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	Specific Issues: EMISSIONS REGULATIONS STATE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS SITING REGULATIONS EXIT FEES STANDBY RATES BUILDING, ZONING, AND FIRE CODES AMMONIA ISSUES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ECONOMIC INCENTIVES

Proposed MA DG Regulation

The state of Massachusetts has released a draft output-based regulation on emissions from commercial/industrial size engines and combustion turbines. As defined in the proposed rule, engines mean spark ignition and compression ignition stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines. Turbines are defined as any stationary combustion turbine. It is interesting to note that an "Emergency" is defined as not only when there is an equipment failure, but also when the imminent threat of a power outage is likely due to failure of the electrical supply or when capacity deficiencies result in a deviation of voltage from the electrical supplier to the premises of three percent (3%) above or five percent (5%) below standard voltage.

Each time a new engine or turbine is installed, the owner will be required to certify compliance will all standards and requirements. The certification will include a manufacturer's certificate of emission performance. This will replace the currently required case-by-case permit review for those over current permit threshold levels.

However, engines or turbines to be operated as peaking power production units, load shaving units, units in an energy assistance program, units that produce mechanical power to run pumps, units to compress natural gas at a pipeline compressor station, and units burning landfill, digester or other biogas may file a traditional application for approval (permit). These operations can have specific technical or economic considerations that should be considered in a case-by-case review. If a traditional approval is requested, BACT will be required.

The proposed rule includes separate standards for emergency and non-emergency units. The limits are phased in over time. The proposed rule applies to engines and combustion turbines that are not subject to Prevention of Significant Deterioration or Non-Attainment Review. Non-Emergency engines are subject to declining emissions output regulations through the use of three phases. The first phase would occur on July 1, 2004. The second phase is 2008-2012. The third phase is 2012 and beyond. The phase-in is supposed to encourage the development and commercialization of new technologies.

The proposed regulation incorporates the RAP Model Rule emission limitations for non-emergency engines. Unlike the Model Rule, the proposed rule does not create or provide any incentives for concurrent emissions reductions, combined heat and power or end-use efficiency. However, the DEP is soliciting comments on the identification of any alternative appropriate incentives. The emission limits for turbines incorporate some numbers from the "Texas Rule."

Emergency Engines and Turbines:

The operation of emergency engines and turbines is limited to 300 hours during any rolling 12-month period. This limitation will be enforced through the use of a non-turnback hour counter. There are also requirements on stack height that vary with electrical output.

Emergency Engines:

The proposed rule applies to emergency engines with a rated power output equal to or greater than 37 kW that are constructed or "substantially" altered after July 1, 2004. However, engines that are greater than 37 kW but less than 1 MW only need to comply with the US EPA's emission limitation for non-road engines (40 CFR 89). The owner or operator must obtain a written statement from the supplier that the engine meets such standards. All emergency engines with a rated power output greater than 1 MW must meet the emission limits in Table 1. (NOTE: THE MAY 2004 DRAFT DOES AWAY WITH THE BELOW EMISSIONS LIMITATIONS. ENGINES GREATER THAN 1 MW ONLY NEED TO MEET THE EPA's NON-ROAD ENGINE RULE)

Table #1 Emission Limitations--Emergency Engines (SEE ABOVE NOTE)

Table #2 Emission Limitations--Emergency Turbines

Table #3 Emission Limitations--Engines

Table #4 Emission Limitations--Turbines