On September 21, 2007, U.S. EPA proposed key elements of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program for fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5). Since finalizing new National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM2.5 in October 2006, U.S. EPA has been using the PSD requirements for PM10 as a surrogate for PM2.5 until rulemaking could be completed specifically for PM2.5. U.S. EPA is currently proposing several options for PM2.5 increments and significant impact levels (SILs) in Class I and Class II areas (the SILs are de minimus air quality impact levels which exempt a PSD project from detailed modeling of aggregate impacts of other nearby sources). Depending on the type of source involved, the increments for PM2.5 appear more stringent than the PM10 increments for both Class I and Class II areas. U.S. EPA proposes to continue to rely on the interim PM10 surrogate program until States adopt and U.S. EPA approves the new PM2.5 increments and SILs. For further information, refer to the Federal Register or contact Kent Berry at (800) 229-5299.
On September 12, 2007, U.S. EPA published a proposal with several provisions to promote more flexible air permits aimed at allowing sources to make changes to operations without revising their permits. These provisions apply to sources required to obtain Title V operating permits and major New Source Review (NSR) permits. The flexible air permit would allow “reasonably anticipated changes” to existing emission units as long as the source has incorporated methods for ensuring compliance in its permits. The proposal would promote the use of alternative operating scenarios (AOSs), and would expand the use of approved replicable methodologies (ARM). The proposal would also create a new permit option for “green groups,” which are groups of emission activities ducted to a common emission control device which is determined to meet Best Available Control Technology (BACT) or Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) standards. Under this proposal, sources would be able to modify emission units within the green group as long as emissions remained at or below allowable levels. For further information, refer to the Federal Register or contact Sheri Bussard at (800) 229-7495.
EQ’s Seattle Washington office is implementing a program to use bio-diesel/clean fuel blends in heavy equipment supporting residential yard removals and mine reclamation projects at its Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS) sites in U.S. EPA Regions 9 and 10. Initiation of the program required considerable efforts in understanding manufacturer’s and equipment supplier’s requirements for using certified clean fuel blends. Guidelines are being developed to allow increased use of low-sulfur emission engines and clean fuels in the future.
41 states now require major air pollution sources to report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on their annual emission reports. There are five regional consortiums of states with programs that allow companies to buy and sell registered GHG emission credits. Many companies are proactively reducing GHG emissions to improve the environment, save on energy bills, and address the concerns of customers and shareholders. To meet our clients’ growing needs, EQ has formalized its GHG management services, including:
For more information, contact Bob McCullough at (800) 229-7495 or Tom Roberston at (800) 229-5299.
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