Project: Process Management
A Hart & Hickman client involved in batch chemical manufacturing was considering adding additional formulations to its product line.  The addition of these product lines could potentially trigger air permit modifications, as well as an upgrade in classification from “Small” to “Synthetic Minor”, or even “Major”.  Such modification can have associated cost ramifications, so the client needed to know the economic effect of adding the products.  Having previously prepared various permit modifications and conducted the required air toxics modeling for the facility, the client wanted our personnel involved in the decision-making process.  The client asked us to evaluate the impacts of each proposed product on their air permit and decisions were then made based on the total cost/benefit of introducing the product.  Based on combined engineering and economic considerations, the client was able to complete a business plan accounting for total costs of expanded production.  This proactive planning approach typifies the business related solutions Hart & Hickman routinely offers its clients. 

Project: Prohibitory Small Permit
Hart & Hickman completed an expedited air permit for a national company involved in coating operations that was opening a new facility in North Carolina.  The client thought they may need a Title V permit, but they needed it quickly.  Unfortunately, Title V permits require an extended period of review from DENR and EPA.  Hart & Hickman quickly responded and conducted an emissions inventory and assessment of the potential production rates at the facility.  Upon review of the facility’s intended production rates, and coordinating the permit requirements with the company’s business plan, Title V was avoided.  For this client, a special permit classification known as "prohibitory small" was applicable.  This classification allows a coating facility’s potential VOC emissions to be considered equal to actual anticipated VOC emissions.  Based on this approach, H&H completed the application and the client obtained the required air permit in less than 60 days.