting and Coating Operations (WA-299), page 4, for more details.
Does the shop have documents that show the paint booth filters are hazardous or non-hazardous?


Fiberglass - Waste

Review the contaminated wipes exclusion fact sheet (WA-1207) and checklist/notification form.

If no wipes used with solvents for shop clean up, select NA.
Does the shop manage solvent contaminated wipes according to the exclusions?



Fiberglass - Waste

Batteries, pesticides, mercury containing equipment and used lamps should be managed according to the universal waste requirements.

All electronics should be properly recycled.
Does the facility manage universal wastes and electronic wastes properly, so those wastes do not count in the hazardous waste generation amount?


Fiberglass - Waste

Once you’ve added up all your hazardous waste generated in the highest month, you can compare to the threshold.

A Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) = generates 220 lbs or less per month (less than 27 gallons/month or about half of a 55-gallon drum) and accumulates less than 2,205 lbs (about 270 gallons or about 5 full 55-gallon drums)
Does the facility generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste in any month or accumulate no more than 2,205 pounds at any one time?


Fiberglass - Waste

Most shops likely fall in the SQG category.

A Small Quantity Generator (SQG) = generates more than 220 lbs, but less than 2,205 lbs per month (between 27 and 270 gallons/month or about half of a 55-gallon drum up to 5 full 55-gallon drums)

A Large Quantity Generator (LQG) = generates 2,205 lbs or more a month (at minimum, approximately 270 gallons/month or about 5 drums) or accumulates more than 13,230 lbs at any time (or approximately 1600 gallons, or 29 drums)
Does the facility generate less than 2,205 pounds of hazardous waste in any month or accumulate more than 13,230 pounds at any time?


Gasoline Dispensing - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. There are specific requirements that apply to used oil.
Does your gas station offer oil changes?


Gasoline Dispensing - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Some wastes such as fluorescent lamps, batteries and thermometers and other mercury-containing devices are classified as “universal waste” instead of hazardous waste if properly stored and recycled. If handled accordingly, they do not count towards a facility’s generator status and are subject to alternative, more flexible standards. However, note that if not managed in accordance with universal waste standards, normal hazardous waste regulations apply. See Management of Universal Waste in Wisconsin.
How much hazardous waste does the facility generate each month and store on-site?  




Grain Handling - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Grain facilities may generate industrial wastes through the use of agricultural chemicals, additives with heavy metals (such as cadmium), or pesticides.

Refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Has the facility completed waste determinations on all waste streams and does it know what hazardous waste is being generated?


Grain Handling - Waste

Wisconsin's hazardous waste laws regulate the management of used oil. Because used oil is easily recyclable, it is illegal to dispose of used oil in a licensed landfill or incinerate it without energy recovery.
If you are installing a generator engine, will you have staff conduct maintenance of it?
If no used oil is generated on site, select NA.



Grain Handling - Waste

Do you have proper used oil storage and disposal process?


Grain Handling - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Some wastes such as fluorescent lamps, batteries and thermometers and other mercury-containing devices are classified as “universal waste” instead of hazardous waste if properly stored and recycled. If handled accordingly, they do not count towards a facility’s generator status and are subject to alternative, more flexible standards. However, note that if not managed in accordance with universal waste standards, normal hazardous waste regulations apply. See Management of Universal Waste in Wisconsin.
How much hazardous waste does the facility generate each month and store on-site?




Grain Handling - Waste

Businesses cannot burn wastes in most situations. Some facilities may choose to burn their internally generated wood waste, which can make it an air pollution concern. Waste requirements may still apply – wood waste should be transported to a licensed landfill or incinerator.

Review the Know Before You Burn webpage to determine whether in certain situations burning will be allowed.
Does the facility burn wood waste outside of an external combustion unit (boiler, furnace, process heater)?


Grain Handling - Waste

Emergency generators using diesel fuel often have connected a storage container. EPA regulates storage of oil to prevent spills from reaching waterways.

A navigable waterway is defined through case law as any waterway that has a defined bed and bank and upon which it is possible to float a canoe or small watercraft on a recurring basis.

If storage is greater than 1,320 or a spill could reach a navigable waterway, the owner must prepare a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure plan.
Are your engines fueled by diesel fuel?


Grain Handling - Waste

Do you have combined storage capacity of all oil containers, of at least 55 gallons in size, more than 1,320 gallons?  


Grain Handling - Waste

If the storage is below the threshold, is there a potential for a spill to reach a navigable waterway?


Metal Finishing - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Batteries, pesticides, mercury containing equipment and used lamps should be managed according to the universal waste requirements. All electronics should be properly recycled.

Refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Has the facility completed waste determinations on all waste streams and does it know what hazardous waste is being generated?


Metal Finishing - Waste

Does the facility manage universal wastes and electronic wastes properly, so those wastes do not count in the hazardous waste generation amount?


Metal Finishing - Waste

Reusable and disposable wipes are commonly used by businesses to clean parts and equipment. Through use, the wipes become contaminated with solvents and other materials that could classify them as hazardous waste. Under certain conditions the regulations allow for the exclusion of:
  • reusable solvent-contaminated wipes to be classified and managed as a solid waste and
  • disposable solvent-contaminated wipes to be classified and managed as a hazardous waste.


Review the contaminated wipes exclusion fact sheet (WA-1207) and checklist/notification form.
Does the facility manage solvent contaminated wipes according to the exclusions?


Metal Finishing - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Some wastes such as fluorescent lamps, batteries and thermometers and other mercury-containing devices are classified as “universal waste” instead of hazardous waste if properly stored and recycled. If handled accordingly, they do not count towards a facility’s generator status and are subject to alternative, more flexible standards. However, note that if not managed in accordance with universal waste standards, normal hazardous waste regulations apply. See Management of Universal Waste in Wisconsin.
How much hazardous waste does the facility generate each month and store on-site?




Commercial Printing - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Batteries, pesticides, mercury containing equipment and used lamps should be managed according to the universal waste requirements. All electronics should be properly recycled.

Refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Has the facility completed waste determinations on all waste streams and does it know what hazardous waste is being generated?


Commercial Printing - Waste

Does the facility manage universal wastes and electronic wastes properly, so those wastes do not count in the hazardous waste generation amount?


Commercial Printing - Waste

Reusable and disposable wipes are commonly used by businesses to clean parts and equipment. Through use, the wipes become contaminated with solvents and other materials that could classify them as hazardous waste. Under certain conditions the regulations allow for the exclusion of:
  • reusable solvent-contaminated wipes to be classified and managed as a solid waste and
  • disposable solvent-contaminated wipes to be classified and managed as a hazardous waste.


Review the contaminated wipes exclusion fact sheet (WA-1207) and checklist/notification form.

If no wipes are used for equipment clean up, select NA.
Does the facility manage solvent contaminated wipes according to the exclusions?



Commercial Printing - Waste

Hazardous secondary materials (HSM) are generated across a wide variety of business, manufacturing and institutional sectors. An HSM is a secondary material such as a spent material, by-product, or sludge that, when discarded, would be identified as a hazardous waste. Federal regulations created an exclusion that would encourage reclamation and recycling of HSM in a way that does not result in increased risk to human health and the environment. When all conditions of the HSM exclusion are met, then the HSM that are legitimately reclaimed are not solid waste and therefore not a hazardous waste. If any of the conditions of the exclusion are not met, then the HSM is considered a solid waste and thus a hazardous waste.

HSM can be reclaimed in one of three ways to meet the exclusion:
  • Generator-controlled, which includes when the HSM is recycled on-site or off-site by the generator or off-site through a tolling contractor (read more: WA-2033)
  • Transfer-based, when transferred to a facility that is a legitimate recycler or tolling contractor/manufacturer making a product or intermediate material for sale (read more: WA-2034)
  • Remanufacturing, when the HSM is generated and then transferred to another person for the purpose of remanufacturing (refer to WA-2033 for information)
Does the facility manage hazardous secondary materials (HSM) to meet the conditional exclusions?



Commercial Printing - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Some wastes such as fluorescent lamps, batteries and thermometers and other mercury-containing devices are classified as “universal waste” instead of hazardous waste if properly stored and recycled. If handled accordingly, they do not count towards a facility’s generator status and are subject to alternative, more flexible standards. However, note that if not managed in accordance with universal waste standards, normal hazardous waste regulations apply. See Management of Universal Waste in Wisconsin.
How much hazardous waste does the facility generate each month and store on-site?




Salvage Yards - Waste

Document each waste stream and the weight of material generated per month for each waste stream, add it all up and compare it to the generator thresholds. Do not include liquid industrial waste, used oil (includes antifreeze), or hazardous waste managed as a universal waste. Wastes that may be managed as a universal (or simply non-hazardous) waste include batteries, fluorescent lights, mercury containing switches and consumer electronics.

For additional information, refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Has the facility completed waste determinations on all waste streams and does it know what hazardous waste is being generated?


Salvage Yards - Waste

Batteries, pesticides, mercury containing equipment and used lamps should be managed according to the universal waste requirements.

All electronics should be properly recycled.
Does the facility manage universal wastes and electronic wastes properly, so those wastes do not count in the hazardous waste generation amount?


Salvage Yards - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Some wastes such as fluorescent lamps, batteries and thermometers and other mercury-containing devices are classified as “universal waste” instead of hazardous waste if properly stored and recycled. If handled accordingly, they do not count towards a facility’s generator status and are subject to alternative, more flexible standards. However, note that if not managed in accordance with universal waste standards, normal hazardous waste regulations apply. See Management of Universal Waste in Wisconsin.
How much hazardous waste does the facility generate each month and store on-site?




Salvage Yards - Waste

There are specific requirements around handling used oil.

Used oil includes: motor oils, greases, emulsions, machine shop coolants, antifreeze, heating media, brake fluids, transmission fluids, other hydraulic fluids, electrical insulating oils, metalworking fluids and refrigeration oils.

Used oil does not include: fuel product storage tank bottoms, fuel product spill cleanup material, other waste that results from oil that has not been used, animal and vegetable oils and greases and materials used as cleaning agents or only for their solvent properties.

Review the fact sheets on used oil (WA-233) and other resources on the Recycling Motor Oil webpage.

There are limited scenarios where burning used oil is allowed. If your facility does burn oil, review the requirements in the Burning Used Oil fact sheet (WA-1003).
Does the facility collect and store used oil?


Salvage Yards - Waste

Does the facility burn the used oil?


Salvage Yards - Waste

Businesses cannot burn wastes in most situations. You can review information on what is allowed to be burned through the Open Burning webpage.
Do you burn wastes on site?


Wood Products - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Batteries, pesticides, mercury containing equipment and used lamps should be managed according to the universal waste requirements. All electronics should be properly recycled.

Refer to the waste determination fact sheet (WA-1152), form (SB-142) and quick reference guide (WA-1821) for hazardous waste generators.
Has the facility completed waste determinations on all waste streams and does it know what hazardous waste is being generated?


Wood Products - Waste

Does the facility manage universal wastes and electronic wastes properly, so those wastes do not count in the hazardous waste generation amount?


Wood Products - Waste

Reusable and disposable wipes are commonly used by businesses to clean parts and equipment. Through use, the wipes become contaminated with solvents and other materials that could classify them as hazardous waste. Under certain conditions the regulations allow for the exclusion of:
  • reusable solvent-contaminated wipes to be classified and managed as a solid waste and
  • disposable solvent-contaminated wipes to be classified and managed as a hazardous waste.


Review the contaminated wipes exclusion fact sheet (WA-1207) and checklist/notification form.

If no wipes are used for equipment clean up, select N/A.
Does the facility manage solvent contaminated wipes according to the exclusions?



Wood Products - Waste

Without actual test results, it is best to assume that all filters, etc. in contact with hazardous materials are also hazardous and should be counted towards your total waste generation. If you have them tested, using a TCLP test and they are not deemed hazardous, you may dispose with other solid wastes and not count the amount in the hazardous waste generation total. Review the fact sheet Spray Painting and Coating Operations (WA-299), page 4, for more details.

If no paint booths are used at the facility, select N/A.
Does the shop have documents that show the paint booth filters are hazardous or non-hazardous?



Wood Products - Waste

The hazardous waste regulations that apply to a facility are based on the amount of hazardous waste generated per month and stored on-site at any one time. Some wastes such as fluorescent lamps, batteries and thermometers and other mercury-containing devices are classified as “universal waste” instead of hazardous waste if properly stored and recycled. If handled accordingly, they do not count towards a facility’s generator status and are subject to alternative, more flexible standards. However, note that if not managed in accordance with universal waste standards, normal hazardous waste regulations apply. See Management of Universal Waste in Wisconsin.
How much hazardous waste does the facility generate each month and store on-site?




Wood Products - Waste

Businesses cannot burn wastes in most situations. Some facilities may choose to burn their internally generated wood waste, which can make it an air pollution concern. Waste requirements may still apply – wood waste should be transported to a licensed landfill or incinerator.

Review the Know Before You Burn webpage to determine the situations where burning may be allowed.
Does the facility burn wood waste outside of an external combustion unit (boiler, furnace, process heater)?


Last Page

If you have questions about technical assistance, you can reach a Small Business Program Specialist by calling 855-889-3021 or emailing DNRSmallbusiness@wisconsin.gov
Contact the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program at DNRSmallbusiness@wisconsin.gov