Air Emissions Assessment for a Federal Facility
Air quality regulations are essential for protecting the environment and human health, but not all facilities are subject to the same permitting requirements. Facilities that emit below a certain threshold of regulated pollutants may qualify for exemptions from air permit requirements. Recently, Leaaf’s Engineering & Compliance Division assisted a local federal agency in determining whether their facility required an air permit after adding new equipment. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how Leaaf’s engineers conducted a comprehensive assessment of air emissions, providing valuable insights and peace of mind to our client.
Understanding Air Permit Thresholds
Air permits are typically required for facilities that emit a minimum threshold of air pollutants. Facilities emitting below this threshold may qualify for a small source exemption, alleviating the need for a complex permitting process. Our client, a federal agency, sought our expertise to assess whether their facility fell under these threshold criteria, notably after introducing new equipment to their site.
Our Approach
1. Air Emissions Calculations
Leaaf’s engineers conducted a thorough assessment of air emissions within the facility. This included evaluating nineteen (19) emission points scattered throughout the site, encompassing equipment such as emergency generators, hot water boilers, and steam boilers. Our engineers calculated emissions from each point to carefully and comprehensively understand the facility’s air emissions.
2. Data Compilation
Leaaf created a detailed spreadsheet containing all relevant information and data for each emission point to ensure accuracy and clarity. The spreadsheet included essential air emissions factors necessary for performing precise calculations—the compilation of data allowed for a transparent and well-organized assessment of air emissions at the facility.
3. Determining Compliance
After evaluating all emission points and performing calculations, Leaaf determined that the facility did not require an air permit application to be submitted. This conclusion was based on emissions falling below the threshold set by regulatory authorities. We summarized all the tables and information in a comprehensive report to provide our client with a record of our findings.
This project highlights our commitment to providing tailored solutions and alleviating compliance concerns. By conducting a thorough air emissions assessment, we ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and provided our client with valuable documentation for future reference.
Navigating air emissions regulations can be complex, but Leaaf is dedicated to simplifying the process for our clients. Our approach, from calculations and data compilation to reporting, ensures that facilities like the federal agency we assisted can operate confidently within the boundaries of environmental regulations. If you require assistance with air emissions assessments, compliance, or any other environmental challenges, please contact Leaaf’s Engineering & Compliance Division. We are here to help you make informed decisions and easily maintain compliance.
