May 6, 2022
by Renee Lesjak Bashel
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Based on air pollution permit requests received by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Air Management Program, installation of digital printing presses into existing print operations as well as stand-alone digital printing operations are gaining popularity. Discussions with printing industry experts confirm the growth in installations of digital printing equipment. While digital printing does result in much lower emissions of regulated air pollutants, the emissions are not zero. Prior to installation, facilities planning to install a new digital device should estimate the emissions of volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutions as well as prepare to comply with any air regulations that apply.
DNR staff in the Air Management Program and the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) worked together to create two fact sheets. One discusses when an air permit might be needed when adding new digital equipment. The second details what other air requirements apply to installation and operation of digital devices even when a permit is not required. Facilities considering adding equipment should review these fact sheets early in the planning process.
For questions about this or other environmental requirements, reports, notification or permits that might apply to a printing facility, check out the resources available on the DNR’s Printer Portal, or contact the DNR’s SBEAP at DNRsmallbusiness@wisconsin.gov or 1-855-889-3021.
