Virginia Law

Part V. General Permit Terms and Conditions for Electric Generating Units Using Hours of Operation for Compliance Demonstration

9VAC5-530-220. General permit.

A. Any owner whose application is approved by the director shall receive the following general permit and shall comply with the requirements in it and be subject to all requirements of this chapter and the regulations of the board.

B. In compliance with the provisions of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Law and regulations adopted pursuant to it, owners of affected units are authorized to operate under the authority of this general permit except those where board regulations or policies prohibit such operation.

C. The authorization to operate under this general permit shall be in accordance with the cover letter to this general permit, 9VAC5-530-2300 (General terms and conditions), 9VAC5-530-240 (Monitoring requirements) 9VAC5-530-250 (Operating limits), 9VAC5-530-260 (Emissions limits), 9VAC5-530-270 (Testing requirements), 9VAC5-530-280 (Recordkeeping requirements), and 9VAC5-530-290 (Reporting requirements).

Statutory Authority

§§ 10.1-1307.02 and 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 23, eff. August 17, 2011.

9VAC5-530-230. General terms and conditions.

A. The owner is authorized to operate an affected unit located within the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia in accordance with the approved general permit application and conditions of this general permit except where board regulations or policies prohibit such activities.

B. The owner shall comply with the terms and conditions of this general permit prior to commencing any physical or operational change or activity that will result in making the source subject to the new source review program.

Statutory Authority

§§ 10.1-1307.02 and 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 23, eff. August 17, 2011.

9VAC5-530-240. Monitoring requirements.

A. The owner shall install and use a nonresettable hour metering device to monitor the monthly and yearly operating hours for each affected unit, calculated monthly as the sum of each consecutive 12-month period. Each nonresettable hour meter shall be installed, maintained, calibrated, and operated in accordance with approved procedures that shall include, as a minimum, the manufacturer's written requirements or recommendations.

B. The hour meter used to continuously measure the hours of operation for each affected unit shall be observed by the owner with a frequency of not less than once per month. The owner shall keep a log of the observations from the hour meter.

Statutory Authority

§§ 10.1-1307.02 and 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 23, eff. August 17, 2011.

9VAC5-530-250. Operating limits.

A. The approved fuels for each CI affected unit are diesel fuel, biodiesel fuel, and biodiesel blends. These fuels shall meet the following specifications:

1. Diesel fuel that meets the ASTM D975-10b specification for S15 diesel fuel oil; maximum sulfur content per shipment, 0.0015%.

2. Biodiesel fuel that meets ASTM specification D6751-09; maximum sulfur content per shipment, 0.0015%.

B. The approved fuels for each SI affected unit are natural gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). These fuels shall meet the following specifications.

1. Natural gas with a minimum heat content of 1,000 Btu/scf HHV as determined by ASTM D1826-94 (Reapproved 2010), D4809-09a, or an equivalent method approved by the department.

2. LPG, including butane and propane, that meets ASTM specification D1835-05 or an equivalent method approved by the department.

C. Each affected unit shall not operate more than 350 hours per year, calculated monthly as the sum of each consecutive 12-month period.

1. Compliance for the consecutive 12-month period shall be demonstrated monthly by adding the total for the most recently completed calendar month to the individual monthly totals for the preceding 11 months.

2. Total emissions for any consecutive 12-month period, calculated as the sum of all emissions from operations under this condition, shall not exceed the limits stated in 9VAC5-530-260 E.

D. For affected units using diesel fuel or biodiesel fuel the owner shall obtain a certification from the fuel supplier with each shipment of diesel fuel or biodiesel fuel. Each fuel supplier certification shall include the following:

1. The name of the fuel supplier;

2. The date on which the diesel fuel or biodiesel was received;

3. The quantity of diesel fuel or biodiesel delivered in the shipment;

4. A statement that the diesel fuel complies with the American Society for Testing and Materials specifications (ASTM D975-10b) for S15 diesel fuel oil;

5. A statement that the biodiesel fuel complies with the American Society for Testing and Materials specifications (ASTM D6751-09); and

6. The sulfur content of the diesel fuel or biodiesel fuel.

Statutory Authority

§§ 10.1-1307.02 and 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 23, eff. August 17, 2011.

9VAC5-530-260. Emissions limits.

A. Manufacturer certified emissions of each CI affected unit located in either an attainment or nonattainment area shall not exceed the limits specified in Table V-1.

B. Emissions from the operation of each CI affected unit located in either an attainment or nonattainment area during testing shall not exceed the limits specified in Table V-2.

C. Manufacturer certified emissions of each SI affected unit located in either an attainment or nonattainment area shall not exceed the limits specified in Table V-3.

D. Emissions from the operation of each SI affected unit located in either an attainment or nonattainment area during testing shall not exceed the limits specified in Table V-4.

E. Combined emissions from the operation of affected units shall not exceed the limits specified in Table V-5.

F. Visible emissions from each affected unit shall not exceed 5.0% opacity as determined by Reference Method 9. This condition applies at all times except during startup, shutdown, and malfunction.

Statutory Authority

§§ 10.1-1307.02 and 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 23, eff. August 17, 2011.

9VAC5-530-270. Testing requirements.

A. Each affected unit shall be constructed and installed so as to allow for emissions testing upon reasonable notice at any time using appropriate methods. Sampling ports shall be provided when requested at the appropriate locations and safe sampling platforms and access shall be provided.

B. No affected unit shall be used for the purposes of preventative maintenance purposes between the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the ozone season of May 1 through September 30.

C. Initial performance tests shall be conducted for NO_x, CO, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5 from the affected unit using EPA-approved reference methods to determine compliance with the emission limits contained in 9VAC5-530-260.

1. The tests shall be performed and demonstrate compliance within 60 days after achieving the maximum production rate at which the affected unit will be operated but in no event later than 180 days after startup of the permitted affected unit.

2. Tests shall be conducted in accordance with EPA methods or an alternative method approved by the department.

3. The details of the tests are to be arranged with the regional office and the owner shall submit a test protocol at least 30 days prior to testing.

4. One copy of the test results shall be submitted to the department regional office within 45 days after test completion and shall conform to the test report format in 9VAC5-530-270 D.

5. Testing for multiple identical affected units located at the source shall be conducted as follows:

a. 50% of CI affected units shall be tested.

b. 100% of SI affected units over 500 bhp shall be tested.

6. The owner shall conduct additional performance testing every three years for NO_x, CO, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5 to demonstrate compliance with the testing emission limits contained in 9VAC5-530-260. The details of the tests shall be arranged with the regional office. Additional performance testing for multiple identical affected units located at the source shall be conducted as follows:

a. 20% of CI affected units shall be tested.

b. 100% of SI affected units over 500 bhp shall be tested.

D. The test report format for performance testing shall include the following:

1. A report cover containing:

a. The plant name;

b. The plant location;

c. Units tested (including unit reference number if assigned);

d. Test dates;

e. The name of the individual conducting the test;

f. The address of the individual conducting the test; and

g. The report date.

2. A certification, including the date certified, that has been signed by:

a. A test team leader or a certified observer;

b. The test reviewer; and

c. A responsible company official.

3. A copy of approved test protocol.

4. A summary including:

a. The reason for testing;

b. Test dates;

c. Identification of the unit tested including the maximum rated capacity for each unit;

d. For each emission unit, a table showing:

(1) The operating rate;

(2) Test methods;

(3) The pollutants tested; and

(4) Test results for each run, including the run average;

e. Process and control equipment data for each run and the average, as required by the test protocol;

f. A statement that the test was conducted in accordance with the test protocol, or identification and discussion of deviations, including the likely impact on results; and

g. Any other important information as determined by the regional office.

5. A description of source operation including:

a. A description of the process;

b. A description of control devices, if necessary;

c. A process and control equipment flow diagram; and

d. A description of sampling port location and a dimensioned cross section. A protocol shall be attached that includes a sketch of the stack (elevation view) showing sampling port locations, upstream and downstream flow disturbances and their distances from ports; and a sketch of stack (plan view) showing sampling ports, ducts entering the stack and stack diameter or dimensions.

6. Test results, including:

a. Detailed test results for each run;

b. Sample calculations; and

c. A description of collected samples, including audits, when applicable.

7. An appendix, including:

a. Raw production data;

b. Raw field data;

c. Laboratory reports;

d. Chain of custody records for laboratory samples;

e. Calibration procedures and results;

f. Project participants and contact information;

g. Observers' names including their industry and agency affiliation;

h. Related correspondence; and

i. Standard procedures.

E. Visible Emission Evaluations (VEE) in accordance with Reference Method 9 shall be conducted on each affected unit.

1. The evaluation shall be performed and demonstrate compliance within 60 days after achieving the maximum production rate at which the affected unit will be operated, but in no event later than 180 days after startup of the permitted affected unit.

2. Should conditions prevent concurrent opacity observations, the regional office shall be notified in writing within seven days and visible emissions testing shall be rescheduled within 30 days.

3. Rescheduled testing shall be conducted under the same conditions (as possible) as the initial performance tests.

4. Each test shall consist of 30 sets of 24 consecutive observations (at 15 second intervals) to yield a six-minute average.

5. The details of the tests are to be arranged with the regional office and the owner shall submit a test protocol at least 30 days prior to testing.

6. One copy of the test results shall be submitted to the regional office within 45 days after test completion and shall conform to the test report format in 9VAC5-530-270 F.

7. Initial VEE testing for multiple identical affected units located at the source shall be conducted as follows:

a. 50% of CI affected units shall be tested.

b. 100% of SI affected units over 500 bhp shall be tested.

8. The owner shall conduct additional VEE testing every three years to demonstrate compliance with the opacity limit contained in 9VAC5-530-260 F. The details of the tests shall be arranged with the regional office. Additional VEE testing for multiple identical affected units located at the source shall be conducted as follows:

a. 20% of CI affected units shall be tested.

b. 100% of SI affected units over 500 bhp shall be tested.

F. The test report format for visible emissions evaluations shall include the following.

1. A report cover containing:

a. The plant name;

b. The plant location;

c. Units tested at the source identified by the department that have been issued reference numbers;

d. Test dates;

e. The name of the individual conducting the test;

f. The address of individual conducting the test; and

g. The report date.

2. A certification, including the date certified, that has been signed by:

a. A test team leader or a certified observer; and

b. A responsible company official.

3. Copy of approved test protocol.

4. A summary including:

a. The reason for testing;

b. Test dates;

c. Identification of the unit tested, including the maximum rated capacity for each unit;

d. Summarized process and control equipment data for each run and the average as required by the test protocol;

e. A statement certifying that the test was conducted in accordance with the test protocol or, if not conducted according to protocol, identification and discussion of deviations, including the likely impact on results; and

f. Any other important information.

5. A description of source operation including:

a. A description of the process;

b. A description of control devices, if necessary;

c. A process and control equipment flow diagram; and

d. A description of sampling port location and a dimensioned cross section. A protocol shall be attached that includes a sketch of the stack (elevation view) showing sampling port locations, upstream and downstream flow disturbances and their distances from ports; and a sketch of stack (plan view) showing sampling ports, ducts entering the stack and stack diameter or dimensions.

6. The detailed test results for each run.

7. An appendix including:

a. The names of project participants and their titles;

b. The observers' names, including their industry and agency affiliation;

c. Related correspondence; and

d. Standard procedures.

Statutory Authority

§§ 10.1-1307.02 and 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 23, eff. August 17, 2011.

9VAC5-530-280. Recordkeeping requirements.

A. The owner shall maintain records of emission data and operating parameters as necessary and, if requested, provide them to the department within three business days to demonstrate compliance with this general permit.

B. The owner shall maintain records of the occurrence and duration of any bypass, malfunction, shutdown, or failure of the affected unit or its associated air pollution control equipment that results in excess emissions for more than one hour. Records shall include the date, time, duration, description (emission unit, pollutant affected, cause), corrective action, preventive measures taken, and name of person generating the record.

C. The content and format of such records shall be arranged with the regional office. These records shall include, but are not limited to:

1. Total combined annual hours of operation for the affected unit or units, calculated monthly as the sum of each consecutive 12-month period. Compliance for the consecutive 12-month period shall be demonstrated monthly by adding the total for the most recently completed calendar month to the individual monthly totals for the preceding 11 months.

2. All fuel supplier certifications.

3. Engine information including make, model, serial number, model year, maximum engine power, and engine displacement for each affected unit.

4. Written manufacturer specifications or written standard operating procedures prepared by the owner for each affected unit. The written standard operating procedures prepared by the owner cannot be less stringent than the written manufacturer specifications.

5. Results of all stack tests, VEE, and performance evaluations.

6. Operation and control device monitoring records for the nonresettable hour meter.

7. Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, testing, and operator training.

D. These records shall be available for inspection by the department and shall be current for the most recent five years.

Statutory Authority

§§ 10.1-1307.02 and 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 23, eff. August 17, 2011.

9VAC5-530-290. Reporting requirements.

A. The owner shall furnish written notification to the regional office of the following:

1. The actual date on which construction of each affected unit commenced within 30 days after such date.

2. If necessary, the actual date on which the integration operational period of each affected unit commenced within 15 days after such date.

3. The anticipated startup date of each affected unit postmarked or submitted electronically not more than 60 days nor less than 30 days prior to such date.

4. The actual startup date of each affected unit within 15 days after such date.

5. The anticipated date of performance tests of each affected unit postmarked or submitted electronically at least 30 days prior to such date.

B. The owner shall furnish notification to the regional office of malfunctions of the affected unit or related air pollution control equipment that may cause excess emissions for more than one hour.

1. Such notification shall be made as soon as practicable, but no later than four daytime business hours after the malfunction is discovered.

2. The owner shall provide a written statement giving all pertinent facts, including the estimated duration of the breakdown, within two weeks of discovery of the malfunction.

3. When the condition causing the failure or malfunction has been corrected and the equipment is again in operation, the owner shall notify the regional office.

Statutory Authority

§ 10.1-1308 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 23, eff. August 17, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 14, eff. April 11, 2024.