Notice of Public Hearing

Proposed Amendments to Rule 202 (Exemptions to Rule 201) to Require Permits for
Stationary Diesel Engines (202.F.1) and to Provide Clarification on Exemption Applicability

Thursday, December 16
Approximately 2:00 PM
Board of Supervisors Hearing Room
105 East Anapamu Street, Fourth Floor
Santa Barbara, California 93101

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) will hold a public hearing at the time and location listed above to accept comments and consider adoption of revised Rule 202.

Sources Potentially Affected
On the 202.F.1 changes: companies, agencies, and institutions using compression ignition engines (e.g., standby and backup emergency diesel engines and prime diesel engines), rated greater than 50 brake horsepower. Preliminary data indicates that about 300 previously exempt existing engines will require permits at approximately 75 stationary sources. On the clarifying text: no sources are expected to be affected.

Discussion About the Proposed Amended Rule
The APCD rules apply to certain equipment that emits air contaminants. Rule 201, Permits Required, requires permits for specific types of equipment. Rule 202, Exemptions to Rule 201, lists equipment items that are exempt from the APCD permit requirements. We are proposing revisions to Rule 202.F.1 to require permits for compression ignition engines rated greater than 50 brake horsepower in order to implement and enforce the state Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for compression ignition engines.

When the state adopts an ATCM, California law requires that Air Pollution Control Districts and Air Quality Management Districts either adopt an equally stringent rule or implement and enforce the state ATCM. The Air Resources Board has adopted an ATCM for Stationary Compression Ignition Engines. The Santa Barbara County APCD intends to implement and enforce the state ATCM for compression ignition engines without an APCD rule.

The proposed revised Rule 202 will require permits for compression ignition engines rated greater than 50 brake horsepower: 1) in primary (non-emergency) service, unless registered in the Statewide Registration Program, and 2) used to power emergency electric generators, flood control pumps, and firewater pumps.

While the ATCM is expected to result in emission reductions, there are no emission reductions expected due to this specific rulemaking action. Compression ignition engines becoming subject to permitting will also become subject to Rule 333, Control of Emissions from Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines. Those engines are expected to meet the Rule 333 emission limits without the addition of any control equipment.

The APCD has determined that the project (the revision) will not have any significant adverse impacts. The APCD finds that this rulemaking activity is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15061 (b) (3). As required by CEQA Guidelines, staff prepared a Notice of Exemption for this project. Any subsequent changes to the project description during the public review period will undergo additional environmental review under the CEQA.

The draft Board Package and the proposed revised rule may be reviewed at the APCD’s web site, on this page or at the following locations:

APCD – Main Office
260 N. San Antonio Rd Suite A
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 961-8800

APCD – Santa Maria Office
301 E. Cook Street Suite L
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 961-8800 (Main Office)

4th District Supervisor’s Office
401 E. Cypress Avenue Suite 101
Lompoc, CA 93436
(805) 737-7700

Alternatively, copies may be obtained on a diskette, CD, or as hard copies by calling Lillian Coony at 805.961.8817.

Please provide written comments by December 14, 2004, to Doug Grapple at the Santa Barbara address above. If you have any questions, you can contact him at 805.961.8883 or GrappleD@sbcapcd.org. 

                                                                                                                                            Published Sunday, November 14, 2004