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PROPOSAL:

Status Report on Best Available Control Technology Guidelines

SYNOPSIS:

At the December 1998 Board meeting, the Board approved staff recommendations for updating the AQMD BACT Guidelines in a new and improved format. At that time, the Board also directed staff to update the BACT Guidelines for degreasers, spray booths, and boilers consistent with the new format.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMD BACT Guidelines consist of two parts: Part A – Policy and Implementation Procedures, and Part B – BACT Determinations. The first part provides the policy and implementation procedures for determining BACT, and the second part lists typical BACT requirements for at least 259 equipment categories. Part B of the Guidelines has been updated several times and reports have been provided to the Board in July and December 1997 and in April, May, June, and October 1998. On December 11, 1998, the Governing Board approved a new format, process, and procedures for updating the AQMD BACT Guidelines. In addition, the Board directed staff to update BACT Guidelines Part B for boilers, degreasers, and spray booths in the new format and provide a status report to the Board within 90 days.

Accordingly, staff has developed BACT listings in the new format and reviewed the contents with the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) through two public meetings on January 21 and February 18, 1999. At these meetings, staff received valuable comments from SRC members, affected public, environmental groups, CARB, and U.S. EPA on the updated BACT Guidelines for boilers, degreasers, and spray booths, which are reflected in the technical contents of the permit listings. In addition, the SRC has also been reconstituted to include additional scientific and technical specialists who will provide their best technical judgment in the review of the BACT listings.

New Format for Listing BACT Requirements

The BACT requirements contained in Part B of the Guidelines are being replaced with LAER/BACT information in two sections. Section I –AQMD LAER/BACT Determinations, lists LAER/BACT requirements reflected by New Source Review (NSR) permits issued by AQMD. Section II –New and Emerging Technologies, provides information on new and emerging technologies, and identifies LAER/BACT determinations that are contained in permits issued by other air pollution control agencies.

The format of the new AQMD BACT Guidelines is similar to the state CAPCOA BACT/LAER Clearinghouse and the federal LAER Clearinghouse, which provides information on relevant permits. The BACT Guidelines listings include information on basic equipment description and location, achieved-in-practice control technology and emissions rates, and other data which are important for evaluating the LAER/BACT determination for the particular permitted equipment.

BACT Listings for Batch Degreasers, Spray Booths, and Boilers

Seven permits previously issued by AQMD are described and listed in the attachment, which will be obtainable from the AQMD website at www.aqmd.gov, "Getting Permits," and in hard copy through Subscription Services. The current updates include 2 boilers, 3 vapor degreasers, and 7 spray booths. Additional examples will be placed in these equipment categories as the information is developed, after appropriate review and comment by the SRC. Due to the dynamic nature of the BACT listing process, supplemental information on these permits may be included later as it becomes available.

New LAER/BACT and achieved-in-practice determinations made during the normal permitting process will be captured and placed in the BACT Guidelines updates on an on-going basis, following public review and comment.

Conclusion

Staff sincerely extends its appreciation to SRC members and others who assisted in updating Part B of the BACT Guidelines. In particular, the commitment of past and present continuing SRC members in the development and review of the attached information is much appreciated.

Attachments

BACT Guidelines Listings

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