Equipment Specific Permitting Guidelines

[Fee Schedule 34 C]

How Do I Get a Permit for an Emergency Stand-By Reciprocating Engine?

What must I do to apply for a permit or registration for this equipment?
There are two main requirements to initiate a permit application.
1)  You must submit information needed by the District to evaluate the acceptability of the proposed equipment.
2)  You must submit the required fees.

These requirements are addressed in detail below.

What forms must I complete and submit to the District?
Form APP116 is the District’s general permit application form that must be submitted with all applications.

In addition, a supplemental application form must also be submitted.  Review the various Fee Schedule 01 Supplemental Application 34A-J and select the correct one for your equipment type.

Form 116 is a checklist available to assist you in preparing and submitting a complete application.  Use of this form is optional.

How much will the permit cost?
Fees for this permit include:
1) an Evaluation Fee.
2) a Processing Fee.
3) an Air Contaminant Emission Fee.(Some cases Only)

Processing Fee
A $95 non-refundable processing fee must be submitted with all applications for an Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate.

Evaluation Fee
District Fee Schedule 34 specifies the application evaluation and renewal fees for Emergency Stand-by Reciprocating Engines. Review Fee Schedule 34 and select the correct fee for your equipment. (Fee Schedule 34 is part of the District’s Rule 40 which contains detailed information on all the District’s fees).  If you have a new (not previously permitted by the District) piece of equipment, you must submit an Initial Evaluation Fee that is shown in Column 1 of the fee schedule.  If you are modifying a previously permitted piece of equipment, your Evaluation Fee is equal to the fee shown in Column 1 (Initial Evaluation Fee) minus the fees shown in Column 2 (Emission Unit Renewal Fee).

Air Contaminant Emission Fees
If you do not currently have at least one valid district permit you are also required to submit an air contaminant emission fee.  The air contaminant emission fee is specified in Rule 40(d)(4).

What District rules apply to this equipment?
Rule: 50 limits visible emissions (smoke) for longer than 3 (three) minutes, in any sixty minute (1 hr) period.

Rule: 51 prohibits operations emissions from causing a public nuisance.

Rule: 69.4.1 specifies requirements applicable to Emergency Stand-by Reciprocating Engines.

In addition, other rules may apply including Rule: 20.1, 20.2, 20.3 and Rule 1200 depending on the nature an quantify of emissions from your equipment.

How long will it take to receive my permit?
Rule 18 specifies a timeline for actions that the District must take in processing applications.  The District is required to act on complete applications within 180 days.

Typically permits are issued in about 60 days. More complex processes will take longer and simpler ones may take less time.

One thing you can do to ensure quick processing of your permit is to submit as complete an application as possible.

Are there less polluting options available?
Yes.  Pollution prevention techniques can reduce your costs and regulatory requirements.  Pollution prevention occurs through source control (input material changes, technology changes, or improved operating practices), and reductions in the volume of wastes generated.

The California Air Resources Board Pollution Prevention website provides much valuable information about pollution prevention programs and practices at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/pp/pp.htm.

How do I get help filling out the Permit Applications for this equipment?
You may contact the District Small Business Assistance Program Coordinator at (858) 586-2656 or the District Engineering Section at (619) 206-5230.