TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Air Pollution Control Board is claiming an exclusion from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law where no agency discretion is involved. The State Air Pollution Control Board will receive, consider and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.
Title of Regulation: 9VAC5-80. Permits for Stationary Sources (amending 9VAC5-80-1100, 9VAC5-80-1110, 9VAC5-80-1320).
Statutory Authority: § 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia; §§ 110, 112, 165, 173, 182 and Title V of the federal Clean Air Act; 40 CFR Parts 51, 61, 63, 70 and 72.
Effective Date: December 31, 2008.
Agency Contact: Cindy Berndt, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4378, FAX (804) 698-4346, TTY (804) 698-4021, or email cmberndt@deq.virginia.gov.
Summary:
The minor new source review (NSR) program (Article 6 of 9VAC5-80) covers stationary sources not covered by the major NSR program, and applies to the construction or reconstruction of new stationary sources or modifications (physical or operational changes) to existing ones. Exemptions are provided for smaller facilities. With some exceptions, the owner must obtain a permit from the agency prior to the construction or modification of the source. The owner of the proposed new or modified source must provide information as needed to enable the agency to conduct a preconstruction review in order to determine compliance with applicable control technology and other standards and to assess the impact of the net emissions from the facility on air quality. The regulation also provides the basis for the agency's final action (approval or disapproval) on the permit depending upon the results of the preconstruction review. The regulation provides a sourcewide perspective to determine applicability based upon the net emissions changes due to or directly resulting from the modification (physical or operational change). Procedures for making changes to permits are included. There are provisions that allow the use of a general permit. The regulation also allows consideration of additional factors for making Best Available Control Technology (BACT) determinations for sources subject to minor new source review.
Currently, applicability for modifications is based on the net emissions increase in actual emissions based on all the sourcewide emissions changes due to or directly resultant from the physical or operational change. The provision related to the applicability test for modifications have been changed from the actual-to-potential emissions test to an uncontrolled-to-uncontrolled emission rate test. This involves (i) deleting the definition of "actual emissions," which contains the actual-to-potential test, and adding a new definition for "uncontrolled emission rate," and (ii) replacement of the text, "actual emissions" with the text, "the uncontrolled emission rate" throughout the regulation.
The provisions related to alternative fuels and air emissions have been updated to be consistent with § 10.1-1322.4 and provide an exception from the requirement to submit the exemption demonstration for certain fuels. These provisions have also been restructured somewhat to ensure no conflict with federal law or regulation.
9VAC5-80-1100. Applicability.
A. Except as provided in subsection C of this section, the provisions of this article apply to the construction, reconstruction, relocation or modification of any stationary source.
B. The provisions of this article apply throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
C. The provisions of this article do not apply to any stationary source, emissions unit or facility that is exempt under the provisions of 9VAC5-80-1320. Exemption from the requirement to obtain a permit under this article shall not relieve any owner of the responsibility to comply with any other applicable provisions of regulations of the board or any other applicable regulations, laws, ordinances and orders of the governmental entities having jurisdiction. Any stationary source, emissions unit or facility which is exempt from the provisions of this article based on the criteria in 9VAC5-80-1320 but which exceeds the applicability thresholds for any applicable emission standard in 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (9VAC5-40) if it were an existing source or any applicable standard of performance in 9VAC5 Chapter 50 (9VAC5-50) shall be subject to the more restrictive of the provisions of either the emission standard in 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (9VAC5-40) or the standard of performance in 9VAC5 Chapter 50 (9VAC5-50).
D. The fugitive emissions of a stationary source, to the extent quantifiable, shall be included in determining whether it is subject to this article. The provisions of this article do not apply to a stationary source or modification that would be subject to this article only if fugitive emissions, to the extent quantifiable, are considered in calculating the actual emissions uncontrolled emissions rate of the source or net emissions increase.
E. An affected facility subject to Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of Part II of 9VAC5 Chapter 50 shall not be exempt from the provisions of this article, except where:
1. The affected facility would be subject only to recordkeeping or reporting requirements or both under Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 50; or
2. The affected facility is constructed, reconstructed or modified at a stationary source which has a current permit for similar affected facilities that requires compliance with emission standards and other requirements that are not less stringent than the provisions of Article 5 (9VAC5-50-400 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 50.
F. Regardless of the exemptions provided in this article, no owner or other person shall circumvent the requirements of this article by causing or allowing a pattern of ownership or development over a geographic area of a source which, except for the pattern of ownership or development, would otherwise require a permit.
G. No provision of this article shall be construed as exempting any stationary source or emissions unit from the provisions of the major new source review program. Accordingly, no provision of the major new source review program regulations shall be construed as exempting any stationary source or emissions unit from this article.
H. Unless specified otherwise, the provisions of this article are applicable to various sources as follows:
1. Provisions referring to "sources," "new or modified sources, or both" or "stationary sources" are applicable to the construction, reconstruction or modification of all stationary sources (including major stationary sources and major modifications) and the emissions from them to the extent that such sources and their emissions are not subject to the provisions of the major new source review program.
2. Provisions referring to "major stationary sources" are applicable to the construction or reconstruction of all major stationary sources subject to this article. Provisions referring to "major modifications" are applicable to major modifications of stationary sources subject to this article.
3. In cases where the provisions of the major new source review program conflict with those of this article, the provisions of the major new source review program shall prevail.
4. Provisions referring to "state and federally enforceable" or "federally and state enforceable" or similar wording shall mean "state-only enforceable" for terms and conditions of a permit designated state-only enforceable under 9VAC5- 80-1120 F.
9VAC5-80-1110. Definitions.
A. For the purpose of applying this article in the context of the Regulations for the Control and Abatement of Air Pollution and related uses, the words or terms shall have the meanings given them in subsection C of this section.
B. As used in this article, all terms not defined here shall have the meanings given them in 9VAC5 Chapter 10 (9VAC5-10), unless otherwise required by context.
C. Terms defined.
"Actual emissions" means the actual rate of emissions (expressed in tons per year) of a pollutant from a stationary source or portion thereof, as determined in accordance with the provisions of this definition.
1. In general, actual emissions as of a particular date shall equal the average rate, in tons per year, at which the unit actually emitted the pollutant during a two-year period that precedes the particular date and that is representative of normal source operation. The board will allow the use of a different time period upon a determination that it is more representative of normal source operation. Actual emissions shall be calculated using the unit's actual operating hours, production rates, and types of materials processed, stored, or combusted during the selected time period.
2. The board may presume that source-specific allowable emissions for the emissions unit are equivalent to the actual emissions of the unit.
3. For any emissions unit which has not begun normal operations on the particular date, actual emissions shall equal the potential to emit of the unit on that date.
"Allowable emissions" means the emission rate of a stationary source calculated by using the maximum rated capacity of the source (unless the source is subject to state and federally enforceable limits which restrict the operating rate or hours of operation, or both) and the most stringent of the following:
1. Applicable emission standards;
2. The emission limitation specified as a state and federally enforceable permit condition, including those with a future compliance date; and
3. Any other applicable emission limitation, including those with a future compliance date.
"Applicable federal requirement" means all of, but not limited to, the following as they apply to emissions units in a source subject to this article (including requirements that have been promulgated or approved by the administrator through rulemaking at the time of permit issuance but have future-effective compliance dates):
1. Any standard or other requirement provided for in an implementation plan established pursuant to § 110, § 111(d) or § 129 of the federal Clean Air Act, including any source-specific provisions such as consent agreements or orders.
2. Any limit or condition in any construction permit issued under the new source review program or in any operating permit issued pursuant to the state operating permit program.
3. Any emission standard, alternative emission standard, alternative emission limitation, equivalent emission limitation or other requirement established pursuant to § 112 or § 129 of the federal Clean Air Act as amended in 1990.
4. Any new source performance standard or other requirement established pursuant to § 111 of the federal Clean Air Act, and any emission standard or other requirement established pursuant to § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act before it was amended in 1990.
5. Any limitations and conditions or other requirement in a Virginia regulation or program that has been approved by EPA under Subpart E of 40 CFR Part 63 for the purposes of implementing and enforcing § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act.
6. Any requirement concerning accident prevention under § 112(r)(7) of the federal Clean Air Act.
7. Any compliance monitoring requirements established pursuant to either § 504(b) or § 114(a)(3) of the federal Clean Air Act.
8. Any standard or other requirement for consumer and commercial products under § 183(e) of the federal Clean Air Act.
9. Any standard or other requirement for tank vessels under § 183(f) of the federal Clean Air Act.
10. Any standard or other requirement in 40 CFR Part 55 to control air pollution from outer continental shelf sources.
11. Any standard or other requirement of the regulations promulgated to protect stratospheric ozone under Title VI of the federal Clean Air Act, unless the administrator has determined that such requirements need not be contained in a permit issued under this article.
12. With regard to temporary sources subject to 9VAC5-80-130, (i) any ambient air quality standard, except applicable state requirements and (ii) requirements regarding increments or visibility as provided in Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1605 et seq.) of this part.
"Begin actual construction" means initiation of permanent physical on-site construction of an emissions unit. This includes, but is not limited to, installation of building supports and foundations, laying of underground pipework, and construction of permanent storage structures. With respect to a change in method of operation, this term refers to those on-site activities other than preparatory activities which mark the initiation of the change. With respect to the initial location of a portable emissions unit, this term refers to the delivery of any portion of the portable emissions unit to the site.
"Commence," as applied to the construction, reconstruction or modification of an emissions unit, means that the owner has all necessary preconstruction approvals or permits and has either:
1. Begun, or caused to begin, a continuous program of actual on-site construction, reconstruction or modification of the unit, to be completed within a reasonable time; or
2. Entered into binding agreements or contractual obligations, which cannot be canceled or modified without substantial loss to the owner, to undertake a program of actual construction, reconstruction or modification of the unit, to be completed within a reasonable time.
"Complete application" means that the application contains all the information necessary for processing the application and that the provisions of § 10.1-1321.1 of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law have been met. Designating an application complete for purposes of permit processing does not preclude the board from requesting or accepting additional information.
"Construction" means fabrication, erection or installation of an emissions unit.
"Emergency" means, in the context of 9VAC5-80-1320 B 2, a situation where immediate action on the part of a source is needed and where the timing of the action makes it impractical to meet the requirements of this article, such as sudden loss of power, fires, earthquakes, floods or similar occurrences.
"Emissions cap" means any limitation on the rate of emissions of any air pollutant from one or more emissions units established and identified as an emissions cap in any permit issued pursuant to the new source review program or operating permit program.
"Emissions unit" means any part of a stationary source which emits or would have the potential to emit any regulated air pollutant.
"Enforceable as a practical matter" means that the permit contains emission limitations that are enforceable by the board or the department and meet the following criteria:
1. Are permanent;
2. Contain a legal obligation for the owner to adhere to the terms and conditions;
3. Do not allow a relaxation of a requirement of the implementation plan;
4. Are technically accurate and quantifiable;
5. Include averaging times or other provisions that allow at least monthly (or a shorter period if necessary to be consistent with the implementation plan) checks on compliance. This may include, but not be limited to, the following: compliance with annual limits in a rolling basis, monthly or shorter limits, and other provisions consistent with 9VAC5-80-1180 and other regulations of the board; and
6. Require a level of recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring sufficient to demonstrate compliance.
"Federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program" means a program for the preconstruction review and approval of new sources or expansions to existing ones in accordance with regulations specified below and promulgated to implement the requirements of § 112 (relating to hazardous air pollutants) of the federal Clean Air Act.
1. The provisions of 40 CFR 61.05, 40 CFR 61.06, 40 CFR 61.07, 40 CFR 61.08 and 40 CFR 61.15 for issuing approvals of the construction of any new source or modification of any existing source subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 61. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and Article 1 (9VAC5-60-60 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60.
2. The provisions of 40 CFR 63.5 for issuing approvals to construct a new source or reconstruct a source subject to the provisions of 40 CFR Part 63, except for Subparts B, D and E. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and Article 2 (9VAC5-60-90 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60.
3. The provisions of 40 CFR 63.50 through 40 CFR 63.56 for issuing Notices of MACT approval prior to the construction of a new emissions unit. These provisions of the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be implemented through this article and Article 3 (9VAC5-60-120 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60.
"Federally enforceable" means all limitations and conditions which are enforceable by the administrator and citizens under the federal Clean Air Act or that are enforceable under other statutes administered by the administrator. Federally enforceable limitations and conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Emission standards, alternative emission standards, alternative emission limitations, and equivalent emission limitations established pursuant to § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990.
2. New source performance standards established pursuant to § 111 of the federal Clean Air Act, and emission standards established pursuant to § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act before it was amended in 1990.
3. All terms and conditions in a federal operating permit, including any provisions that limit a source's potential to emit, unless expressly designated as not federally enforceable.
4. Limitations and conditions that are part of an implementation plan established pursuant to § 110, § 111(d) or § 129 of the federal Clean Air Act.
5. Limitations and conditions that are part of a federal construction permit issued under 40 CFR 52.21 or any construction permit issued under regulations approved by the EPA in accordance with 40 CFR Part 51.
6. Limitations and conditions that are part of an operating permit issued pursuant to a program approved by the EPA into an implementation plan as meeting the EPA's minimum criteria for federal enforceability, including adequate notice and opportunity for EPA and public comment prior to issuance of the final permit and practicable enforceability.
7. Limitations and conditions in a Virginia regulation or program that has been approved by the EPA under Subpart E of 40 CFR Part 63 for the purposes of implementing and enforcing § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act.
8. Individual consent agreements that the EPA has legal authority to create.
"Fixed capital cost" means the capital needed to provide all the depreciable components.
"Fugitive emissions" means those emissions which could not reasonably pass through a stack, chimney, vent, or other functionally equivalent opening.
"General permit" means a permit issued under this article that meets the requirements of 9VAC5-80-1250.
"Hazardous air pollutant" means any air pollutant listed in § 112(b) of the federal Clean Air Act, as amended by 40 CFR 63.60.
"Major modification" means any modification defined as such in 9VAC5-80-1615 C or 9VAC5-80-2010 C, as may apply.
"Major new source review (major NSR) program" means a preconstruction review and permit program (i) for new major stationary sources or major modifications (physical changes or changes in the method of operation); (ii) established to implement the requirements of §§ 112, 165 and 173 of the federal Clean Air Act and associated regulations; and (iii) codified in Article 7 (9VAC5-80-1400 et seq.), Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1605 et seq.) and Article 9 (9VAC5-80-2000 et seq.) of this part.
"Major stationary source" means any stationary source which emits, or has the potential to emit, 100 tons or more per year of any regulated air pollutant.
"Minor new source review (minor NSR) program" means a preconstruction review and permit program (i) for new stationary sources or modifications (physical changes or changes in the method of operation) that do not qualify for review under the major new source review program; (ii) established to implement the requirements of §§ 110(a)(2)(C) and 112 of the federal Clean Air Act and associated regulations; and (iii) codified in Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.) of this part.
"Modification" means any physical change in, change in the method of operation of, or addition to, a stationary source that would result in a net emissions increase of any regulated air pollutant emitted into the atmosphere by the source or which results in the emission of any regulated air pollutant into the atmosphere not previously emitted, except that the following shall not, by themselves (unless previously limited by permit conditions), be considered modifications under this definition:
1. Maintenance, repair and replacement which the board determines to be routine for a source type and which does not fall within the definition of "reconstruction";
2. An increase in the production rate of a unit, if that increase does not exceed the operating design capacity of that unit;
3. An increase in the hours of operation;
4. Use of an alternative fuel or raw material if, prior to the date any provision of the regulations of the board becomes applicable to the source type, the source was designed to accommodate that alternative use. A source shall be considered to be designed to accommodate an alternative fuel or raw material if provisions for that use were included in the final construction specifications;
5. Use of an alternative fuel or raw material if, prior to the date any provision of the regulations of the board becomes applicable to the source type, the source was not designed to accommodate that alternative use and the owner demonstrates to the board that as a result of trial burns at the source or other sources or of other sufficient data that the emissions resulting from the use of the alternative fuel or raw material supply are decreased;
6. 5. The addition, replacement or use of any system or device whose primary function is the reduction of air pollutants, except when a system or device that is necessary to comply with applicable air pollution control laws and regulations is replaced by a system or device which the board considers to be less efficient in the control of air pollution emissions; or
7. 6. The removal of any system or device whose primary function is the reduction of air pollutants if the system or device is not necessary for the source to comply with any applicable air pollution control laws or regulations.
"Modified source" means any stationary source (or portion of it), the modification of which commenced on or after March 17, 1972.
"Necessary preconstruction approvals or permits" means those permits or approvals required under federal air quality control laws and regulations, and those air quality control laws and regulations which are part of the implementation plan.
"Net emissions increase" means the amount by which the sum of the following exceeds zero: (i) any increase in actual emissions the uncontrolled emission rate from a particular physical change or change in the method of operation at a stationary source and (ii) any other increases and decreases in actual emissions the uncontrolled emission rate at the source that are concurrent with the particular change and are otherwise creditable. An increase or decrease in actual emissions the uncontrolled emission rate is concurrent with the increase from the particular change only if it is directly resultant from the particular change. An increase or decrease in actual emissions the uncontrolled emission rate is not creditable if the board has relied on it in issuing a permit for the source under the new source review program and that permit is in effect when the increase in actual emissions the uncontrolled emission rate from the particular change occurs. Creditable increases and decreases shall be federally enforceable or enforceable as a practical matter.
"New source" means any stationary source (or portion of it), the construction or relocation of which commenced on or after March 17, 1972; and any stationary source (or portion of it), the reconstruction of which commenced on or after December 10, 1976.
"New source review (NSR) program" means a preconstruction review and permit program (i) for new stationary sources or modifications (physical changes or changes in the method of operation); (ii) established to implement the requirements of §§ 110(a)(2)(C), 112 (relating to permits for hazardous air pollutants), 165 (relating to permits in prevention of significant deterioration areas), and 173 (relating to permits in nonattainment areas) of the federal Clean Air Act and associated regulations; and (iii) codified in Article 6 (9VAC5-80-1100 et seq.), Article 7 (9VAC5-80-1400 et seq.), Article 8 (9VAC5-80-1605 et seq.) and Article 9 (9VAC5-80-2000 et seq.) of this part.
"Nonroad engine" means any internal combustion engine:
1. In or on a piece of equipment that is self-propelled or serves a dual purpose by both propelling itself and performing another function (such as garden tractors, off-highway mobile cranes and bulldozers);
2. In or on a piece of equipment that is intended to be propelled while performing its function (such as lawnmowers and string trimmers); or
3. That, by itself or in or on a piece of equipment, is portable or transportable, meaning designed to be capable of being carried or moved from one location to another. Indications of transportability include, but are not limited to, wheels, skids, carrying handles, dollies, trailers, or platforms.
An internal combustion engine is not a nonroad engine if:
1. The engine is used to propel a motor vehicle or a vehicle used solely for competition, or is subject to standards promulgated under § 202 of the federal Clean Air Act; or
2. The engine otherwise included in subdivision 3 above remains or will remain at a location for more than 12 consecutive months or a shorter period of time for an engine located at a seasonal source.
For purposes of this definition, a location is any single site at a building, structure, facility or installation. Any engine (or engines) that replaces an engine at a location and that is intended to perform the same or similar function as the engine replaced will be included in calculating the consecutive time period. An engine located at a seasonal source is an engine that remains at a seasonal source during the full annual operating period of the seasonal source. A seasonal source is a stationary source that remains in a single location on a permanent basis (i.e., at least two years) and that operates at the single location approximately three months (or more) each year. This paragraph does not apply to an engine after the engine is removed from the location.
"Portable," in reference to emissions units, means an emissions unit that is designed to have the capability of being moved from one location to another for the purpose of operating at multiple locations and storage when idle. Indications of portability include, but are not limited to, wheels, skids, carrying handles, dollies, trailers, or platforms.
"Potential to emit" means the maximum capacity of a stationary source to emit a pollutant under its physical and operational design. Any physical or operational limitation on the capacity of the source to emit a pollutant, including air pollution control equipment, and restrictions on hours of operation or on the type or amount of material combusted, stored, or processed, shall be treated as part of its design only if the limitation or its effect on emissions is state and federally enforceable. Secondary emissions do not count in determining the potential to emit of a stationary source.
"Public comment period" means a time during which the public shall have the opportunity to comment on the new or modified source permit application information (exclusive of confidential information), the preliminary review and analysis of the effect of the source upon the ambient air quality, and the preliminary decision of the board regarding the permit application.
"Reactivation" means beginning operation of an emissions unit that has been shut down.
"Reconstruction" means the replacement of an emissions unit or its components to such an extent that:
1. The fixed capital cost of the new components exceeds 50% of the fixed capital cost that would be required to construct a comparable entirely new unit;
2. The replacement significantly extends the life of the emissions unit; and
3. It is technologically and economically feasible to meet the applicable emission standards prescribed under regulations of the board.
Any determination by the board as to whether a proposed replacement constitutes reconstruction shall be based on:
1. The fixed capital cost of the replacements in comparison to the fixed capital cost of the construction of a comparable entirely new unit;
2. The estimated life of the unit after the replacements compared to the life of a comparable entirely new unit;
3. The extent to which the components being replaced cause or contribute to the emissions from the unit; and
4. Any economic or technical limitations on compliance with applicable standards of performance which are inherent in the proposed replacements.
"Regulated air pollutant" means any of the following:
1. Nitrogen oxides or any volatile organic compound;
2. Any pollutant for which an ambient air quality standard has been promulgated;
3. Any pollutant subject to any standard promulgated under § 111 of the federal Clean Air Act;
4. Any pollutant subject to a standard promulgated under or other requirements established under § 112 of the federal Clean Air Act concerning hazardous air pollutants and any pollutant regulated under 40 CFR Part 63; or
5. Any pollutant subject to a regulation adopted by the board.
"Relocation" means a change in physical location of a stationary source or an emissions unit from one stationary source to another stationary source.
"Secondary emissions" means emissions which occur or would occur as a result of the construction, reconstruction, modification or operation of a stationary source, but do not come from the stationary source itself. For the purpose of this article, secondary emissions must be specific, well-defined, and quantifiable; and must affect the same general areas as the stationary source which causes the secondary emissions. Secondary emissions include emissions from any off site support facility which would not be constructed or increase its emissions except as a result of the construction or operation of the stationary source. Secondary emissions do not include any emissions which come directly from a mobile source, such as emissions from the tailpipe of a motor vehicle, from a train, or from a vessel.
"State enforceable" means all limitations and conditions which are enforceable as a practical matter, including any regulation of the board, those requirements developed pursuant to 9VAC5-170-160, requirements within any applicable order or variance, and any permit requirements established pursuant to this chapter.
"State operating permit program" means an operating permit program (i) for issuing limitations and conditions for stationary sources; (ii) promulgated to meet the EPA's minimum criteria for federal enforceability, including adequate notice and opportunity for the EPA and public comment prior to issuance of the final permit, and practicable enforceability; and (iii) codified in Article 5 (9VAC5-80-800 et seq.) of this part.
"Stationary source" means any building, structure, facility or installation which emits or may emit any regulated air pollutant. A stationary source shall include all of the pollutant-emitting activities which belong to the same industrial grouping, are located on one or more contiguous or adjacent properties, and are under the control of the same person (or persons under common control) except the activities of any watercraft or any nonroad engine. Pollutant-emitting activities shall be considered as part of the same industrial grouping if they belong to the same "major group" (i.e., which have the same two-digit code) as described in the "Standard Industrial Classification Manual," as amended by the supplement (see 9VAC5-20-21).
"Synthetic minor" means a stationary source whose potential to emit is constrained by state enforceable and federally enforceable limits, so as to place that stationary source below the threshold at which it would be subject to permit or other requirements governing major stationary sources in regulations of the board or in the federal Clean Air Act.
"Uncontrolled emission rate" means the emission rate from an emissions unit when operating at maximum capacity without air pollution control equipment. Air pollution control equipment includes control equipment that is not vital to its operation, except that its use enables the owner to conform to applicable air pollution control laws and regulations. Annual uncontrolled emissions shall be based on the maximum annual rated capacity (based on 8,760 hours of operation per year) of the emissions unit, unless the emissions unit or stationary source is subject to state and federally enforceable permit conditions that limit the annual hours of operation. Enforceable permit conditions on the type or amount of material combusted, stored, or processed may be used in determining the uncontrolled emission rate of an emissions unit or stationary source. The uncontrolled emission rate of a stationary source is the sum of the uncontrolled emission rates of the individual emissions units. Secondary emissions do not count in determining the uncontrolled emission rate of a stationary source.
9VAC5-80-1320. Permit exemption levels.
A. The general requirements for permit exemption levels are as follows:
1. The provisions of this article do not apply to the following stationary sources or emissions units:
a. The construction, reconstruction, relocation or modification of any stationary source or emissions unit that is exempt under the provisions of subsections B through F of this section.
b. The reconstruction of any stationary source or emissions unit if the potential to emit resulting from the reconstruction will not increase.
c. The relocation of a portable emissions unit provided that:
(1) The new emissions from the portable emissions unit are secondary emissions;
(2) The portable emissions unit has previously been permitted or is subject to a general permit;
(3) The unit would not undergo modification or reconstruction;
(4) The unit is suitable to the area in which it is to be located; and
(5) Reasonable notice is given to the board prior to the relocation identifying the proposed new location and the probable duration of operation at the new location. Such notice shall be given to the board not less than 15 days in advance of the proposed relocation unless a different time duration is previously approved by the board.
d. The reactivation of a stationary source unless a determination concerning shutdown has been made pursuant to the provisions of 9VAC5-20-220.
e. The use by any source of an alternative fuel or raw material, if the following conditions are met:
(1) The owner demonstrates to the board that, as a result of trial burns at their the owner's facility or other facilities or other sufficient data, the emissions resulting from the use of the alternative fuel or raw material supply are decreased. No demonstration will be required for the use of processed animal fat, processed fish oil, processed vegetable oil, distillate oil, or any mixture thereof in place of the same quantity of residual oil to fire industrial boilers.
(2) The use of an alternative fuel or raw material would not be subject to review under this article as a modification.
2. In determining whether a facility source is exempt from the provisions of this article, the provisions of subsections B through D of this section are independent from the provisions of subsections E and F of this section. A source must be determined to be exempt both under the provisions of subsections B through D taken as a group and under the provisions of subsection E or F to be exempt from this article.
3. In determining whether a facility is exempt from the provisions of this article under the provisions of subsection B of this section, the definitions in 9VAC5 Chapter 40 (9VAC5-40-10 et seq.) that would cover the facility if it were an existing source shall be used unless deemed inappropriate by the board.
4. Any owner claiming that a facility is exempt from this article under the provisions of this section shall keep records as may be necessary to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board that the facility was exempt at the time a permit would have otherwise been required under this article.
B. Facilities as specified below shall be exempt from the provisions of this article as they pertain to construction, modification, reconstruction or relocation.
1. Fuel burning equipment units (external combustion units, not engines and turbines) as follows:
a. Using solid fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 1,000,000 Btu per hour.
b. Using liquid fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 10,000,000 Btu per hour.
c. Using liquid and gaseous fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 10,000,000 Btu per hour.
d. Using gaseous fuel with a maximum heat input of less than 50,000,000 Btu per hour.
2. Engines and turbines used for emergency purposes only and which do not exceed 500 hours of operation per year at a single stationary source as follows:
a. Gasoline engines with an aggregate rated brake (output) horsepower of less than 910 hp and gasoline engines powering electrical generators having an aggregate rated electrical power output of less than 611 kilowatts.
b. Diesel engines with an aggregate rated brake (output) horsepower of less than 1,675 hp and diesel engines powering electrical generators having an aggregate rated electrical power output of less than 1125 kilowatts.
c. Combustion gas turbines with an aggregate of less than 10,000,000 Btu per hour heat input (low heating value).
3. Engines that power mobile sources during periods of maintenance, repair or testing.
4. Volatile organic compound storage and transfer operations involving petroleum liquids and other volatile organic compounds with a vapor pressure less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute under actual storage conditions or, in the case of loading or processing, under actual loading or processing conditions; and any operation specified below:
a. Volatile organic compound transfer operations involving:
(1) Any tank of 2,000 gallons or less storage capacity; or
(2) Any operation outside the volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.
b. Volatile organic compound storage operations involving any tank of 40,000 gallons or less storage capacity.
5. Vehicle customizing coating operations, if production is less than 20 vehicles per day.
6. Vehicle refinishing operations.
7. Coating operations for the exterior of fully assembled aircraft or marine vessels.
8. Petroleum liquid storage and transfer operations involving petroleum liquids with a vapor pressure less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute under actual storage conditions or, in the case of loading or processing, under actual loading or processing conditions (kerosene and fuel oil used for household heating have vapor pressures of less than 1.5 pounds per square inch absolute under actual storage conditions; therefore, kerosene and fuel oil are not subject to the provisions of this article when used or stored at ambient temperatures); and any operation or facility specified below:
a. Gasoline bulk loading operations at bulk terminals located outside volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.
b. Gasoline dispensing facilities.
c. Gasoline bulk loading operations at bulk plants:
(1) With an expected daily throughput of less than 4,000 gallons; or
(2) Located outside volatile organic compound emissions control areas designated in 9VAC5-20-206.
d. Account/tank trucks; however, permits issued for gasoline storage/transfer facilities should include a provision that all associated account/tank trucks meet the same requirements as those trucks serving existing facilities.
e. Petroleum liquid storage operations involving:
(1) Any tank of 40,000 gallons or less storage capacity;
(2) Any tank of less than 420,000 gallons storage capacity for crude oil or condensate stored, processed or treated at a drilling and production facility prior to custody transfer; or
(3) Any tank storing waxy, heavy pour crude oil.
9. Petroleum dry cleaning plants with a total manufacturers' rated solvent dryer capacity less than 84 pounds as determined by the applicable new source performance standard in 9VAC5-50-410.
10. Any addition of, relocation of or change to a woodworking machine within a wood product manufacturing plant provided the system air movement capacity, expressed as the cubic feet per minute of air, is not increased and maximum control efficiency of the control system is not decreased.
11. Wood sawmills and planing mills primarily engaged in sawing rough lumber and timber from logs and bolts, or resawing cants and flitches into lumber, including box lumber and softwood cut stock; planing mills combined with sawmills; and separately operated planing mills that are engaged primarily in producing surfaced lumber and standard workings or patterns of lumber. This also includes facilities primarily engaged in sawing lath and railroad ties and in producing tobacco hogshead stock, wood chips, and snow fence lath. This exemption does not include any facility that engages in the kiln drying of lumber.
12. Exhaust flares at natural gas and coalbed methane extraction wells.
C. The exemption of new and relocated sources shall be determined as specified below:
1. Stationary sources with a potential to emit at rates less than all of the emission rates specified below shall be exempt from the provisions of this article pertaining to construction or relocation.
Pollutant | Emissions Rate |
Carbon Monoxide | 100 tons per year (tpy) |
Nitrogen Oxides | 40 tpy |
Sulfur Dioxide | 40 tpy |
Particulate Matter | 25 tpy |
Particulate Matter (PM10) | 15 tpy |
Volatile organic compounds | 25 tpy |
Lead | 0.6 tpy |
Fluorides | 3 tpy |
Sulfuric Acid Mist | 6 tpy |
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) | 9 tpy |
Total Reduced Sulfur (including H2S) | 9 tpy |
Reduced Sulfur Compounds (including H2S) | 9 tpy |
Municipal waste combustor organics (measured as total tetra-through octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans) | 3.5 x 10-6 tpy |
Municipal waste combustor metals (measured as particulate matter) | 13 tpy |
Municipal waste combustor acid gases (measured as the sum of SO2 and HCI) | 35 tpy |
Municipal solid waste landfill emissions (measured as nonmethane organic compounds) | 22 tpy |
2. Facilities exempted by subsection B of this section shall not be included in the determination of potential to emit of a stationary source for purposes of exempting sources under this subsection.
3. If the particulate matter (PM10) emissions for a stationary source can be determined in a manner acceptable to the board and the stationary source is deemed exempt using the emission rate for particulate matter (PM10), the stationary source shall be considered to be exempt for particulate matter. If the emissions of particulate matter (PM10) cannot be determined in a manner acceptable to the board, the emission rate for particulate matter shall be used to determine the exemption status.
D. The exemption of modified and reconstructed sources shall be determined as specified below:
1. Stationary sources with net emissions increases less than all of the emission rates specified below shall be exempt from the provisions of this article pertaining to modification or reconstruction.
Pollutant | Emissions Rate |
Carbon Monoxide | 100 tons per year (tpy) |
Nitrogen Oxides | 10 tpy |
Sulfur Dioxide | 10 tpy |
Particulate Matter | 15 tpy |
Particulate Matter (PM10) | 10 tpy |
Volatile organic compounds | 10 tpy |
Lead | 0.6 tpy |
Fluorides | 3 tpy |
Sulfuric Acid Mist | 6 tpy |
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) | 9 tpy |
Total Reduced Sulfur (including H2S) | 9 tpy |
Reduced Sulfur Compounds (including H2S) | 9 tpy |
Municipal waste combustor organics (measured as total tetra-through octa-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans) | 3.5 x 10-6 tpy |
Municipal waste combustor metals (measured as particulate matter) | 13 tpy |
Municipal waste combustor acid gases (measured as the sum of SO2 and HCl) | 35 tpy |
Municipal solid waste landfill emissions (measured as nonmethane organic compounds) | 22 tpy |
2. Facilities exempted by subsection B of this section shall not be included in the determination of net emissions increase of a stationary source for purposes of exempting sources under this subsection. However, any other increases and decreases in actual emissions the uncontrolled emission rate at the source that are concurrent with a particular change shall be included in the determination of net emissions increase of a stationary source for purposes of exempting sources under this subsection, and if the change is not exempt, the other increases shall be subject to 9VAC5-50-260 C.
3. If the particulate matter (PM10) emissions for a stationary source can be determined in a manner acceptable to the board and the stationary source is deemed exempt using the emission rate for particulate matter (PM10), the stationary source shall be considered to be exempt for particulate matter. If the emissions of particulate matter (PM10) cannot be determined in a manner acceptable to the board, the emission rate for particulate matter shall be used to determine the exemption status.
E. Exemptions for stationary sources of toxic pollutants not subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be as follows:
1. Stationary sources exempt from the requirements of Article 5 (9VAC5-60-300 et seq.) of 9VAC5 Chapter 60 as provided in 9VAC5-60-300 C 1, C 2, D or E shall be exempt from the provisions of this article.
2. Facilities as specified below shall not be exempt, regardless of size or emission rate, from the provisions of this article.
a. Incinerators, unless the incinerator is used exclusively as air pollution control equipment.
b. Ethylene oxide sterilizers.
c. Boilers, incinerators, or industrial furnaces as defined in 40 CFR 260.10 and subject to 9VAC20 Chapter 60 (9VAC20-60)
F. Any source category or portion of a source category subject to the federal hazardous air pollutant new source review program shall be exempt from the provisions of this article if specifically exempted from that program by 40 CFR Part 61 or 63.
VA.R. Doc. No. R09-1638; Filed November 3, 2008, 3:12 p.m.