Graphic arts operations consist of five types of printing operations, namely: flexographic, lithographic, letterpress, screen printing, and gravure. Graphic arts operations also include coating and laminating on flexible packaging materials manufactured for the packaging industry. Coating operations, which are performed by a machine having only coating units and no printing units, are not considered graphic arts operations. However, a stand-alone coating operation in flexographic printing is classified as graphic arts operation.
Who Needs a Permit?
A permit is required for all graphic arts operations that would emit any pollutant (reactive organic compounds), without the benefit of an air pollution control device, greater than or equal to 2 pounds in any 24 hours period.
Permit Fees
New Installations:
- Permit fees for any graphic arts printing equipment will be based on Schedule 1 (Rule 301, Section 308.2) for units with a cumulative total horsepower of less than 5 and Schedule 9 for all other units (Rule 301, Section 308.10). Fees are applied to each individual printing press/unit.
Modification of Existing Graphic Arts Printing Equipment:
- When an application is filed for a permit involving modification to existing equipment – either alteration resulting in a change to the existing equipment or a revision of conditions on a permit to operate – the applicant will pay a permit fee based on Rule 301, Section 306.2.
Change of Location or Ownership of Existing Graphic Arts Printing Equipment:
- When an application is filed for a permit because the equipment has been moved to a new location or ownership has been transferred from one person to another, the applicant shall pay a permit fee equivalent to the permit renewal fee specified in Rule 301, Section 303.
Equipment Installed Without an Authority to Construct:
- As per Section 302.1 of Rule 301, any person installing/operating regulated equipment without obtaining a permit from the Sac Metro Air District will be required to pay permit renewal back fees for each year of unpermitted operation, to a maximum of 3 years, in addition to the initial permit fee.
Permit Application Completeness Determination
An application will not be accepted for processing until it is deemed complete. The following will be required in order for the Sac Metro Air District to make a completeness determination.
Completed application Forms G100, G101, PP100, and HRA100 with the original signature of the owner/proprietor or responsible officer of the company.
The applicable permit fee in accordance with Rule 301.
Any additional information that may be requested in order to perform a health risk assessment or to better understand the process or the applicability of regulations.
