August 1, 2019
On July 15, 2019, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) announced the new and finalized general permit for emergency generators according to a July 19, 2019 Trinity Consultants report. The new general permit covers emergency generators rated at 373 kW up to and including 2000 kW.
Only compression ignition engines whose primary purpose is emergency operation would be able to apply for coverage under this general permit. This includes compression ignition engines subject to either the New Source Performance Standards for Stationary Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engines (NSPS Subpart IIII), or the Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) Maximum Achievable Control Technology (RICE MACT) standard.
The emergency generators may operate in certain non-emergency situations for 50 hours per year, as described in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) §60.4211(f)(3) and 40 CFR §63.6640(f)(3).
MDE changed the applicability requirements of the general permit so that emergency generators located at a major source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) are now able to apply for this general permit. Previously, major sources of NOx were unable to apply for this general permit. However, as proposed in the draft permit, emergency generators located at major sources of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are not eligible for this general permit.
The general permit for emergency generators is a one-time only permit, required before construction and/or installation of the engine. This new general permit to construct will be effective on or around August 19, 2019.
What this means to you
Maryland has announced a new and finalized general permit for emergency CI engine generators. The new general permit covers emergency generators rated at 373 kW up to and including 2000 kW.
MIRATECH can help
Contact MIRATECH for CI generator engine emission solutions in Maryland.