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Business Permit and Registration Toolkits

If you operate a business or are planning to open a new business that emits pollutants to the air, you may need to register your business or apply for a permit from us.

We’ve provided general and business-specific permitting and registration information in the toolkits below.

If you’re unsure if you need to register or get a permit for your business, or if you need more information, please contact us.

Toolkit 1

General business permit and registration information

Toolkit 2

Dairy Digesters

Anaerobic digesters use bacteria in the absence of air to break down organic matter such as dairy farm animal waste to create methane and carbon dioxide. The methane is collected and used to fuel electrical generators. We regulate anaerobic digesters because they emit toxic air pollutants, nitrogen oxides, particulate and sulfur dioxide.

Toolkit 3

Spray Coaters

Spray coating businesses apply paint and other coatings to a variety of materials. Spray coating is commonly associated with auto-body shops. We estimate there are at least 150 of them in our jurisdiction. We regulate spray coaters because they emit hazardous and toxic air pollutants, particulate matter and VOCs.

Toolkit 4

Gas Stations

There are more than 200 gas stations in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Gas station requirements are based on the amount of gasoline the station pumps and the type of air pollution control equipment they install on their pumps and tanks. We regulate gas stations because they emit toxic and hazardous air pollutants (including benzene) and VOCs.

Toolkit 5

Dry cleaners using perchloroethylene (perc)

Some dry cleaners use perchloroethylene, which is regulated as a hazardous air pollutant. Other dry cleaning processes, such as hydrocarbon-based cleaning, are exempt from regulation.

Toolkit 6

Rock Crushers

These machines crush large rocks into smaller rocks, gravel or rock dust. We regulate rock crushers because they emit particulate matter.