SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY UNIFIED AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT

RULE 1170 - CERTIFICATION OF AIR PERMITTING PROFESSIONALS

(Adopted March 16, 1995)

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of the Certification of Air Permitting Professionals (CAPP) program is to provide a pool of professionals who can verify and certify applications as being in compliance with applicable regulations. The program provides permit applicants with the option of using these certified professionals to evaluate proposed projects and prepare complete applications. The purpose of this rule is to specify the requirements for persons electing to obtain certification as an air permitting professional.

2.0 Applicability

The requirements of this rule apply to any person who has obtained, or is applying to obtain, certification as an air permitting professional in the District.

3.0 Certification Process

Persons applying to become certified air permitting professionals shall:

3.1 Submit a complete application demonstrating compliance with the Qualifications for Candidacy in Section 4.0 of this rule,

3.2 Pay a filing fee as required by Rule 3140 (Fees for Certification of Air Permitting Professionals), and

3.3 Comply with the Requirements for Initial Certification in Section 5.0 of this Rule.

4.0 Qualifications for Candidacy

To become candidates for certification, applicants must:

4.1 Possess equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in an engineering or scientific discipline conferred by an accredited college or university AND must have prepared complete permit applications that were submitted to one or more air permitting agencies in California for at least two projects; OR

4.2 Have prepared complete permit applications that were submitted to one or more local air permitting agencies throughout the state of California for at least ten projects.

5.0 Requirements for Initial Certification

In order to obtain certification as an air permitting professional, candidates meeting the requirements of Section 4.0 of this rule shall:

5.1 Complete the two-day mandatory certification of air permitting professionals training course which covers specific permitting procedures and policies regarding the application of District rules and regulations to proposed projects, and

5.2 Pass the comprehensive examination for certification of air permitting professionals.

6.0 Optional Training

The District shall provide a two-day training course for all interested individuals which will introduce general air quality issues and permitting requirements. This course will be held prior to the mandatory training course.

7.0 Expiration and Renewal of Certificates

7.1 Certificates shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance unless the holder of the certificate is disqualified pursuant to section 8.0 of this rule.

7.2 Valid certificates may be renewed by complying with the following requirements:

7.2.1 Completing supplemental training courses as required by the District or

7.2.2 Pass an annual renewal exam, and

7.2.2 Payment of the annual renewal fee.

8.0 Disqualification

8.1 Certified Air Permitting Professionals that have made significant errors in preparing applications may be disqualified by the Air Pollution Control Officer. Significant errors include, but are not limited to, errors in application and interpretation of Rules and Regulations and errors in application of sound engineering principles. Persons disqualified for significant errors may be reinstated, if subsequent to the disqualification they:

8.1.1 Repeat the initial training course described in Section 5.1 of this rule, and

8.1.2 Repeat and pass the comprehensive examination described in Section 5.2 of this rule.

8.2 Certified Air Permitting Professionals may be permanently disqualified by the Air Pollution Control Officer from participating in the CAPP program for knowingly or negligently submitting false information in connection with a permitting action.

8.3 Certified Air Permitting Professionals being considered for disqualification under section 8.1 or 8.2 of this rule shall be notified of the basis for the decision in writing 30 days prior to disqualification.

8.4 Disqualified persons can appeal the decision by petitioning for a hearing before the Hearing Board of the District pursuant to District Regulation V.

9.0 Public Notice of Certification

9.1 The District shall maintain a list of the names and affiliations of Certified Air Permitting Professionals and make the list available to interested parties upon request.

9.2 The District may publish the list of the names of Certified Air Permitting Professionals.