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PROPOSAL:

Set Public Hearing August 13, 1999, to Amend Rule 465 – Vacuum Producing Devices or Systems

SYNOPSIS:

The proposed amendments correct deficiencies identified by EPA. The proposed amendments are administrative in nature and update the definitions for VOC and exempt compounds, update and clarify requirements, and address EPA concerns regarding recording, reporting, and recordkeeping.

COMMITTEE:

Stationary Source, June 18, 1999, Reviewed

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Set a Public Hearing August 13, 1999, to amend Rule 465 – Vacuum Producing Devices or Systems.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMD Governing Board adopted Rule 465-Vacuum Producing Devices or Systems on May 7, 1976 to control VOC and sulfur compound emissions from petroleum refinery vacuum producing devices or systems, including hot wells and accumulators. This rule has been amended a number of times over the years with the latest amendments on November 1, 1991. Staff is proposing new amendments to correct rule deficiencies identified by U.S. EPA for inclusion into the State Implementation Plan. Staff is proposing further amendments which delete outdated requirements, and add clarifying language to enhance compliance and consistency.

Proposal

The proposed amendments assist in effective implementation of Rule 465. The most significant proposals will:

• Define "VOC" and "EXEMPT COMPOUNDS" by direct reference to Rule 102-Definition of Terms, to eliminate possible contradictions and the need to amend individual rules when changes to the definitions are made.
• Remove outdated requirements and revise subdivision (c) Requirements to reflect present industry practice of continuously venting of vapors to a gas treatment system or an AQMD-approved combustion device.
• Remove subdivision (d) Test Methods, which is now obsolete.

In addition, other amendments, as listed in Attachment A are proposed to clarify rule requirements, and add language to enhance compliance.

AQMP & Legal Mandates

The proposed rule amendments will not have an effect on emissions.

CEQA & Socioeconomic Analysis

Pursuant to CEQA, staff has prepared a draft Notice of Exemption (NOE) for the proposed amendments to Rule 465-Vacuum Producing Devices or Systems. In addition, the proposed amendments address a SIP approval issue and enhance rule enforceability. As a result, no cost impacts are expected from the proposed amendments.

Implementation Plan

The proposed amendments do not appreciably change the implementation of Rule 465. As always, staff will be available to assist those facilities affected by the proposed amendments.

Resource Impacts

Implementation of these proposals will have no impact on AQMD resources.

Attachments

A. Summary
B. Rule Development Process
C. Key Contacts
D. Draft Rule Language
E. Draft Staff Report

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