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Clean Air Program to launch inventory of facilities with emission sources

AnyFans 2025-09-21

By Blox Content Management,Press Release

(BECQ) — The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality-Division of Environmental Quality’s Clean Air Program will conduct an islandwide inventory of facilities operating stationary emission sources within the CNMI. The purpose of this inventory is to identify facilities that may require air quality permits, verify compliance with the CNMI Air Pollution Control Regulations (NMIAC Title 65, Chapter 10), and provide technical assistance to the regulated community to ensure a clear understanding of applicable requirements.

Inventory scope

This inventory will focus on commercial and industrial businesses, government and institutional facilities — such as schools and utility plants, and other establishments that operate equipment which may generate air emissions. Examples include: stationary generators, boilers, waste incinerators, asphalt plants, rock crushing and screening plants, auto body shops and paint booths, and concrete batch plants. Regular homes and small-scale residential activities are not included in this inventory.

Regulatory basis

• Pursuant to NMIAC § 65-10-003, no person shall commence construction, reconstruction, modification, relocation, or operation of any emissions unit or air pollution control equipment at a minor or major source without first obtaining the applicable permit–either from the Administrator (BECQ) for minor sources, or from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for major sources.

• Pursuant to NMIAC § 65-10-303(f), existing sources were required to submit a complete permit application within six months of the effective date of the regulations.

• Pursuant to CEPA § 3132(a), the director or his authorized representative shall have access to any facility or records, subject to the regulations under this chapter, for the purpose of inspecting the premises and appropriate documents to determine compliance with applicable regulations and/or the terms of any permit; the inspection may be made with or without advance notice to any organization if done for a good purpose, at the discretion of the director, but shall be made at reasonable times unless an emergency dictates otherwise.

This initiative will support the Clean Air Program’s mandate to protect public health and the environment by ensuring that regulated facilities operate in compliance with established air quality standards. As part of this process, facilities may be contacted by CAP staff to provide additional information or to receive compliance assistance.

For additional information or inquiries regarding this matter, please contact the CAP staff at deq.air@becq. gov.mp or call the BECQ office at (670) 664-8500/01.