Report:

Status Report on Controlling Emissions of Particulate Matter and Volatile Organic Compounds from Restaurant Operations

Synopsis:

Restaurant operations emit particulate matter and VOCs. With over 30,000 restaurants in the Southern California area, the combined emissions from these sources are significant. This report provides an update of recently completed source tests, the current emission inventory, potential control technologies, and recommended actions to reduce emissions from these sources.

Committee:

Stationary Source, February 21, 1997, Reviewed.

Recommendation:

Receive and file this report.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

Background

The ongoing rule development process for Proposed Rule 1138 - Control of Emissions from Restaurant Operations, has encompassed a number of activities including developing source tests, determining the emissions from these sources, meeting with industry representatives to discuss their concerns, and investigating the availability of cost-effective control technology. There are approximately 31,000 restaurants in the Southern California area. The use of various cooking equipment at these locations results in approximately 11.6 tons/day of particulate matter (PM) and 1.6 tons/day of VOCs.

Synopsis of Control Technology Report

An investigation of available control technologies (see Attachment) shows that catalytic incineration is a cost-effective control alternative for chain-driven charbroilers. However, under-fired charbroilers, for which a cost-effective control technology has yet to be identified, account for over 80% of the PM emissions and about 70% of the VOC emissions. Thus, staff is proceeding to:

1. propose a rule this fall for control of PM and VOC emissions from chain-driven charbroilers;
2. enter into a contractual agreement with several multi-location restaurants using chain-driven charbroilers to install, maintain and operate catalysts to control the PM and VOC emissions from their equipment;
3. update the BACT Guidelines to reflect the application of catalytic incineration for chain-driven charbroilers;
4. conduct a technology assessment to identify and/or develop an effective technology to control emissions from under-fired charbroilers and possibly other restaurant equipment; and
5. schedule future rule development to a date which is compatible with the identification of a cost-effective control technology for under-fired charbroilers or other restaurant equipment.

Staff will continue to work with the regulated community, equipment suppliers, catalyst vendors, and the public to refine inventory and cost data. This action will result in moving the AQMD closer to its clean air goals and fulfillment of the commitment in the AQMP in the most cost-effective manner.

Attachment

Control Technology Assessment

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