Notice of Public Workshop

SUBJECT: Amendments to AQMD RULE 411, NOx from Boilers, Process Heaters and Steam Generators.

The staff of the Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD will conduct a public workshop to discuss the proposed changes to Rule 411. Rule 411 applies to new and existing units (e.g., boilers, steam generators, process heater).

The proposed amendments to Rule 411 will:

1. Lower rule applicability from 5 million Btu per hour (mmBtu/hr) input to one million Btu per hour input,
2. Set NOx emission levels for new and existing units rated at 1 mmBtu/hr to less than 5 mmBtu/hr,
3. Lower the NOx emissions limit for new and existing units rated at or above 5 mmBtu/hr input,
4. Require all new units to meet the proposed NOx limits regardless of their fuel usage level, and
5. Establish exemptions from new and revised NOx limits at specified annual fuel usage.

Rule 411 was first adopted on February 2, 1995 and approved by EPA into the SIP on February 9, 1996.

The Rule was created in response to the requirement of the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 that the District submit NOx Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) rules for stationary sources. Rule 411 also fulfilled the requirement of Health and Safety Code section 40919(a)(3) that required the District to implement Best Available Retrofit Control Technology (BARCT) for all existing permitted stationary sources.

Copies of this notice, rule (PDF 98 Kb), and staff report (PDF 116 Kb) will be posted on the District's web site (www.airquality.org). Hard copies of the rule and the staff report can be provided upon request (916) 874-4800. Please direct your written comments on the rule to, Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD; 777 12th Street 3rd Floor, Sacramento CA 95814, Attention: Ali Mohamad (916) 874-4850. If you wish to submit your comments electronically, please e-mail them to amohamad@airquality.org.