What to Expect Now That SCAQMD Finalized the Air Toxics Program

1/19/2017

Health Risk Assessment, Toxic Emission Inventories, and Risk Reduction Plans!

In November 2016, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) finalized Amended Rule 1402. Rule 1402 implements AB2588 within the SCAQMD and requires facilities with large quantities of toxic emissions to prepare toxic emission inventories, health risk assessments (HRAs), and risk reduction plans (RRPs). Along with the finalized rule, SCAQMD recently released the following associated documents:

Facility Prioritization Procedures
AB2588 Supplemental Guidelines
Public Notification Procedures
Voluntary Risk Reduction Plan Participating Guidelines
Quadrennial Air Toxics Reporting Procedure

Now that the program is finalized, facilities will start receiving AB2588 notification letters from SCAQMD. Once a letter is received, a facility must respond and go through the various steps of the AB2588 program, which usually begins with preparing an Air Toxics Inventory Report (ATIR). Certain facilities will have the option to enter the Voluntary Risk Reduction Program (VRRP). Regardless of which path you choose, the amended AB2588 program requires detailed responses within quick turnaround deadlines. The first step to take is to prepare a thorough, accurate ATIR because the next steps of the program will be based on your initial report. Accurate responses are crucial as under reporting can lead to violations or litigation and over reporting may result in unnecessary effort and expenditures.

If you receive a letter and would additional information specific to your facility, contact Chris Waller at (800) 777-0605 or info@altaenviron.com.