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BOARD MEETING DATE: May 14, 1999 AGENDA NO. 34

PROPOSAL:

Amend Rule 462 - Organic Liquid Loading

SYNOPSIS:

The proposed amendments are necessary to address a vapor leak measurement issue identified by USEPA for inclusion in the SIP. The proposed amendments also provide a compliance mechanism for the vapor recovery systems that do not require CARB certification pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 41954. In addition, other amendments are proposed to clarify rule requirements and improve rule enforceability.

COMMITTEE:

Stationary Source, March 19, 1999, Reviewed

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Adopt the attached resolution:

1. Certifying the Notice of Exemption completed in compliance with the CEQA (California Public Resources Code Section 2100 et. Seq.); and
2. Amending Rule 462 – Organic Liquid Loading

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMD Governing Board adopted Rule 462 on January 9, 1976 to control VOC emissions generated from bulk loading facilities during loading of organic liquids into transport vessels. This rule has been amended a number of times over the years, with the latest amendments on June 9, 1995. Staff is proposing further amendments to address a vapor leak measurement issue identified by USEPA for inclusion in the SIP. The proposed amendments also provide a compliance mechanism for the vapor recovery systems that do not require CARB certification pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 41954. In addition, other amendments are proposed to clarify rule requirements and improve rule enforceability.

Proposal

The proposed amendments assist in effective implementation of Rule 462. The most significant proposals will:

• delete the reference of a distance of two centimeters from the definition of "Facility Vapor Leak" to address a SIP approval issue identified by USEPA ;
• add a provision to allow AQMD approval as a compliance mechanism for vapor recovery and/or disposal systems that do not require CARB certification pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 41954;
• clarify the backpressure requirement for Class A facilities and the vapor leak requirement for transport vessels;
• require new vapor recovery and/or disposal systems to comply with the CARB certification or AQMD approval requirements within 180 days after completing construction;
• establish a deadline for existing vapor recovery and/or disposal systems that do not require CARB certification to obtain AQMD approval; and
• develop an AQMD approval procedure consistent with the CARB certification procedure for vapor recovery and/or disposal systems that do not require CARB certification.

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

AQMP & Legal Mandates

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

CEQA & Socioeconomic Analysis

Pursuant to CEQA, staff has prepared a Notice of Exemption (NOE) for the proposed amendments to Rule 462. The NOE will be filed with the county clerks immediately following the adoption of the proposed amendments. 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 are expected to make Rule 462 implementation more effective. 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’s permitting process and will not require additional resources.

Attachments

Summary of Proposed Amendments
Rule Development Process
Key Contacts
Resolution
Notice of Exemption
Final Rule Language
Final Staff Report

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