November 29, 2018
In a unanimous vote on November 15, 2018, the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) approved the Cleaner Air Oregon (CAO) Rules codified in Oregon Administrative Rules 340-245 according to a November Trinity Consultants report.
The Oregon rulemaking process and program overhaul began in April 2016, with the first draft rule published in October 2017. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) published a second draft of the rule in June 2018.
The basic attributes of the final rule require existing air quality permit holders (or those who have submitted a complete application to DEQ by November 16, 2018) to complete the following actions. Actions #3 and beyond detailed below are only required after Action #2 has occurred.
1. Triennially submit a toxic emission inventory (first submittal in 2020 for 2019 reporting year) – required for all air permit holders and those requested by DEQ.
2. Complete a facility wide Risk Assessment (or demonstrate exemption) when:
a. Notified in writing by DEQ, or
b. Facility is modified under division 224, New Source Review (PSD modification, with minor exceptions).
3. Complete required actions based on the facilities calculated Risk (identified as Risk Action Levels (RALs) in rule) which may include:
a. Obtaining a toxic permit,
b. Community engagement meeting,
c. Demonstrate toxic best available control technology (BACT), and/or
d. Risk Reduction Plan.
4. Submit an application to modify the Toxic Permit Addendum or operating permit:
a. Prior to constructing a new or modified significant toxic emission units (TEUs), or
b. If a new or modified TEU will invalidate facilities exemption from the CAO program.
5. Submit an annual report indicating compliance with Toxic Permit Addendum or operating permit and review of TBACT and zoning changes.
EQC has published several helpful Clean Air Oregon fact sheets:
- Overview of 2018 proposed rules
- How proposed rules reduce health risks from industrial air toxics
- How proposed rules affect business
- How do agencies determine what is a health risk?
What this means to you
The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission has approved the Cleaner Air Oregon Rules. The basic attributes of the final rule require existing air quality permit holders (or those who have submitted a complete application to DEQ by November 16, 2018) to complete a number of actions (see above).
MIRATECH can help
Contact MIRATECH for help stationary engine emission compliance control.