Emergency generators are essential for ensuring power during outages. This article explores the crucial aspects of emergency generator operation, focusing on permits, air emissions, and compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) regulations. Understanding these regulations is vital for responsible operation and minimizing environmental impact.
The South Coast AQMD mandates that a "Permit to Construct" is required before installing internal combustion engines (ICEs) exceeding 50 brake horsepower (bhp) and gas turbines surpassing 2,975,000 British thermal units (Btu) per hour. This regulation ensures proper oversight and emission control.
Most older emergency backup generators utilize diesel fuel, which has significant emissions implications. Diesel-fired engines can produce:
Switching to cleaner fuels like natural gas, ethanol, or propane can drastically reduce air pollution. For more information on local air quality, consider signing up for Air Alerts
The South Coast AQMD defines an emergency backup generator as a standby ICE or turbine used for non-utility power generation. These generators:
Natural gas-fired ICEs permitted by the South Coast AQMD, have some special allowances for operational requirements during periods of emergency. These ICEs:
Crucially, all hours used contribute to the annual limit of 200 hours.
Operating beyond the permitted 200-hour limit is a violation, potentially leading to fines. If you foresee exceeding this limit, petitioning the South Coast AQMD's Hearing Board for a variance before exceeding the limit is crucial. Contact the Hearing Board for assistance with this process.
Several options exist for obtaining a permit for your emergency backup generator:
Permitting natural gas-fired engines for more than 200 hours annually is possible, assuming compliance with Regulation XIII (modeling, offsets, BACT) and Regulation XIV (New Source Review for Toxics). Increased operating hours are assessed case-by-case.
Updating your permit to increase operating hours up to the 200-hour annual limit (specified in the South Coast AQMD's Rule 1110.2) is usually permissible. Testing and maintenance hours are restricted to 20-50 hours annually per Rule 1470. Submit Form 400-A, a copy of the previous permit, and the permit processing fee to request this change.
Micro-turbines are compact power generation systems that typically output of 30 to 60 kilowatts. They generally:
Consulting with the South Coast AQMD before purchasing any equipment is advisable. Key steps include:
For quicker processing, the South Coast AQMD offers expedited permit services for an additional fee. Submit Form 400-XPP (PDF) along with your application.
Fees vary based on equipment type and horsepower. Small businesses may qualify for a discount, while operating without a permit incurs a higher fee. Check the South Coast AQMD website for the latest fee information and consult current version of Rule 301.
For more information, explore the South Coast AQMD's website, including:
Staying informed about the regulations and options available helps ensure responsible operation of emergency generators, minimizing air emissions, and maintaining compliance with South Coast AQMD requirements.
