Abrasive blasting or sandblasting is defined as the cleaning or preparation of a surface by forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material against a surface. Unconfined abrasive blasting is generally performed outdoors.
Particulate emissions from abrasive blasting operations can be a significant source of air pollution. To address this activity, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted air pollution standards and requirements that apply to abrasive blasting operations and are enforced by local air districts. These standards are found in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, sections 92000 through 92520. The general provisions in §92500 require abrasive blasting activities to be conducted within a permanent building. Only under special conditions may abrasive blasting be conducted outdoors (unconfined).
Who Needs a Permit?
- A permit is generally not required for unconfined abrasive blasting of architectural structures such as buildings or bridges unless a non-electric (i.e. internal combustion) compressor rated at greater than 50 hp is being utilized.
- Non-electric compressors (i.e. combustion engines) will be permitted with the abrasive blasting unit.
Permit Fees
All permit fees are based on District Rule 301.
When applying for a permit through Online Services, the appropriate Permit Fee schedule will be automatically determined based upon the selection of the General Equipment Description. If you wish to see what the fees are for new equipment prior to applying, please use the following schedules in the Permit Fee Schedule to determine the initial application fee:
For
questions regarding the application fee, please email permitting@airquality.org or
call 279-207-1122.
How to Apply for a Permit
All permit applications must be completed and submitted electronically through the Online Services customer portal.
When applying for a permit through Online Services, the equipment must be categorized by both a General and Specific description. The following categories should be selected when applying for Abrasive Blasting (Unconfined):
Abrasive Blasting
| Abrasive Blasting Booth (Unconfined)
|
Permit applications must be completed and submitted electronically through the Online Services portal. All applications must be submitted with the appropriate fee in order to be processed. Application fees may be paid directly through the Online Services portal. Pay the application fee when you submit your application for fastest processing time. Applications submitted without payment will be cancelled if payment is not received within two weeks of submitting the application.
To contact Permitting staff, please call 279-207-1122 or email permitting@airquality.org.
