Assembly Bill 617 (AB 617) is a significant piece of legislation passed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that aims to enhance air quality through comprehensive reporting, the implementation of Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BARCT), and stringent monitoring requirements for both stationary and mobile sources of air pollution. Below is a summary of its key components:
1. Reporting of Criteria and Air Toxic Pollutants
- Mandatory Reporting: Facilities are required to report emissions data if they meet specific criteria:
- They are mandated to report greenhouse gas emissions.
- They are permitted to emit 250 tons or more of a criteria pollutant.
- They are classified as high priority for toxic emissions by local Air Districts.
- Data Submission Timeline:
- Reporting began in 2020 for 2019 emissions data.
- Starting in 2021, additional reporting requirements will be in effect for GHG and criteria pollutant facilities.
- High-priority toxic facilities will start in 2022.
- Facilities must submit data by May 1 each year, and local Air Districts must forward this data to CARB by August 1.
- Public Availability: The emissions data reported will be made publicly accessible.
CaliEnvironmental’s Role: The firm specializes in assisting facilities with the preparation of required toxic and criteria emissions reports, drawing on extensive experience in this area.
2. Stationary Source BARCT Requirements
- Definition of BARCT: Best Available Retrofit Control Technology entails retrofitting existing sources with advanced control devices and technologies to reduce emissions.
- Implementation Timeline:
- Initiatives began in 2019, focusing primarily on larger sources such as refineries and cement manufacturers, with a gradual expansion to smaller sources over time.
- Types of Control Devices: Facilities may need to install various technologies, including:
- High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters
- Low-nitrogen oxide (NOx) burners
- Scrubbers and adsorbers
- Enclosures and venting systems
- Permitting Requirement: Before implementing control devices, facilities must obtain the necessary permits from their local Air District.
3. Ambient and Fenceline Monitoring
- Community Air Protection Program: CaliEnvironmental offers compliance assistance, which includes:
- Oversight and support for source testing.
- Fenceline monitoring to assess emissions near facility boundaries.
- Development of detailed emissions inventories.
4. Industrial Mobile Sources
- Mobile Source Regulations: Facilities must prepare for new regulations impacting mobile sources, including:
- Stricter standards for clean cars, buses, and trucks.
- New requirements for off-road diesel vehicles.
- Updated standards for forklifts.
- Enhanced cleanliness standards at ports.
- Compliance Planning: CaliEnvironmental assists facilities in navigating these new mobile source compliance and reporting requirements.
Overall, AB 617 represents a proactive approach to air quality management in California, focusing on improving public health and environmental standards through rigorous monitoring, reporting, and technological upgrades. CaliEnvironmental is positioned to support facilities in meeting these complex compliance requirements effectively.