Proposed Amended Rule 1146.1-Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Small Industrial, Institutional, and Commercial Boilers, Steam Generators, and Process Heaters

Proposed Amended Rule 1146.1-Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Small Industrial, Institutional, and Commercial Boilers, Steam Generators, and Process Heaters

NOTE: Joint Document consists of Neg. Dec. & EA. The objective of PAR 1146.1 is to further reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission limits for boilers, steam generators and process heaters with maximum rated heat input capacities greater than two million BTU per hour (mmBTU/hr) and less than five mmBTU/hr to nine parts per million (ppm) or 0.011 pounds per mmBTU for any units fired on natural gas, except atmospheric units. The proposed NOx limit for atmospheric units would be 12 ppm or 0.015 pounds per mmBTU. PAR 1146.1 will also propose NOx compliance limits for units burning landfill or digester gases at 25 ppm and 15 ppm, respectively. Other changes are proposed that include: 1) establishing a weighted average formula for dual fueled co-fired units; 2) allowing existing units to be de-rated to no less than two million BTU per hour per unit; 3) making the frequency of compliance testing compatible with RECLAIM sources for the same equipment size range; 4) monitoring NOx and CO emissions with a portable analyzer; 5) for low-fuel usage units, requiring compliance with a 30 ppm NOx limit by January 1, 2015 or burner replacement, whichever occurs later; 6) allowing thermal fluid heaters to continue compliance with the 30 ppm NOx limits; and, 7) allowing a later compliance date for health facilities complying with seismic safety requirements. Other minor changes are proposed for clarity and consistency throughout the rule. PAR 1146.1 is estimated to reduce NOx emissions by 0.28 ton per day. The environmental analysis in the Draft EA concluded that PAR 1146.1 would not generate any significant adverse environmental impacts.

Air Resources Board, Major Industrial Projects, California Department of Conservation (DOC), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, South Coast Region 5 (CDFW), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Transportation, Division of Transportation Planning (DOT), California Energy Commission, California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), Department of Fish and Wildlife, Region 6, Department of Water Resources, Resources Agency, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Quality

Proposed Rule Amendment