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Topic: California Emissions Permitting of Stationary Diesel Electric Power Generation Units

UPDATE 01/2011

Please read this updated information on rule changes that affect the Air Quality Management Districts’ permitting of new emergency standby generators in California.

Since the Stationary Engine Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) was adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2004, operators of emergency standby engines have anticipated the implementation of a Tier 4 after-treatment requirement. Designed to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter, NOx, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, the ACTM would have required costly adaptations to emergency generator sets beginning in January of 2011.

CARB’s recent approval of amendments to the ACTM, however, will likely lift the Tier 4 requirement for standby generators. These revisions will align the measure with the federal New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), which allows regulatory compliance for emergency stationary engines through existing Tier 2 and Tier 3 emissions standards. In short, emergency generator sets that currently comply with California emissions requirements will continue to comply in 2011 without the need for any modification. Generators used for applications other than emergency standby power, however, will still require Tier 4 certification by the manufacturer including any required exhaust after-treatment at the beginning of 2011.

These revisions to the ACTM were prompted by an independent analysis conducted by ARB staff, which found that lifting Tier 4 requirements for emergency power equipment will save $46 million annually through 2020 without significantly impeding the state’s efforts to reduce overall diesel emissions. The ARB staff’s recommendation to lift Tier 4 standards for the specified equipment, supported by testimony from Tim French of the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), was unanimously passed by the Air Resources Board.

Because there were no objections to the proposed amendments to the ACTM, additional changes or comment periods will not be necessary. ARB staff will send their proposal to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) for consent.  Once the OAL confirms that the rule is not in conflict with any other regulations, the Secretary of State will review it for final approval.

To read more about CARB’s amendments to the ACTM, see the ARB staff’s board presentation at http://www.arb.ca.gov/board/books/2010/102110/10-9-2pres.pdf, the ATCM with proposed amendments at http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/2010/atcm2010/atcmappa.pdf, and the EMA’s comments at http://www.arb.ca.gov/lists/atcm2010/2-pdf_letter_to_carb.pdf.

Please be assured Holt of California will continue to monitor the progress of these changes and will provide any additional updates on the emissions page of our web site www.holtca.com . Do not hesitate to contact us with any additional questions you may have with regard to your engine driven equipment.

Thank you,

Rich Lund
Power Systems Sales Manager
Holt of California