Federal Regulation 40 CFR 63

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In January 2013, the U.S. EPA finalized amendments to a new rule governing the air emissions from diesel, gasoline, propane, and natural gas fired engines. Cooperative members who own or operate a Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine (RICE engine) (e.g. stationary emergency generator) are subject to the new emission limits and record keeping requirements established by this rule. The requirements for stationary engines vary depending on whether the engine is new or existing; an area source or major source; compression ignition or spark ignition; and horse power rating. Compression ignition engines are run on diesel fuel, while spark ignition engines are gasoline, propane, or natural gas fired.

In September 2013, the U.S. EPA published a notice of reconsideration for the RICE MACT Rule. Based on the language in the published reconsideration, the EPA does not seem overly inclined to make any changes to the final rule. The potential impact on cooperative members is considered minimal.

NRECA developed RICE Q&A for additional guidance on how the RICE Rule affects cooperatives.

DIESEL ENGINES (A.K.A. COMPRESSION IGNITION)
Stationary diesel engines that were installed before June 12, 2006 are considered “Existing Sources” and must comply with the new rule by May 3, 2013.

EXISTING STATIONARY DIESEL ENGINES ≤ 300 HORSE POWER
Existing stationary diesel engines less than or equal to 300 HP must meet some basic operation, maintenance, and record keeping requirements.  The owner or operator must operate and maintain the engine according to the manufacturer written instructions or develop their own maintenance plan in a manner consistent with good air pollution control practice for minimizing emissions. The time required to start the engine and reach normal operating conditions should be limited to thirty (30) minutes or less. Hours of operation and the reason for operations should be documented as well as the occurrence and duration of any malfunctions and associated corrective actions. Records should be maintained for a period of five (5) years demonstrating compliance with these requirements (e.g. hours of operation, maintenance log listing periodic oil and filter changes, etc.).

EXISTING STATIONARY DIESEL ENGINES > 300 HORSE POWER
Existing stationary diesel engines greater than 300 HP may select between two sets of requirements, depending on whether the owner/operator chooses “Emergency” or “Non-Emergency” operation.  “Emergency” engines have no time limit on the hours of operation in emergency situations as defined by the rule, but they are limited to 100 hours per year for all other combination of purposes, such as required testing, maintenance and demand response as defined by NERC or state emergency management agencies.  Periods of high load and/or electricity prices are not considered an emergency for operation. 

The owner/operator may also choose to classify the engine as “Non-Emergency” in which there is no limit to the hours of operation but must meet established emission limits. There is nothing inherent in the engine itself that makes it emergency or non-emergency. The owner or operator can change the classification from “Emergency” to “Non-emergency”, if the usage changes and requirements are met.

The two key considerations for Cooperative members in determining to classify a stationary diesel engine greater than 300 HP as “Emergency” or “Non-emergency” is whether they want to be able to operate the engine for an unlimited number of hours and/or operate the engine for participation in peak shaving programs. Diesel engines classified as “Emergency” can only be used for peak shaving until May 3, 2014. Diesel engines classified as “Non-emergency” can be used for peak shaving any time, provided they meet the requirements in the rule for non-emergency engines.

In order to classify a stationary diesel engine greater than 300 HP as “Non-emergency” (available for peak shaving), the owner or operator will be required to reduce CO (Carbon Monoxide) emissions by installing an oxidation catalyst emission control device. Further, the owner or operator must verify the reductions have been met by performing an initial stack test. Stack testing cost estimates and vendor information is provided. Please note this is not intended to be an endorsement by the AMEC Regulatory Compliance Committee. The use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and other notification, maintenance, and record keeping requirements will also apply.

An existing stationary diesel engine greater than 300 HP that is classified as an “Emergency” engine (not available for peak shaving) must only meet the same basic record keeping and maintenance requirements as engines less than 300 HP and is not required to install oxidation catalyst or any other controls.

NEW STATIONARY DIESEL ENGINES
New diesel engines that were installed on or after June 12, 2006 should in most cases meet the new limits as installed by the manufacturer. Owners/Operators should request and vendors should be able to supply documentation to demonstrate the engine meets the applicable EPA standards.  Operate and maintain the engine according to the manufacturer’s emission-related written instructions and use only ultralow sulfur diesel fuel (≤ 15 ppm sulfur).  Along with following these practices, the vendor document and maintenance and operation records are typically all that is required to meet the rule for unlimited use including peak shaving. 

GASOLINE, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS ENGINES (A.K.A. SPARK IGNITION)
Stationary gasoline engines that were installed before June 12, 2006 are considered “Existing Sources”. Existing gasoline engines must comply with the new rule by October 19, 2013. Generally, the requirements for “New” gasoline engines that were installed on or after June 12, 2006 will be met by the manufacturer. Vendors should be able to supply documentation to demonstrate the engine meets the applicable EPA standards.

EXISTING STATIONARY SPARK IGNITION ENGINE ≤ 500 HORSE POWER 
Existing stationary gasoline engines less than or equal to 500 HP must meet some basic operation, maintenance, and record keeping requirements. Periodic oil and filter changes, and inspection of the spark plugs, hoses and belts are required. The owner or operator must operate and maintain the engine according to the manufacturer written instructions or develop their own maintenance plan in a manner consistent with good air pollution control practice for minimizing emissions. The time required to start the engine and reach normal operating conditions should be limited to thirty (30) minutes or less. Hours of operation and the reason for operating should be kept as well as the occurrence and duration of any malfunctions and associated corrective actions. Records should be maintained for a period of five (5) years demonstrating compliance with these requirements (e.g. hours of operation, maintenance log listing periodic oil and filter changes, etc.).

EXISTING STATIONARY SPARK IGNITION ENGINE > 500 HORSE POWER
Existing stationary gasoline engines greater than 500 HP have varying sets of requirements. One factor depends on whether the owner/operator chooses to classify a gasoline engine as an “Emergency” engine limited to operation during emergency situations and required testing and maintenance only, or the owner/operator chooses to classify it as a “Non-Emergency” engine in which there is no limit to the hours of operation. There is nothing inherent in the engine itself that makes it emergency or non-emergency. The owner or operator can change the classification from “Emergency” to “Non-emergency”, if the usage changes and requirements are met. A second factor depends on whether the gasoline engine is operated more or less than 24 hours per calendar year. A third factor that determines the compliance requirements is the type of the spark ignition engine. For example, there are 4 stroke lean burn engines, 4 stroke rich burn engines, and 2 stroke lean burn engines.

All of the factors involved and the possibilities that ensue for determining the requirements for gasoline engines greater than 500 HP are beyond the scope of this rule summary. Please contact Janelle Lemen by phone at (417) 891-5474 if you have questions about a gasoline engine (spark ignition) that is greater than 500 HP. Having the following information ready will aid in assisting with questions regarding spark engines.

  • Installation date
  • HP rating
  • General use and annual hours of operation
  • Engine type: 4 stroke lean burn, 4 stroke rich burn, and 2 stroke lean burn

RECORDKEEPING 
See sample operation log and sample maintenance log for record keeping requirements.

 

Rob LeForce, AECI, revised 8/12/2015