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The
Facts about the new NOx Emission Rules
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Chapter 117 - Control of Air Pollution from Nitrogen Compounds Rule Log # 1999-055I-117-AI Reference: http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/oprd/rule_lib/pa99055i.pdf |
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Q
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What
are the recent rule changes to Chapter 117?
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A
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New sections have been added, limiting the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions of new natural gas appliances sold in Texas. (Page 1)
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Q
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Do
the rules apply statewide?
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A
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Yes. Additionally, special provisions are in effect in the Houston/Galveston ozone non-attainment area. (Page 8)
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Q
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What gas-appliances
are affected?
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A
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(1) Water
heaters, small boilers and process heaters with input rates of 2,000,000
Btu/hr or less.(Pages
8, 9).
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Q
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What are the NOx emission rules for the smaller (< 2,000,000 Btu/hr input) appliances? | ||||||
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A
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Btu/hr Input
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NOx
Standard
40 ng/j or 55 ppm 10 ng/j or 15 ppm 40 ng/j or 55 ppm 30 ppm or .037 lb/10^6 Btu |
Effective
Date
July 1, 2002 January 1, 2005 July 1, 2002 July 1, 2002 |
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| Q | Will I have to retrofit appliances under 2,000,000 Btu/Hr installed prior to the effective dates of the new rules? | ||||||
| A |
No. (Page 8)
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| Q | Is it conceivable that the rules will be changed to a retrofit requirement, as was the case in California? | ||||||
| A |
Anything is "conceivable," however it should be noted that even when California introduced its new rules requiring the retrofit of existing equipment (1997), a minimum of ten years additional boiler life was allowed before even the first class of boilers (1 - 2 million BTU) needed to be exchanged. Also, unlike the original California rules, the Texas rules specifically address existing equipment, thus, this was obviously considered and rejected. (Page 8)
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Q
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What are the NOx emission rules for the larger (2,000,000+ Btu/hr input) appliances, applicable to the Houston/Galveston ozone non-attainment area only? | ||||||
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A
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| Q | How will the rules for the Houston/Galveston non-attainment area for appliances from 2 - 5 MMBtu/hr be applied? | ||||||
| A |
All boilers that generate above the minimum annual heat input, yet produce less than ten tons of NOx per year, will have to be retrofitted or replaced with low NOx equipment by March 31st, 2005. For appliances (or sites) that generate above ten tons of NOx annually, consult the TNRCC.
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| Q | How will the rules for the Houston/Galveston non-attainment area for appliances from 5+ MMBtu/hr be applied? | ||||||
| A |
All boilers that generate above the minimum annual heat input, yet produce less than twenty-five tons of NOx per year, will have to be retrofitted or replaced with low NOx equipment by March 31st, 2005. For appliances (or sites) that generate above twenty-five tons of NOx annually, consult the TNRCC.
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Q
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After the new state-wide rules for units under 2,000,000 Btu/hr take effect, can I still sell and install a gas appliance that was manufactured prior to the new rules taking effect? | ||||||
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A
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Yes. The rules apply only to units manufactured after the effective dates. The installation date is not relevant. The determining factor is the date of manufacture, which is printed on the shipping carton and rating plate. (Page 29)
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Q
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Are there any usage requirements (minimum hours of operation, or total Btu's per hour burned per year) that preclude enforcement of the rule? | ||||||
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A
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No, not for boilers, water heaters, and process heaters below 2MMBtu/hr input. There is nothing in the rule that indicates any minimum usage requirements per gas appliances that would waive enforcement. The exception to this rule is in the Houston/Galveston non-attainment area with boilers and process heaters above 2 MMBtu/hr.
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Q
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How will I know that the gas appliances have been certified for installation after July 2002? | ||||||
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A
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Section 117.467 establishes the testing procedure for manufacturers. Manufacturers may submit an approved BAAQMD or SCAQMD (Southern California) certification. (Page 10, 11)
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Q
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How will the approved gas appliances be identified? | ||||||
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A
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By model number and date of manufacture (often imbedded in the appliance serial number) on the shipping carton and rating plate. (Page 25) | ||||||
For more information, go
to
Texas
Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Rule 1999-055I-117-AI
Raypak low NOx Commercial Water Heaters and
Hydronic Boilers
