Air Pollution Regulations and Laws
The Air Pollution Control District (APCD) enforces the laws and regulations that improve the air quality in Louisville and Jefferson County.
Laws are what we usually call the acts, statutes, and ordinances passed by elected officials to govern an issue. Regulations are the rules created by a government agency, with input from the public, to implement those laws. For example, the Clean Air Act is a federal law that governs air pollution and requires that National Ambient Air Quality Standards be set. The specific standards are set in federal regulations.
Below are relevant local, state, and federal air pollution control laws and regulations.
APCD Regulations
These regulations are adopted by the Air Pollution Control Board. The APCD's regulatory authority for air pollution control is authorized through KRS Chapter 77.
- Part 1: General Provisions
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Regulation 1.01: General Application of Regulations and Standards, Updated 03/1999
Regulation 1.02: Definitions, Updated 03/2023
Regulation 1.03: Abbreviations and Acronyms, Updated 01/2008
Regulation 1.04: Performance Tests, Updated 06/2019Regulation 1.05: Compliance with Emission Standards and Maintenance Requirements, Updated 11/1992
Regulation 1.06: Source Self-Monitoring, Emissions Inventory Development and Reporting, Updated 03/2022
Regulation 1.07: Excess Emissions During Startups, Shutdowns, and Upset Conditions, Updated 07/2005Regulation 1.08: Administrative Procedures, Updated 11/2019
Regulation 1.09: Prohibition of Air Pollution, Updated 11/1983
Regulation 1.10: Circumvention, Updated 04/1972
Regulation 1.11: Control of Open Burning, Updated 03/2023
Regulation 1.12: Control of Nuisances, Updated 01/1988
Regulation 1.13: Control of Objectionable Odors in the Ambient Air, Updated 03/2023
Regulation 1.14: Control of Fugitive Particulate Emissions, Updated 01/1988
Regulation 1.15: Version of Federal Regulations Incorporated by Reference, Updated 03/2023
Regulation 1.17: Air Quality Trust Fund, Updated 06/1995
Regulation 1.18: Rule Effectiveness, Updated 09/1994
Regulation 1.19: Administrative Hearings, Updated 01/2008
Regulation 1.20: Upset Condition Prevention Programs, Updated 07/2005
- Part 2: Permit Requirements
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Regulation 2.01: General Application, Updated 04/1982Regulation 2.02: Air Pollution Regulation Requirements and Exemptions, Updated 05/2013
Regulation 2.03: Authorization to Construct or Operate; Demolition/Renovation Notices and Permit Requirements, Updated 01/2018
Regulation 2.04: Construction or Modification of Major Sources In or Impacting Upon Non-Attainment Areas (Emission Offset Requirements), Updated 03/2022
Regulation 2.05: Prevention of Significant Deterioration of Air Quality, Updated 01/2018
Regulation 2.06: Permit Requirements - Other Sources, Updated 11/1983
Regulation 2.07: Public Notification for Title V, PSD, and Offset Permits; SIP Revisions; and Use of Emission Reduction Credits, Updated 06/1995
Regulation 2.08: Fees, Updated 11/2019
- Permit fees for fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)
- Permit fees for fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023)
- Permit fees for fiscal year 2022 (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022)
- Permit fees for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021)
- Permit fees for fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020)
- Permit fees for fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019)
- Permit fees for fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018)
- Permit fees for fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017)
- Permit fees for fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016)
Regulation 2.09: Causes for Permit Modification, Revocation, or Suspension, Updated 10/2015
Regulation 2.10: Stack Height Considerations, Updated 07/1989
Regulation 2.11: Air Quality Model Usage, Updated 05/1999
Regulation 2.12: Emissions Trading (Including Banking and Bubble Rules), Updated 12/1996
Regulation 2.14: REPEALED: Asbestos Inspection Fee During Non-Scheduled Hours (repealed 8/16/2006), Updated 10/1988
Regulation 2.16: Title V Operating Permits, Updated 05/2013
Regulation 2.17: Federally Enforceable District Origin Operating Permits, Updated 03/2022
- Part 3: Ambient Air Quality Standards
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Regulation 3.01: Ambient Air Quality Standards, Updated 02/2017Regulation 3.02: REPEALED: Applicability of Ambient Air Quality Standards (superseded by 3.01), Updated 07/2005
Regulation 3.03: REPEALED: Definitions (superseded by 3.01), Updated 07/2005
Regulation 3.04: REPEALED: Ambient Air Quality Standards (superseded by 3.01), Updated 07/2005
Regulation 3.05: REPEALED: Methods of Measurement (superseded by 3.01), Updated 07/2005
- Part 4: Emergency Episodes
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Regulation 4.01: General Provisions for Emergency Episodes, Updated 06/1979Regulation 4.02: Episode Criteria, Updated 04/1988
Regulation 4.03: General Abatement Requirements, Updated 02/1972
Regulation 4.04: Particulate and Sulfur Dioxide Reduction Requirements, Updated 04/1972
Regulation 4.05: Hydrocarbon and Nitrogen Oxides Reduction Requirements, Updated 02/1983
Regulation 4.06: Carbon Monoxide Reduction Requirements, Updated 02/1983
Regulation 4.07: Episode Reporting Requirements, Updated 06/197
- Part 5: Standards for Toxic Air Contaminants and Hazardous Air Pollutants
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Regulation 5.00: Definitions, Updated 05/2013Regulation 5.01: General Provisions, Updated 06/2011
Regulation 5.02: Adoption and Incorporation by Reference of National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, Updated 10/2015
Regulation 5.04: Adoption of Federal Emission Standard for Asbestos, Updated 05/2002
Regulation 5.11: Standards of Performance for Existing Sources Emitting Toxic Air Pollutants, Updated 06/2011
KAR 63:021: This version of this Kentucky regulation is no longer in effect, but through incorporation by reference in Regulation 5.11, the requirements of the regulation are applicable to Jefferson County, Updated 11/1986
Regulation 5.12: Standards of Performance for New or Modified Sources Emitting Toxic Air Pollutants, Updated 06/2011
KAR 63:022: This Kentucky regulation is no longer in effect, but through incorporation by reference in Regulation 5.12, the requirements of the regulation are applicable to Jefferson County, Updated 11/1986
Regulation 5.13: Additional Control Standards for Asbestos Removal, Updated 01/1988
Regulation 5.14: Hazardous Air Pollutants and Source Categories, Updated 05/2012
Regulation 5.15: Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions, Updated 04/2021
Regulation 5.15: Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions, Updated 04/2021
Regulation 5.16: Control Technology Requirements for New and Reconstructed Major Stationary Sources of Hazardous Air Pollutants, Updated 06/1999
Regulation 5.20: Methodology for Determining Benchmark Ambient Concentration of a Toxic Air Contaminant, Updated 01/2012
Regulation 5.21: Environmental Acceptability for Toxic Air Contaminants, Updated 07/2011
Regulation 5.22: Procedures for Determining the Maximum Ambient Concentration of a Toxic Air Contaminant (Regulation 5.22 Internet links to documents and other resources), Updated 07/2011
Regulation 5.23: Categories of Toxic Air Contaminants, Updated 01/2012
Regulation 5.30: Report and Plan of Action for Identified Source Sectors, Updated 07/2006
- Part 6: Standards of Performance for Existing Affected Facilities
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Regulation 6.01: General Provisions, Updated 11/1983Regulation 6.02: Emission Monitoring for Existing Sources, Updated 11/1983
Regulation 6.07: Standards of Performance for Existing Indirect Heat Exchangers, Updated 01/2018
Regulation 6.08: Standard of Performance for Existing Incinerators, Updated 06/1979
Regulation 6.09: Standards of Performance for Existing Process Operations, Updated 01/2018
Regulation 6.10: Standard of Performance for Existing Process Gas Streams, Updated 11/1983
Regulation 6.11: Standards of Performance for Existing Iron and Steel Plants, Updated 07/1976
Regulation 6.12: Standard of Performance for Existing Asphalt Paving Operations, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 6.13: Standard of Performance for Existing Storage Vessels for Volatile Organic Compounds, Updated 06/2019
Regulation 6.14: Standard of Performance for Selected Existing Petroleum Refining Processes and Equipment, Updated 04/1982
Regulation 6.15: Standard of Performance for Selected Existing Petroleum Refining Processes and Equipment, Updated 08/1988
Regulation 6.16: Standard of Performance for Existing Large Appliance Surface Coating Operations, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 6.17: Standard of Performance for Existing Automobile and Truck Surface Coating Operations, Updated 11/1992
Regulation 6.18: Standards of Performance for Solvent Metal Cleaning Equipment, Updated 05/2003
Regulation 6.19: Standard of Performance for Existing Metal Furniture Surface Coating Operations, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 6.20: Standard of Performance for Existing Bulk Gasoline Plants, Updated 11/1983
Regulation 6.21: Standard of Performance for Existing Gasoline Loading Facilities At Bulk Terminals, Updated 06/2019
Regulation 6.22: Standard of Performance for Existing Volatile Organic Materials Loading Facilities, Updated 03/1993
Regulation 6.24: Standard of Performance for Existing Sources Using Organic Materials, Updated 03/1993
Regulation 6.26: Standard of Performance for Existing Volatile Organic Compound Water Separators, Updated 01/2018
Regulation 6.27: Standards of Performance for Existing Liquid Waste Incinerators, Updated 06/1979
Regulation 6.28: Standard of Performance for Existing Hot Air Aluminum Atomization Processes, Updated 03/1981
Regulation 6.29: Standard of Performance for Graphic Arts Facilities Using Rotogravure or Flexographic Printing, Updated 11/2002
Regulation 6.30: Standard of Performance for Existing Factory Surface Coating Operations of Flat Wood Paneling, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 6.31: Standard of Performance for Existing Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products Surface Coating Operations, Updated 06/2019
Regulation 6.32: Standard of Performance for Leaks from Existing Petroleum Refinery Equipment, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 6.33: Standard of Performance for Existing Synthesized Pharmaceutical Product Manufacturing Operations, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 6.34: Standard of Performance for Existing Pneumatic Rubber Tire Manufacturing Plants, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 6.35: Standard of Performance for Existing Fabric, Vinyl, and Paper Surface Coating Operations, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 6.38: Standard of Performance for Existing Air Oxidation Processes in Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industries, Updated 12/1986
Regulation 6.39: Standard of Performance for Equipment Leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds in Existing Synthetic Organic Chemical and Polymer Manufacturing Plants, Updated 07/1996
Regulation 6.40: Standard of Performance for Gasoline Transfer to Motor Vehicles (Stage II Vapor Recovery and Control), Updated 05/2016
Regulation 6.41: Standards of Performance for Existing Medical Waste Incinerators, Updated 10/1993
Regulation 6.42: Reasonably Available Control Technology Requirements for Major Volatile Organic Compound- and Nitrogen Oxides-Emitting Facilities, Updated 03/1999
Regulation 6.43: Volatile Organic Compound Emission Reduction Requirements, Updated 02/2006
Regulation 6.44: Standards of Performance for Existing Commercial Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Refinishing Operations, Updated 09/1995
Regulation 6.45: REPEALED: Standards of Performance for Existing Solid Waste Landfills, Updated 10/2015
Regulation 6.46: Standards of Performance for Existing Ferroalloy and Calcium Carbide Production Facilities, Updated 12/1994
Regulation 6.47: Federal Acid Rain Program Incorporated by Reference, Updated 03/2000
Regulation 6.48: Standard of Performance for Existing Bakery Oven Operations, Updated 07/1995
Regulation 6.49: Standards of Performance for Reactor Processes and Distillation Operations Processes in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry, Updated 06/2001
Regulation 6.50: NOx Requirements for Portland Cement Kilns, Updated 03/2002
Regulation 6.52: NOx Standards of Performance for Solvent Cleaning Operations Associated with Commercial Surface Coating and Printing Processes, Updated 05/200
- Part 7: Standards of Performance for New Affected Facilities
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Regulation 7.01: General Provisions, Updated 05/2000Regulation 7.02: Adoption of Federal New Source Performance Standards, Updated 06/2019
Regulation 7.06: Standards of Performance for New Indirect Heat Exchangers, Updated 01/2018
Regulation 7.07: Standard of Performance for New Incinerators, Updated 9/1993
Regulation 7.08: Standards of Performance for New Process Operations, Updated 01/2018
Regulation 7.09: Standards of Performance for New Process Gas Streams, Updated 06/1997
Regulation 7.11: Standard of Performance for New Asphalt Paving Operations, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 7.12: Standard of Performance for New Storage Vessels for Volatile Organic Compounds, Updated 06/2019
Regulation 7.14: Standard of Performance for Selected New Petroleum Refining Processes and Equipment, Updated 06/1979
Regulation 7.15: Standards of Performance for Gasoline Transfer to New Service Station Storage Tanks (Stage I Vapor Recovery), Updated 04/1988
Regulation 7.18: REPEALED: Standards of Performance for New Solvent Metal Cleaning Equipment (see 6.18), Updated 05/2002
Regulation 7.20: Standard of Performance for New Gasoline Loading Facilities at Bulk Plants,Updated 06/2019
Regulation 7.22: Standard of Performance for New Volatile Organic Materials Loading Facilities, Updated 03/1993
Regulation 7.25: Standard of Performance for New Sources Using Volatile Organic Compounds, Updated 03/1993
Regulation 7.26: REPEALED: Standard of Performance for New Sanitary Landfills (see 7.02), Updated 04/1998
Regulation 7.34: Standard of Performance for New Sulfite Pulp Mills, Updated 06/1979
Regulation 7.35: Standard of Performance for New Ethylene Producing Plants, Updated 06/1979
Regulation 7.36: Standard of Performance for New Volatile Organic Compound Water Separators, Updated 01/2018
Regulation 7.51: Standard of Performance for New Liquid Waste Incinerators, Updated 01/1988
Regulation 7.52: Standard of Performance for New Fabric, Vinyl and Paper Surface Coating Operations, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 7.55: Standard of Performance for New Insulation of Magnet Wire, Updated 03/1993
Regulation 7.56: Standard of Performance for Leaks from New Petroleum Refinery Equipment, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 7.57: REPEALED: Standard of Performance for New Graphic Arts Facilities Using Rotogravure and Flexography (see 6.29), Updated 09/2002
Regulation 7.58: Standard of Performance for New Factory Surface Coating Operations of Flat Wood Paneling, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 7.59: Standard of Performance for New Miscellaneous Metal Parts and Products Surface Coating Operations, Updated 06/2019
Regulation 7.60: Standard of Performance for New Synthesized Pharmaceutical Product Manufacturing Operations, Updated 05/1991
Regulation 7.76: Standards of Performance for New Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators, Updated 10/1993
Regulation 7.77: Standards of Performance for New Blast Furnace Casthouses, Updated 10/1993
Regulation 7.78: Standards of Performance for New Medical Waste Incinerators, Updated 03/1999
Regulation 7.79: Standards of Performance for New Commercial Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Refinishing Operations, Updated 02/1994
Regulation 7.80: REPEALED: Standards of Performance for New Solid Waste Landfills (see 7.02), Updated 04/1998
Regulation 7.81: Standards of Performance for New or Modified Bakery Oven Operations, Updated 05/2000
Regulation 7.82: REPEALED: Federal Acid Rain Program for New Sources Incorporated by Reference, Updated 03/2000
Note: These regulations are in PDF format. Depending on the availability of fonts, the equations and special characters may not display properly on the screen or printer. If you have trouble opening a file by clicking the link, try this: download the file (on most browsers, right-click and choose "Save Target As" or "Save Link As") and open it from Adobe Reader or another PDF viewer.
If you have problems viewing these regulations, please contact us.
Strategic Toxic Air Reduction Program
The Strategic Toxic Air Reduction Program (STAR) is an Air Pollution Control District regulatory program to reduce harmful contaminants in the air we breathe, to better protect public health and enhance quality of life.
Visit our STAR Program pages for more information on controlling toxic air pollution in Louisville.
State Implementation Plan
Other Applicable Regulations
- Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, in particular Subchapter C – Air Programs
- Title 401 of Kentucky Administrative Regulations, Chapters 50 through 68 (also available on the Division for Air Quality (DAQ) website)
Other Applicable Laws
- The Clean Air Act
- The APCD's regulatory authority for air pollution control in Louisville Metro/Jefferson County is authorized through Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 77.
- Louisville Metro Code of Ordinances
- Louisville Metro Government legislation