Tech Environmental e-Newsletter
November 2004

EPA Redefines Short-Term Ozone Standard and Ozone Non-Attainment Status

What does this mean to new and existing stationary sources in Massachusetts and most of Connecticut? 

Massachusetts and most of Connecticut were classified as serious  non-attainment areas under the old 1-hour ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).  The old 1-hour NAAQS will be replaced by a new, and generally more stringent, 8-hour ozone NAAQS.  And, the EPA has re-designated Massachusetts and most of Connecticut as moderate  non-attainment areas.

Will NOx RACT Be Relaxed?

Of most interest to stationary sources are the Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) and the New Source Review (NSR) provisions.  RACT for major sources of NOx will not be relaxed with the new non-attainment classification.  Under current Federal regulations, becoming a moderate ozone non-attainment area would increase the major new source emissions threshold for NOx from 50 tons per year to 100 tons per year.  However, it is expected that Massachusetts and Connecticut will maintain the 50 tons per year threshold for NOx from major sources when their State Implementation Plans (SIPs) are submitted.  This is due to the fact that State requirements may be more stringent than Federal requirements and States are concerned with "backsliding" on air quality.   

What About VOCs?

The VOC threshold for new major sources will remain the same at 50 tons per year because all of New England is located in the ozone transport region.  The threshold for major modifications  will remain at 25 tons per year for VOC, but for NOx the threshold would increase from 25 tons per year to 40 tons per year under current Federal regulations.  However, Massachusetts and Connecticut are expected to maintain the 25 ton major modification threshold for NOx.    

What Is The Timetable?

Phase 1 of the current rule says that States with moderate  non-attainment areas have 6 years (until June 15, 2010) to achieve attainment of the new 8-hour ozone standard.  Massachusetts and Connecticut must submit SIPs to the EPA by June 15, 2007 that demonstrate how each State will meet the 8-hour standard by June 15, 2010, and emission reductions needed for attainment of the 8-hour ozone NAAQS must be implemented by April 15 of 2009.  However, EPA will require that the specific control measures in existing SIPs to meet the old 1-hour ozone standard, remain in place until the area meets the 8-hour standard to prevent "backsliding". 

In summary, the less stringent non-attainment classification coupled with more stringent ozone standards will counterbalance each other in Massachusetts and most of Connecticut.

Dana C. Buske, PhD
Environmental Scientist
DBuske@TechEnv.com
Extension 109   

Robert J. Rossi, PhD, CCM, QEP
Senior Atmospheric Scientist
RRossi@TechEnv.com
Extension 111

Wind Power Impact Studies in Nantucket Sound

Tech Environmental conducted noise and vibration studies, both in the air and underwater, for the proposed 420 MW Cape Wind wind turbine energy farm, which is located in Nantucket Sound about five miles south of Hyannis, Massachusetts.  Tech Environmental performed baseline sound level monitoring along the south coast of Cape Cod and on Martha’s Vineyard, and we also performed baseline underwater sound monitoring in Nantucket Sound.  Since underwater sound level limits have been set to protect marine mammals during pile driving of wind turbine towers, Tech Environmental monitored these levels during construction of the Scientific Measurement Devices Station tower at the project site.

A comprehensive sound and vibration impact assessment for the operation of the wind turbine farm was performed--addressing both airborne impacts on nearby coastal communities of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, as well as waterborne impacts on marine mammals.  The acoustic analysis also included consideration of several alternative sites at sea and on Cape Cod.  These studies were completed as part of an ongoing federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the wind power facility.  Tech Environmental also provided expert testimony before the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB).

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Tech Environmental is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael T. Lannan, P.E. to Vice President.  Mr. Lannan was hired by Tech Environmental in December of 2002 as an Associate Odor Control Engineer and Project Manager.  "We are tremendously excited to offer this promotion to Michael," says  Peter Guldberg, President of Tech Environmental.  "His diverse experience and exposure in multiple aspects of air quality and odor control make him an ideal candidate for this position."

Mr. Lannan holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Northeastern University.  He is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

CONTACT INFO
1601 Trapelo Road

Waltham, Massachusetts 02451

ph. 781-890-2220

fax 781-890-9451

VPMarketing@TechEnv.com

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