Originally published: April 13, 2011
Last updated: October 14, 2026
In today’s world increasing public attention is being given to environmental issues. Politicians and lawmakers are following suit by making modifications to existing pollution control legislation. The general consensus is that environmental regulations are going to be getting much tougher in the near future. Even though certain political factions are vehemently opposing many of theses actions, the trend is most assuredly heading towards tighter regulation of emissions.
This is evidenced by recent actions of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Recently the agency issued new regulations regarding the emission of Mercury (Hg) and other heavy metals such arsenic, chromium, and nickel, and acidic gases, including hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen fluoride (HF), as well as other kinds of particulate matter (PM).
The agency also has assorted that it has authority under the U.S. Clean Air Act to regulate Green House Gases (GHGs) that are believed to be contributing to global warming trends. This will mean that large GHG emission sources will be subject to quotas and be required to acquire emissions permits for GHG emissions. These actions are in line with the current presidential administration’s environmental policy.
These and other developments, while still in their early stages will soon result in increased difficulty obtaining and staying in compliance with air permits. A process that already many in industry describe as overly complex and easy to get lost in. Many have a hard time sorting through the seemingly endless barrage of new and updated regulations. Often only realizing they have failed to meat their requirements after an inspection has taken place, and their facility has been assessed heavy fines.
New Series of Articles Regarding Air Permitting and Compliance
These new standards are particularly applicable to dust collection systems. The new EPA regulations covering particulate matte, along with Mercury and other heavy metals, poses many challenges for plants to reach compliance. Many facilities housing outdated dust collection systems, such as Shaker designs, and use baghouse filters made from older materials that are not as efficient as newer materials such at membrana PTFE. Additionally, due to shrinking maintenance budgets many dust collection systems are in a state of disrepair and as such are operating well below optimal efficiency. These factors will can potentially lead to achieving compliance with new and updated air permits quite difficult for facility management.
We here at Baghouse.com are now preparing a series of articles to assist facility management with these issues. The new series will present an overview of the air permitting process. It will include case studies that highlight some of the difficulties involved in obtaining, and the implementation of air permits. We will also include helpful information from several consulting firms that work with industrial clients with the permitting process; from obtaining and negotiating air permits, to obtaining and maintaining compliance with them.
Read more about how to overcome unfair and confusing enforcement by regulatory bodies of emissions permits in the next article in the series: Industrial Air Permits & Your Dust Collection System – Unfair and Confusing Enforcement
Most Recent Update
Since this article was originally published in 2011, U.S. air quality regulations have changed considerably. In 2024, the EPA strengthened the annual national air quality standard for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), lowering it from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. However, regulatory changes have not all moved in the same direction.
In February 2026, the EPA repealed certain stricter amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal-fired power plants, while retaining the underlying standards. The agency has also taken steps to roll back certain greenhouse gas regulations. These developments highlight how environmental requirements can change significantly between administrations.
For industrial facilities operating baghouses and other dust collection systems, the fundamental challenge remains the same: understanding and maintaining compliance with applicable air permits and emissions limits. Even when federal regulations change, existing permit conditions and state or local requirements may continue to apply.
Regular inspections, emissions monitoring, proper filter selection, and preventive maintenance remain essential for avoiding violations and keeping dust collection systems operating efficiently.
Sources: EPA’s 2024 particulate matter standards, 2026 MATS repeal, y 2026 power-sector greenhouse gas regulatory actions.
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Director of Operations | Dust Collection Specialist | Industrial Filtration Consultant
Dominick DalSanto is an author and environmental technologies expert specializing in dust collection systems. He has nearly a decade of hands-on working experience in the industry. Dominick is the sales director and sales technical advisor for an industrial dust collection equipment manufacturer. Personally took the lead on key projects each year from sales engineer to field advisor to project manager to business relations. Born in San Bernardino County, California, and raised in Chicago, he currently resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
