Environmental Permits in Nevada

Regulates emissions from stationary sources statewide (Clark County has its own air quality management district). Issues operating permits, reviews new source construction, monitors ambient air quality, and enforces emission limits. Administers Title V (Class I) and minor source (Class II) operating permits under NAC 445B.

Administers the NPDES permit program for point-source discharges to surface water, regulates underground injection control (UIC), oversees stormwater management, and manages water quality standards. Also regulates confined animal feeding operations and industrial pretreatment programs.

Oversees environmental compliance for all mining operations in Nevada — the state with more active mines than any other. Reviews and issues reclamation permits, monitors water quality at mine sites, inspects tailings facilities, and ensures financial surety for site cleanup. Regulates heap leach, open-pit, and underground mining operations.

Regulates hazardous waste generation, transport, treatment, storage, and disposal. Oversees solid waste management including landfill permitting. Manages the underground storage tank (UST) program for fuel stations and industrial facilities. Administers the voluntary cleanup program for contaminated sites.

Required for major sources of air pollution — facilities that emit or have the potential to emit 100+ tons/year of a criteria pollutant, or 10+ tons/year of a single hazardous air pollutant. Includes detailed emission inventories, compliance schedules, and monitoring requirements. Subject to EPA review and public comment.

For facilities that are not major sources but still emit regulated pollutants above de minimis thresholds. Includes emission limits, operational conditions, and recordkeeping requirements. Most manufacturing, processing, and industrial operations fall into this category.

Required before disturbing 5+ acres of land in a single project, or 1+ acre within Clark County. Controls fugitive dust from construction, grading, and land clearing. Requires a Dust Control Plan showing mitigation measures.

Required for direct discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States. Covers industrial wastewater, mining dewatering, power plant cooling water, and municipal treatment plant effluent. Includes technology-based and water quality-based effluent limits, monitoring schedules, and discharge monitoring reports (DMRs).

Streamlined permits for categories of similar discharges — construction stormwater, industrial stormwater, small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), and certain mining activities. Requires a Notice of Intent (NOI) and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or equivalent.

Required for any mining operation disturbing more than 5 acres. Must include a detailed reclamation plan showing how the site will be restored after mining ceases — regrading, revegetation, water management, and post-closure monitoring. Financial surety (bond) required to guarantee reclamation costs.

Required for mining facilities that generate process water, heap leach solutions, or tailings — facilities that may affect groundwater quality. Covers design and construction standards, monitoring well networks, contingency planning, and closure requirements.

Required for facilities that treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste. Generators must determine their status (LQG, SQG, or VSQG), obtain an EPA ID number, use manifests for off-site transport, and maintain records. Treatment/storage/disposal facilities (TSDFs) need a full RCRA permit with groundwater monitoring and financial assurance.

Required for landfill construction, operation, and closure. Includes transfer stations, composting facilities, and special waste disposal sites. Must demonstrate financial assurance for closure and post-closure care, comply with siting restrictions, and meet liner and leachate collection requirements.