BOARD MEETING DATE: April 9, 1999 AGENDA NO. 34
PROPOSAL:
Amend Rule 102 – Definition of Terms
SYNOPSIS:
The proposed amendment adds methyl acetate (C3H6O2) to the Group I list of exempt compounds in Rule 102.
COMMITTEE:
Stationary Source, February 19, 1999, Reviewed
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt the attached resolution:
- Certifying the Notice of Exemption completed in compliance with the CEQA (California Public Resources Code Section 2100 et. seq.); and
- Amending Rule 102 – Definition of Terms.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemical compounds that may lead to the formation of ozone in the lower atmosphere, and are, therefore, controlled under federal, state, and local air pollution control laws and regulations. Organic compounds which have little or no potential to form tropospheric ozone are considered exempt from the definition of VOC. All compounds that appear on the list of exempt compounds are, therefore, exempted from VOC control laws, rules, regulations, unless otherwise stated. Based on scientific evidence and technical findings the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adds chemicals to the list of exempt compounds in its Federal definition for such chemicals. As of April 9, 1998, methyl acetate has been an exempt compound under the federal definition for VOCs.
AQMD staff agrees with the information provided by EPA and CARB that indicates methyl acetate is negligibly reactive in the troposphere when compared to ethane. It is not listed as one of the 188 toxic chemicals regulated as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in the Clean Air Act. Methyl acetate is not a halogenated compound; therefore, it has no stratospheric ozone depleting potential (ODP). Methyl acetate does not appear on the list of global warming compounds (GWC) either. Since it is unlikely to create severe environmental impacts, it is proposed that methyl acetate be added to the Rule 102 definition of exempt compounds in the Group I category.
Proposal
Effective the date of adoption, proposed amended Rule 102 will add methyl acetate to the definition of VOC exempt compounds under Group I.
Policy Issues
There are no unresolved policy issues.
Comments
There were no opposing comments to adding methyl acetate to the list of exempt compounds in Rule 102.
AQMD and Legal Mandate
The California Health and Safety Code requires the AQMD to adopt an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) to meet state and federal ambient air quality standards in the South Coast Air Basin. The California Health and Safety Code also requires that the AQMD adopt rule and regulations that carry out the objectives of the AQMP. This proposal complies with the objectives of the AQMP and does not impact any future emission reductions or implementation of the AQMP. The adoption of this rule would not have a significant impact on air quality or emission limitations.
CEQA & Socioeconomic Analysis
AQMD staff evaluated the proposed amendment pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15002(k) and determined that the project is exempt from CEQA. A notice of exemption will be filed with the county clerks immediately following adoption of the proposed amendment.
A socioeconomic assessment was not conducted due to the administrative nature of the proposed amendment.
Implementation Plan
The definitions in Rule 102 supersede all exempt compound definitions in other AQMD regulations including, but not limited to, Regulations III – Fees, XI – Source Specific Standards, and XIII – New Source Review; however, the proposed change will have no impact on existing emission limits or VOC concentrations. This proposal may:
Staff will work with all affected facilities to implement the proposed revision following Board action.
Resource Impacts
AQMD resources are sufficient to implement the proposed amendment and no additional impacts are expected on staff or fiscal resources.
Summary of Proposed Amendments
Resolution
Notice of Exemption
Final Rule Language
Final Staff Report
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