The Acid Deposition Control Program, also known as the Acid Rain Program, is a federal program, established by the U.S. EPA. The purpose of the Acid Deposition Control Program is to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions to the atmosphere. These two pollutants affect the pH of precipitation (e.g., rain, sleet, snow, etc.) resulting in increased acidity.
Under this program, the U.S. EPA set a limit, or "cap" on the total amount of SO2 that can be emitted from all regulated power plants in the United States, amounting in an SO2 emissions reduction of 10 million tons per year from the 1980 baseline values. The program also limits the rate of NOX emissions allowed from coal-fired power plants. Pursuant to Title 40, Part 72, Subpart G, Section 72.73(a) of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 72.73), IDEM is authorized by the U.S. EPA to review Phase II permit applications and to issue Phase II Acid Rain Permits.
Referenced forms are available on the IDEM Agency Forms page.
Coordination with the Part 70 Permit
In accordance with Title 40, Part 72, Subpart G, Section 72.73(b)(2) of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 72.73 (b)(2)), IDEM may shorten the permit term to less than five (5) years where necessary to coordinate the term of the Phase II permit with the term of the Part 70 operating permit. As this time, IDEM, OAQ intends to shorten the expiration date of each Phase II renewal permit, where necessary, to coincide with the term of the source's Part 70 operating permit.
Phase II Permit Renewal Information
According to 40 CFR Part 72, Subpart C, Section 72.32 (40 CFR 72.32), if a Title IV source files a timely and complete Title IV renewal application, that source will have the right to continue operating even if its present Title IV permit expires before the Title IV renewal permit is issued. Each regulated power plant should submit a Phase II permit renewal application at least six (6) months prior to the expiration date of the Phase II Acid Rain Permit. Pursuant to 40 CFR Part 72, Subpart G, Section 72.73(b)(2) (40 CFR 72.73(b)(2)), Phase II Acid Rain Permits expire five (5) years after the effective date of the original permit.
Even if the permit has been amended or revised, the expiration date is dependent on the original Phase II Permit effective date. For example, a Phase II Permit that was effective on January 1, 2014 would expire on January 1, 2019; therefore, the renewal application should be submitted by July 1, 2018.
- List of Phase II Acid Rain Permits [PDF], their effective dates, their expiration dates, and their renewal deadlines
How to Prepare a Phase II Permit Renewal Application
In order to prepare a renewal application, applicants must comply with all the application requirements set out in 40 CFR Part 72, Subpart A, Section 72.9 (40 CFR 72.9). Please note that some forms are to be sent directly to U.S. EPA through the Region V office, and additional forms are required by IDEM, OAQ to process your renewal application.
Submit the following information to IDEM, Office of Air Quality:
- Air Permit Application Cover Sheet - 50639
- GSD-01 Form
- Certificate of Representation
- Acid Rain Permit Application Form
- Phase II NOx Compliance Plan
- Phase II NOx Averaging Plan (if applicable)
- Copies of the original Phase II Acid Rain Permit and Technical Support Document
- Copies of all amendments and modifications that were made to the Phase II Permit
See U.S. EPA's Acid Rain Program Forms website for additional forms and information.
A renewal fee is not required with the application. Send one (1) signed hard copy of the original application packet by courier mail or hand delivery directly to IDEM’s Office of Air Quality (OAQ). In addition, place one (1) copy of the application packet at a public library in the county where the source is located (preferably at the local public library nearest to the source in the county where the source is located). Please do not send your application to any other offices or individuals at IDEM, as this will delay receipt and processing of your application.
Pursuant to 326 IAC 2-7-17(b)(1), you must place a copy of the complete Phase II permit renewal application packet at a public library in the county where the source is located (preferably at the local public library nearest to the source in the county where the source is located) no later than ten (10) days after submitting the application to IDEM, OAQ. The GSD-01 instructions contain additional, detailed instructions about this requirement.
Submit the following information to U.S. EPA, Region 5:
- Certificate of Representation
- Allowance Transfer Form
- General Account Form
- Acid Rain Permit Application Form
- New Unit Exemption Form
- Retired Unit Exemption Form
- Phase II NOx Compliance Plan
- Phase II NOx Averaging Plan (if applicable)
See U.S. EPA's Acid Rain Program Forms website for additional forms and information.
These Acid Rain Program documents shall be submitted to the U.S. EPA Region 5 Air and Radiation Division.
IDEM and U.S. EPA Contacts for Acid Rain/Deposition Compliance and Permitting Questions
- IDEM Office of Air Quality
- U.S. EPA Region 5, Air and Radiation Division
- U.S. EPA Headquarters, Clean Air Markets Division