50kw_diesel_generator_setThe New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) issued a new regulation (6NYCRR 222) for generators, taking effect on December 1, 2016. The new regulation applies to generators with an output rating of:

• 200 horsepower (150kW) or greater in the New York City metropolitan area
• 400 horsepower (300kW) or greater outside the New York City metropolitan area

The following are the requirements for generators that fall under the above categories:

        • Air Registration/Permit. Generators other than emergency power generators must operate under a NYSDEC air registration or permit (based on the potential output of emissions).
        • Emission testing. Emission tests for NOx and PM must have been conducted by April 30, 2017, on generators other than emergency power generators, with prior notification to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) at least 60 calendar days before the scheduled date of the emission tests. These tests must comply with the emission limit listed in Part 222.4. Emission tests must be conducted every ten years, and records must be maintained at the facility for ten years from the date of the emission tests.
        • Tune-up. All generators, including power emergency generators, must be tuned up at least once a year. The first tune up must have been conducted before December 1, 2017. Records of tune-ups must be maintained in a log book or an electronic format and must be kept at the facility for at least five years after the date of the last entry. The information contained in the log book for each tune-up must include:

(1) The date that each generator was tuned up;

(2) Name, title and affiliation of the person(s) who conducted the tune-up;

(3) A description of the tasks performed during the tune-up;

(4) Results of the tune-up

        • In addition to the emission test results and tune-up records, the following operational data must be recorded for all generators. The data must be recorded monthly and maintained at the facility for five years from the date the data was recorded.

(1) Hours of operation;

(2) The type and quantity of fuel used or purchased;

(3) Electricity generated by the generator in megawatt-hours

The NYCDEP requires that all generators (stationary, portable, or emergency) with an output of 40kW or more must obtain a registration or a Permit/Certificate of Operation before they operate. NYCDEP amended the rules for testing these generators. The following are the requirements for all generators having an output of 40kW or more unless they are certified Tier IV, newly installed, or are being registered for the first time.

        • A stack test must be performed following the EPA Method 5; or
        • An opacity test must be performed in accordance with EPA Method 9 by a qualified visible emission evaluator.

For generators requiring a NYCDEP registration (between 40kW and 450kW), proof that the generator(s) passed either the stack test or opacity test must be submitted to NYCDEP upon request meanwhile, for generators requiring a NYCDEP Permit/Certificate of Operation (above 450kW) documentation proving that the generator(s) passed either the stack test or opacity test must be submitted to NYCDEP together with the original inspection request to obtain a Certificate of Operation.

Walden Environmental Engineering provides a variety of services related to air permitting with Federal, State, and Local regulations. Walden can assist you in filing applications to obtain a NYSDEC and NYSDEP registration or permit for generators and achieve compliance with all testing and recordkeeping requirements adopted by the new agency regulations.

Please contact us or call us at 516-624-7200 for a free consultation to discuss any air permitting issue or any of the other environmental engineering services we provide.