Air Permitting in California: A Comprehensive Overview

Air permitting in California is a complex process that involves multiple levels of regulation, from federal to local air districts. CaliEnvironmental has the expertise to navigate the complexities associated with air permitting for a wide range of equipment and operations.

Key Areas of Expertise

CaliEnvironmental has experience preparing air permit applications for numerous industries, including but not limited to:

Manufacturing & Processing: Boilers, kilns, chemical processing, and food drying.
Energy Production: Biomass power, geothermal plants, and natural gas engines.
Waste Management: Municipal solid waste digesters, composting, and wastewater treatment.
Specialized Operations: Asphalt operations, gasification units, and rendering systems.

Emission Quantification

Criteria Pollutants

Accurate emission quantification is critical for permit applications. This includes:

Source-Specific Emissions: Calculating emissions for nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM).
AP 42 Emission Factor Analysis: Utilizing standardized emission factors for various processes.
Source Testing: Developing emission factors through actual source testing.
Specialized Tools: Employing tools like the Emissions Inventory Improvement Program (EIIP) for specific processes.

Toxics

Quantifying toxic emissions is essential to comply with Air District regulations. This includes:

Health Risk Assessments (HRAs): Calculating potential health risks based on emissions data.
T-BACT Considerations: Identifying if additional control technologies are necessary to reduce toxic emissions.

Best Available Control Technology (BACT)

Most new sources must implement BACT, which is determined during the permitting phase. CaliEnvironmental:

Identifies BACT Early: This allows facilities to plan for compliance and minimize costs.
Evaluates on a Case-by-Case Basis: BACT is assessed based on specific project requirements and thresholds.

Health Risk Calculations and Dispersion Modeling

CaliEnvironmental utilizes various methods for health risk calculations, including:

AERMOD Dispersion Modeling: For evaluating air pollutant dispersion.
HARP2: A tool used for conducting health risk calculations related to toxic emissions.
Mobile Source Emissions Modeling: Addressing emissions from mobile sources as required by certain districts.

Rule Analysis

Compliance with all applicable regulations is crucial for successful permitting. This includes:

Federal and State Regulations: Adhering to the Clean Air Act (CAA), NESHAP, and local air district rules.
Offset and Credit Determinations: Evaluating emission reduction credits (ERCs) and offsets as necessary.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): Ensuring compliance with CEQA as part of the permitting process.

Permit Conditions and Negotiations

CaliEnvironmental advocates for early negotiations with Air Districts, especially for complex projects. Key strategies include:

Drafting Permit Conditions: Suggesting conditions that minimize compliance costs for facility operators.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with permit engineers to ensure conditions align with operational needs.

Conclusion

Navigating the air permitting process in California requires a thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks and technical expertise. CaliEnvironmental’s extensive experience and dedicated team ensure that clients receive comprehensive support throughout the permitting process, helping to achieve compliance while minimizing costs and delays. Whether it’s for complex manufacturing operations or specialized equipment, CaliEnvironmental is equipped to handle all air permitting needs.