The Department bases annual air quality fees on the tons of air emissions generated by a facility. Note that fees are not assessed for air permit applications, renewals, or revisions, except for fees assessed for the voluntary expedited permitting program.
To determine a facility's annual fee, DHEC multiplies the billable emissions generated by a facility by the yearly fee rate (see the table below). As specified in Federal and State regulations, the fee rate is adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index. Facilities with emissions less than one ton are assessed a minimum fee based on one ton of emissions.
| Air Fee Rate | |
|---|---|
| Fiscal Year | Fee Rate (cost/ ton billable emissions) |
| 2024 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) | $58.55 |
| 2023 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023) | $54.37 |
| 2022 (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) | $52.79 |
| 2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021) | $52.03 |
Any facility that holds a valid air permit on July 1 is subject to annual fees. If a facility is permanently closed (ceased all operations) and no longer requires an air permit, the facility must inform DHEC of the closure prior to July 1. Otherwise, the facility will be assessed air quality fees for the entire fiscal year period (July 1 - June 30). A facility that has idled but chooses to maintain its permit is still subject to fees.
Annual Fees for Title V Sources *Updated*
Annual Fees for Minor Sources
Fees for New Sources
New sources are subject to fees for the Fiscal Year in which they began operating. Emissions Inventory staff will contact new sources to explain the fee determination based on facility type, start date, and the timing of the fee being billed. New source fees are used for billing until the annual air quality fees described above are applicable.