The University’s main campus located in Lexington is required to obtain approval for the construction and operation of any affected facility (apparatus, building, operation, road, or other entity) that could potentially emit any regulated or hazardous air pollutant (HAP) as defined by the Clean Air Act. For the University’s permit, the affected facilities are stationary sources (e.g., boiler) often referred to as an emission unit which is any part or activity of a source that emits a regulated air pollutant or HAP (e.g., boiler stack). Therefore, the permitted equipment is referred to interchangeably as an affect facility, source, or emission unit. Further,̶ the University’s main campus as a whole is referenced as a source meaning there are one or more affected facilities within a given property line.
The permitting process for air emissions has evolved. Previously the University received a permit to construct an emission unit and another permit to operate it. Rarely would one comprehensive operating permit be issued and the University had to rely on multiple permits to form a complete list of permitted requirements. With the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the Title V program was established to standardize air quality permits and the permitting process through a national operating permit process. A Title V permit contains all regulated emission units on one permit and as construction or modifications are made, a new Title V permit is issued containing all previous emission units and as well as any new emission units or modifications to existing emission units.
The EPA has delegated Title V permitting authority to the Kentucky Division for Air Quality (KDAQ). As such, all Title V permits in the Commonwealth must be issued through KDAQ. There are multiple Title V permit classifications. The University’s permit is classified as a major source with potential emissions of 100 tpy of any regulated pollutant, 10 tpy of any single HAP, and 25 tpy of any combination of HAPs. However, operating limitations were taken to remain a minor classification with regards to HAPs.
The University is permitted to operate 10 dual-fired natural gas/diesel boilers, 4 coal-fired boilers, 25 natural gas-fired boilers, eighty-eight (88) diesel-fired emergency generators, 15 natural gas-fired emergency generators, 2 paint booths, and various insignificant activities.
The Title V permit is divided into multiple Sections A – I. Although important, Sections A, and E – I are general permitting conditions applicable to all Title V permits issued by KDAQ. However, Sections B – D contain requirements specific to the University.
Section B designates an emission unit (EU) number to each permitted source and provides a relevant description. Sources with the same applicable regulations are grouped to prevent redundancy. For each source, the permit establishes operating and emission limitations and testing, monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements.
Section C contains all sources deemed as insignificant activities.
Section D establishes operating and emission limitations and testing, monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements applicable to multiple or all sources.
Although all the requirements in Sections B and D are too numerous to individually list on this site, they are directly or indirectly reflected in the reports submit to KDAQ.
To demonstrate permit compliance, the University is required to report multiple parameters to KDAQ and EPA throughout the year. Reporting of sources is based on requirements of an applicable regulation or to preclude a regulation.
Emissions Inventory Survey – Applicable to all sources – Submit to KDAQ in the 1st quarter
Quarterly Reports – Applicable to specific sources – Submit to KDAQ 30-days after end of quarter
Semi-Annual Reports – Applicability varies from specific sources to all sources – Submit to KDAQ June 30 and January 30
Annual Compliance Certification – Applicable to all sources – Submit to KDAQ and EPA January 30
Test Reports – Applicable to specific sources – Submit to KDAQ and EPA 45 days after test
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