Recent Air Permitting Experiences and a Look Forward

The economic upturn in the United States coupled with shale gas availability created a substantial increase in the number of projects for new processing units, and for the debottlenecking of existing units.  The projects ranged from mid-stream fractionation units to new steam crackers and methanol units, along with various derivatives units, including chemicals and polymers.  Many of the projects required significant permitting efforts which began in mid-2011.  That was after a period of several years with little major project permitting activity.  During this time period, there were also changes in the regulations and policies that define permitting requirements.  Companies progressing projects, permitting authorities and consultants all faced unprecedented challenges in responding to the suddenly increased demand for construction permits.  

This paper will describe some of the more significant challenges faced by permittees, including Lyondell Chemical Company, and how companies responded to them.  It will also discuss some aspects of air permitting that continue to evolve and some that are on the horizon.