Reciprocating, Internal Combustion Engine MACT
(RICE MACT)

U.S. EPA - Maine DEP Engine Webinar

On April 24th 2013, and May 2nd  2013, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) partnered to conduct a webinar on engine regulations. Presentation summaries.

On March 3, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued amendments to emission standards for the control of hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions from reciprocating internal combustion engines.

The amendments apply to existing diesel powered stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines (RICE). These engines are also known as compression ignition (CI) engines. The amendments set standards for existing engines located at both major and area sources of HAP for the following engine types:

  • Engines with more than 500 brake HP constructed before 12/19/02 at a major source of HAPs
  • Engines 500 brake HP constructed before 6/12/06 at a major source of HAPs and
  • For engines of any size at an area source of HAP constructed before 6/12/06

Operators of existing stationary diesel engines will be required to:

  • Install emissions control equipment that limit air toxics emissions by up to 70 percent for stationary non-emergency engines with a site rating greater than 300 HP;
  • Perform emissions tests to demonstrate engine performance and compliance with rule requirements; and
  • Burn ultra-low sulfur fuel in stationary non-emergency engines with a site rating greater than 300 horsepower; and
  • Notify Maine DEP and EPA that you have an engine subject to this regulation.

This rule is not applicable to existing stationary emergency engines at area sources that are located at residential, commercial, or institutional facilities. Please refer to the regulation for specific applicability and exemption criteria as well as your obligations under this rule.

Notification Requirements for Existing Non-emergency CI Engines

An initial notification must be submitted by August 31, 2010 from owners/operators of the following:

  • Existing non-emergency Compression Ignition (CI) engines greater than or equal to 100 brake horsepower (HP) located at a major source of HAP, and
  • Non-emergency CI engines greater than 300 brake HP located at an area source of HAP. For example, a 300 brake hp engine running at 36% efficiency has a design capacity of ~2.1 mmbtu/hr).

The following are NOT required to submit an initial notification:

  • Existing emergency CI engines;
  • Existing CI engines less than 100 brake HP at major sources of HAP;
  • Existing CI engines less than or equal to 300 brake HP at area sources of HAP.

Requirements for the initial notification report must include all of the information identified in 40 CFR 63 Section 63.9(b)(2)(i) through (v). Download an initial notification form meeting these requirements. Please complete the form and send one copy to each of the following agencies.

Director, Air Compliance Programs State of Maine
EPA - New England Department of Environmental Protection
5 Post Office Square Bureau of Air Quality
Suite 100 (OES04-2) State House Station #17
Boston, MA 02109-3912 Augusta, Maine 04333-0017
Attn: Air Compliance Clerk Attn: Lisa P. Higgins

Management and Work Practice Requirements

Although owners/operators of emergency engines do not have to file a notification, they still have applicable management and work practice requirements. The compliance date for these new requirements is May 3, 2013.

Additional Information

For questions contact: Lisa Higgins at (207) 287-7023 or at email address at lisa.higgins@Maine.gov or Susan Lancey of EPA New England at (617) 918-1656 or at email adress at lancey.susan@epa.gov

Definitions

Area source is any source that is not a major source.

Major sources are those plant sites with the potential to emit 10 tons per year (tpy) of any one hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or 25 tpy of a combination of HAPs.

Commercial emergency stationary RICE means an emergency stationary RICE used in commercial establishments such as office buildings, hotels, stores, telecommunications facilities, restaurants, financial institutions such as banks, doctor's offices, and sports and performing arts facilities.

Compression ignition (CI) means relating to a type of stationary internal combustion engine that is not a spark ignition engine.

Emergency stationary RICE means any stationary internal combustion engine whose operation is limited to emergency situations and required testing and maintenance. Examples include stationary RICE used to produce power for critical networks or equipment (including power supplied to portions of a facility) when electric power from the local utility (or the normal power source, if the facility runs on its own power production) is interrupted, or stationary RICE used to pump water in the case of fire or flood, etc. Stationary RICE used for peak shaving are not considered emergency stationary RICE. Stationary RICE used to supply power to an electric grid or that supply nonemergency power as part of a financial arrangement with another entity are not considered to be emergency engines, except as permitted under § 63.6640(f). All emergency stationary RICE must comply with the requirements specified in § 63.6640(f) in order to be considered emergency stationary RICE. If the engine does not comply with the requirements specified in § 63.6640(f), then it is not considered to be an emergency stationary RICE under this subpart.

Institutional emergency stationary RICE means an emergency stationary RICE used in institutional establishments such as medical centers, nursing homes, research centers, institutions of higher education, correctional facilities, elementary and secondary schools, libraries, religious establishments, police stations, and fire stations.

Limited use stationary RICE means any stationary RICE that operates less than 100 hours per year.

Hazardous air pollutants (HAP) means any air pollutants listed in or pursuant to section 112(b) of the CAA

Residential emergency stationary RICE means an emergency stationary RICE used in residential establishments such as homes or apartment buildings.

Site-rated HP means the maximum manufacturer's design capacity at engine site conditions.

Spark ignition means relating to either: A gasoline-fueled engine; or any other type of engine a spark plug (or other sparking device) and with operating characteristics significantly similar to the theoretical Otto combustion cycle. Spark ignition engines usually use a throttle to regulate intake air flow to control power during normal operation. Dual-fuel engines in which a liquid fuel (typically diesel fuel) is used for CI and gaseous fuel (typically natural gas) is used as the primary fuel at an annual average ratio of less than 2 parts diesel fuel to 100 parts total fuel on an energy equivalent basis are spark ignition engines.

Stationary reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) means any reciprocating internal combustion engine which uses reciprocating motion to convert heat energy into mechanical work and which is not mobile. Stationary RICE differ from mobile RICE in that a stationary RICE is not a non-road engine as defined at 40 CFR 1068.30, and is not used to propel a motor vehicle or a vehicle used solely for competition.

This listing is not all inclusive. Please see the rule for a complete list of applicable definitions.