USER'S GUIDE TO BACT/TBACT WORKBOOK

The BACT and TBACT determinations listed in this workbook are grouped by source category, either industrial equipment or process category, and compiled in the following Sections 2 through 11. For consistency and ease of use, this Workbook generally uses the same source categories adopted by the California Air Resources Board, the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Each source category or subcategory has its own number; in almost all cases, the numbering system is consistent with those adopted by the CARB/CAPCOA Clearinghouse and the SCAQMD.

Before using the BACT/TBACT Workbook, the user is advised to review the guidelines expressed in the previous sections on the BACT and TBACT definitions and policy and implementation procedures. The user should then find the source category that most closely matches the equipment or process under review; in some cases, the source category BACT/TBACT determinations are divided further by class, i.e., by equipment design, capacity and/or emission load.

Each source category or subcategory has a unique set of BACT emission controls or emission limitations for each pollutant: precursor organic compounds (POC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM10), and non-precursor organic compounds (NPOC).

The BACT determination tables presented in Sections 2 through 11 have two BACT levels of control as discussed previously: 1) Technologically Feasible/Cost-Effective and 2) Achieved in Practice. The minimum BACT level of control is the second category; the emission control or emission limitation has already been generally achieved in practice. Then the user should look for a BACT entry in the first BACT level of control, technologically feasible/cost-effective controls or emission limitations, and determine whether the control or emission limitation is appropriate for the specific application under review. The fact that there is a BACT Level 1 entry in the table indicates that a determination has already been made that the technology is feasible and is generally cost-effective. The Air Pollution Control Officer, with the assistance of District staff, will make the final determination of the applicability of that BACT determination for the specific source equipment, usage, and operating condition under review. Staff will also review the proposed control equipment and/or emission control level for obsolescence, and determine whether a more efficient control technique and/or more stringent emission limitation has been shown to be feasible and cost effective. As discussed in the Cost Effectiveness Determination section, such factors as the material usage or process throughput limits expected on the permit to operate will have a major impact on the final determination. If no control technology or emission limitation in the "technologically feasible/cost-effective" BACT category is applicable, then BACT reverts back to the "achieved in practice category," or to some intermediate level of control.

Finally, the user should be reminded that BACT and TBACT do evolve as more efficient control technologies and processes develop and are demonstrated. This Workbook is meant to be only a guide to Best Available Control Technology and Best Available Control Technology for Toxics. BACT and TBACT determinations can continue to be made on a case-by-case basis whenever site specific limitations or opportunities are evident. Permit applicants are encouraged to submit to the District such information as verifiable third party source test data and equipment vendor invoices (for cost information). As new technology information becomes available, District staff will review the data for possible incorporation in BACT and TBACT determinations and permit application evaluations. Subsequent editions of the BACT/TBACT Workbook will include these revised or new BACT and TBACT determinations.