RICE NESHAP

Federal regulations adopted by USEPA on March 3, 2010 and Amended January 15, 2013 require owners and operators of non-emergency stationary engines to comply with a standard known as the RICE NESHAP Rule (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart ZZZZ).

The RICE rule is intended to reduce emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants or “HAPs”. USEPA’s primary concern is formaldehyde, a HAP and a combustion by-product from engines using natural gas or diesel as a fuel source.   Formaldehyde emissions are directly proportional to carbon monoxide (CO) emissions. Therefore, USEPA is focusing on CO control to in effect control formaldehyde emissions. Also, measuring CO emissions using a portable (hand-held) emissions monitor is more cost effective than measuring formaldehyde emissions.

The RICE rule requires the following items for compliance:

1. Reporting - Initial Notification - If your facility is subject to the RICE rule, an initial notification to USEPA was required by August 31, 2010.
2. Emission Control - Installation of an emissions control system capable of reducing CO emissions by 70%.  The majority of industry will be relying on Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC) to control CO emissions. (Note: state and/or local air boards are likely to require a construction air permit or statement of exemption application 30 to 90 days prior to installing the control system). 
3. Testing – Performance testing to demonstrate compliance must be conducted within 6 months of installation and then again every 3 years or 8,760 hours of operations, whichever occurs first.  The RICE rule requires all notifications be submitted to USEPA at least 60 days prior to testing.
4. Recordkeeping – Daily records of pressure drop across the DOC filter and continuous records of exhaust temperature at the inlet of the catalyst must be maintained to demonstrate compliance.  Owners must also maintain records of the results of any performance testing conducted.

ELM Energy LLC was formed to use its ecosystem of partners for the purpose of providing turnkey solutions.

ELM recommends GenAcc Products for catalyst housings and emissions control systems.

ELM Energy LLC can provide a FREE assessment of your specific needs and develop a comprehensive proposal to meet all RICE NESHAP requirements.  With over 900,000 existing generators required to retrofit by May of 2013, time is of the essence.