Emission Tracking and Monitoring Plans

Learn about plans adopted by Bay Area refineries and metal facilities to monitor and reduce emissions from their operations.

Refinery Air Monitoring Plans

Fenceline air monitoring at petroleum refineries is used to measure concentrations of specified pollutants that cross the facility’s fenceline in real time.  The systems have the ability to monitor, record, and report air pollutant levels of multiple compounds.

The Air District's Petroleum Refining Emissions Tracking Rule includes a requirement that Bay Area refineries establish Air Monitoring Plans and operate fenceline air monitoring systems consistent with guidelines developed by the Air District.

Refinery Flare Minimization Plans

Flare systems at petroleum refineries are used to dispose of hydrocarbon gases safely. The flare systems gather the vented gases and combust them to keep them from being released directly into the air.

Flaring is not allowed unless it follows an approved Flare Minimization Plan. The plans describe each flare, the equipment/procedures used to reduce flaring, and any other measures needed to prevent flaring.

Metal Facilities Emissions Minimization Plans

Metal facilities include foundries, forges, metal shredders, and recycling operations. These facilities can emit both particles and odors. The Air District requires metal facilities to follow an Emissions Minimization Plan that describes their operations and efforts to reduce emissions.

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Compliance & Enforcement
General Compliance Information

415.749.4999 compliance@baaqmd.gov

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Spare the Air Status

Last Updated: 9/7/2017