The proposed amendments address deficiencies identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency in the District’s permit rules for major new and modified sources so that the permit rules can receive full approval under Clean Air Act § 110(k)(3) (42 U.S.C. § 7410(k)(3)). In addition, the proposed amendments will:

• Lower the permit exemption level for internal combustion engines from below 250 hp rating to below 50 hp rating;
• Delete the exclusion found in Regulation 1 for emergency standby generators;
• Create a permitting exemption for standby internal combustion engines and gas turbines used less than 200 hours per year;
• Implement federal Clean Air Act requirements related to new sources of hazardous air pollutants and analysis of alternatives for major modifications; and
• Clarify regulatory language throughout.

The District has determined that these amendments to Regulation 1 and to Regulation 2, Rules 1, 2, and 4 are exempt from provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15061, subd. (b)(3). The amendments are administrative in nature, and do not in themselves affect air emissions from any sources or operations subject to the rule. It can therefore be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that these proposed amendments will have a significant environmental impact. The District intends to file a Notice of Exemption pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15062.

A copy of proposed changes to Regulation 1 and to Regulation 2, Rules 1, 2, and 4 with additions underlined and deletions stricken through, and a copy of the draft staff report is available for viewing on the District’s web site at www.baaqmd.gov, or by request. Requests for copies of the proposed rule changes or staff report should be directed to May Leung, Secretary, at (415) 749-4729. Questions and comments regarding this proposal should be directed to Steve Hill, Air Quality Engineering Manager, at (415) 749-4673, or sent electronically at shill@baaqmd.gov.