PADEP Extends Public Comment Deadline for Draft Air Permits, Revised Exemption List

On February 23, 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) announced an extension of the public comment period regarding recently proposed draft general air permits for the oil and natural gas industry.  Comments are now due by June 5, 2017.  PADEP has proposed to issue a new general permit known as GP-5A for unconventional natural gas well site operations and remote pigging stations, as well as revise the existing general permit known as GP-5 for natural gas compression and/or processing facilities.  PADEP’s proposal would also revise the Air Quality Permit Exemptions list.  Refer to our Administrative Watch for more information.  A formal notice regarding the comment deadline extension was also published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin dated February 25, 2017.