What is a New Source?

What is considered a "new source" of air contaminant emissions?

A "new source" of air contaminant emissions is defined as one of the following:

• The construction or modification of a stationary source that increases the amount of any air contaminant emitted by such source or that results in the emissions of any air contaminant not previously emitted;
• Any other project that constitutes a new source under the Federal Clean Air Act;
• Restart of a stationary source after a lapse of one year or more in payment of registration fees or operating permit fees; or
• Restart of a stationary source after a period of five years of non-operation where registration or operating permit fees have been paid.

Construction or modification of a source that does not increase the amount of any air contaminant emitted by the source and does not result in emission of any air contaminant not previously emitted is not considered a "new source." However, modification or alteration of existing sources which does not constitute a new source (i.e., there is a net decrease in emissions) may still be subject to review and approval by SWCAA if the project involves modification of emitting equipment or emission control technology.