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AirPermitHub

MA · EPA Region 1

Massachusetts Air Permits

MassDEP requires a Plan Approval before constructing or modifying facilities that emit air contaminants (310 CMR 7.02), as a Limited Plan Application (LPA) or Comprehensive Plan Application (CPA) depending on size, unless exempt. Alternatives include Permit-by-Rule (310 CMR 7.03) and the mandatory Environmental Results Program (ERP, 310 CMR 7.26) for certain sectors. All new units must meet BACT (or LAER where nonattainment NSR applies). Major sources need a Title V Operating Permit under 310 CMR 7.00 Appendix C. MassDEP administers PSD by EPA delegation under 40 CFR 52.21.
Partially verifiedLast reviewed 2026-10-25
Partially verified. The main applicability source is MassDEP's June 2011 overview; 310 CMR 7.00 has since been amended (including 'Air Repair' amendments), so confirm current thresholds in the regulation. Title V thresholds were not reviewed. Section titles are summarized.

Air permits & authorizations

  • Plan Approval exemptions

    Exemption

    Listed exemptions from Plan Approval.

    310 CMR 7.02(2)Official page

  • Permit-by-Rule

    Permit by Rule

    Performance standards, recordkeeping, and caps as an alternative to Plan Approval for degreasers, wave solder, lead melt pots, paint spray booths, fuel cells, welding, and others; report installations in the next Source Registration.

    310 CMR 7.03Official page

  • Environmental Results Program (ERP)

    Registration / Notice

    Mandatory sector-wide performance standards and compliance certifications replacing Plan Approvals for covered categories, such as certain new gas/ULSD boilers, emergency and non-emergency engines, printing, perc dry cleaning, outdoor wood-fired hydronic heaters, and small turbines. Not available for boilers at Title V facilities.

    310 CMR 7.26Official page

  • Plan Approval: Limited Plan Application (LPA) / Comprehensive Plan Application (CPA)

    Minor NSR

    Preconstruction approval requiring BACT, compliance with all 310 CMR 7.00 standards and NAAQS. Valid for the life of the unit; may be revoked if construction doesn't begin within two years.

    Thresholds (summarized from source, not a quotation)

    Per MassDEP 2011 overview (examples): non-combustion process >1 to <10 tons/12 months: LPA; >10 tons/12 months: CPA. Natural gas/propane boiler ≥40 MMBtu/hr: CPA. Crematories and incinerators: CPA.

    310 CMR 7.02(4) (LPA), 7.02(5) (CPA)Official page

Major NSR (PSD & nonattainment)

  • PSD

    PSD

    Administered by MassDEP under EPA delegation.

    40 CFR 52.21Official page

  • Nonattainment NSR

    Nonattainment NSR

    Major emissions in nonattainment areas; LAER and offsets.

    310 CMR 7.00 Appendix AOfficial page

Title V operating permits

  • Title V Operating Permit

    Title V

    For listed source categories or facilities above thresholds; apply within one year of starting operations (MassDEP recommends filing with the Plan Application).

    310 CMR 7.00 Appendix COfficial page

Oil & Gas

Massachusetts has no oil and gas production. MassDEP's permitting guidance lists no oil-and-gas-specific air program.

    Oil & Gas industry hub

    State air regulations

    • 310 CMR 7.00Air Pollution Control
    • 310 CMR 7.02Plan Approval and Emission Limitations
    • 310 CMR 7.03Plan Approval Exemptions: Construction Requirements (permit-by-rule)
    • 310 CMR 7.12Source Registration
    • 310 CMR 7.26Industry Performance Standards (ERP)

    Forms

    Guidance

    Compliance

    State compliance obligations (reporting, emissions inventory, testing) are being indexed. Use the Compliance dashboard preview to see how they will be tracked.

    Sources

    AirPermitHub provides educational, engineering, research, and compliance-support information. Information provided by the platform does not constitute legal advice and should not replace review of applicable regulations, permits, agency guidance, or consultation with qualified professionals. Full disclaimer