Notice of Public Workshop

SUBJECT: Notice of Public Workshop to Discuss Fees on Agricultural Engines

The staff of the Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD will conduct a public workshop to discuss proposed new Rule 311, REGISTRATION FEES FOR AGRICULTURAL COMPRESSION IGNITION ENGINES and the proposed changes to Rule 801, NEW SOURCE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS and Rule 904, AIR TOXICS CONTROL MEASURES.

Rule 311 will set fees for recovering the cost of implementing and enforcing a registration program for compression ignition (diesel) engines used in agricultural operations, as required by the statewide Air Toxic Control Measure for Stationary Compression Ignition Engines.

Rule 801 adopts by reference federal regulations contained in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 60, Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources. The District is proposing to amend Rule 801 to include new standards recently adopted by the U.S. EPA.

Rule 904 adopts by reference the provisions of Title 17, Division 3, Chapter 1, Subchapter 7.5 of the California Code of Regulations.  These statewide Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCMs) limit the emissions of toxic air contaminants.  The amendments to Rule 904 will include the most up-to-date version of the State’s ATCMs, including six new measures.  Most notably, the ATCM for Stationary Compression Ignition Engines is now applicable to in-use diesel engines used in agricultural operations, and these engines must be registered with the District by March 1, 2008.

Staff finds that proposed Rule 311 requirements are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(8) and section 15273 of the state CEQA Guidelines provide that the adoption or amendments of fee rules are not subject to CEQA.  Staff also finds that the proposed amendments to Rules 801 and 904 are exempt from CEQA as ministerial actions under section 15268 of the state CEQA Guidelines.

Downloadable documents:

• Rule 311 Staff Report (PDF)
• Proposed new Rule 311 (PDF)
• Rules 801 and 904 Staff Report (PDF)
• Proposed revision to Rule 801 (PDF)
• Proposed revision to Rule 904 (PDF)

Hard copies of these rules and the staff reports will be provided upon request (916) 874-4800.

Please direct your written comments on this rule to:

Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD
777 12th Street, 3rd Floor
Sacramento CA, 95814

Attention: Joe Carle (916) 874-4838 

You can also submit your comments electronically via e-mail to jcarle@airquality.org.