 The SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District) released its preliminary 2016 AQMP (Air Quality Management Plan) control measures. Of particular note is control measure CMB-04, Emission Reductions from Restaurant Burners and Residential Cooking. This new control strategy was a focus of discussion during SCAQMD’s April 13, 2016 AQMP Advisory Group meeting. According to SCAQMD’s proposed control measure, NOx (nitrogen oxide, a pollutant that forms ozone) reductions would be sought from residences, retail restaurants and quick service establishments. NOx is currently an unregulated air pollutant from these sources. SCAQMD indicates that it will be funding the development of and incentivizing the use and installation of low NOx burner technologies. Although SCAQMD does not currently regulate NOx emissions from restaurant and residential charbroilers, fryers, ranges and ovens, it does regulate PM (particulate matter) emissions of chain driven charbroilers (Rule 1130). SCAQMD has also proposed to expand the requirement of PM controls to under-fired charbroilers in the 2016 AQMP as well (BCM-01, Further Emission Reductions from Commercial Cooking).
The potential impacts to this industry are more rigorous permitting requirements and fees, increased equipment costs and a periodic requirement to test/verify air pollution control equipment regulatory compliance. These draft control measures are proposed to be included in SCAQMD’s 2016 AQMP, a comprehensive and integrated Plan primarily focused on addressing the ozone and PM2.5 air pollution. The Plan is a regional and multi-agency effort (SCAQMD, ARB (California Air Resources Board), SCAG (Southern California Association of Governments) and US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)) which must identify how the region will meet EPA air quality standards by mandated “attainment” dates. We mentioned this topic in an article from October 2015, click here to read more. For more information and support, contact Alta at 888-608-3010. Comments are closed.
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