Air Emissions

Colorado State University owns and operates a variety of stationary air emission sources across campus. These sources are regulated under state and federal air quality programs. Environmental Compliance & Capital Construction (ECC) ensures CSU remains compliant with all applicable air permitting, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

Regulated Air Emission Sources

CSU operates stationary sources that are regulated under state and federal air quality programs, including:

  • Boilers and heating equipment
  • Emergency generators
  • Incinerators
  • Breweries and food processing equipment
  • Paint booths and parts cleaners
  • Landscaping and maintenance equipment
  • Composting operations

Air Permits and Regulatory Oversight

CSU is subject to state and federal air quality regulations and holds multiple air permits issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Most campus emission sources are covered under umbrella operating permits.

Title V Operating Permits

Title V Operating Permits group multiple emission sources within a defined area and establish operating conditions, emission limits, and monitoring requirements.

Campuses Covered Under Title V

  • Main and South Campuses
  • Foothills Campus
  • Powerhouse Energy Campus

Title V Operating Permit Documentation:
View CSU’s Title V Operating Permit information

ECC Air Compliance Responsibilities


Engineers and specialists within the ECC group perform or oversee air quality compliance activities, including:

  • Calculating air emission quantities (monthly or semiannual)
  • Preparing and submitting required reports to CDPHE
  • Managing air permit applications, renewals, and modifications
  • Tracking and compiling opacity measurement and monitoring data
  • Coordinating air dispersion modeling when required
  • Completing greenhouse gas reporting to the U.S. EPA and CDPHE
  • Reviewing Environmental Justice requirements during permit renewals

Ozone-Depleting Substances (CFC Regulations)

CSU is also subject to federal regulations governing ozone-depleting substances (often referred to as CFC regulations). CSU tracks and documents maintenance and repairs to equipment containing regulated refrigerants to ensure compliance.