ARCHIVED REPORTS LEC APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION

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5.1 AIR QUALITY • Protection of Class I areas • Growth,visibility, soils,and vegetation impacts Although the existing power plant is not a major stationary source,the proposed project itself will result in emissions exceeding the applicable PSD thresholds for NO2 and C017 emitted from this source category18 listed in the federal PSD regulations (40 CFR 52.21). Therefore, the proposed project is subject to PSD review. As the SJVAPCD does not have delegation for the PSD program,a separate PSD application is being filed with the EPA. Air Quality Monitoring At its discretion,EPA Region 9 may require pre-construction and/or post-construction ambient air quality monitoring for PSD sources if representative monitoring data are not already available. Pre-construction monitoring data must be gathered over a one-year period to characterize local ambient air quality. Post-construction air quality monitoring data must be collected as deemed necessary by EPA Region 9 to characterize the impacts of proposed project emissions on ambient air quality. Best Available Control Technology BACT must be applied to any new or modified major source to minimize the emissions increase of those pollutants exceeding the PSD emission thresholds. EPA defines BACT as an emissions limitation based on the maximum degree of reduction for each subject pollutant, considering energy,environmental,and economic impacts,that is achievable through the application of available methods, systems, and techniques. BACT must be as stringent as any emission limit required by an applicable NSPS or NESHAP. BACT is defined below in the discussion of the SJVAPCD NSR regulatory requirements. Air Quality Impact Analysis An air quality dispersion analysis must be conducted to evaluate impacts of significant emission increases from new or modified facilities on ambient air quality. PSD source emissions must not cause an exceedance of any ambient air quality standard,and the increase in ambient air concentrations must not exceed the allowable increments shown in Table 5.1-31. TABLE 5.1-31 PSD Class II Increments Pollutant Averaging Period Allowable Increment(µg/m3) NO2 Annual 25a PM10 Annual 17a 24-Hour 30b SO2 Annual 20a 24-Hour 91b 3-Hour 512b 17 While EPA made a"determination of attainment'of the federal PM10 standard for the San Joaquin Valley Air Basin on October 30,2006,the EPA has not yet"redesignated"the basin as attainment for PM10(see 73 FR 22307;April 25,2008). Therefore,PSD requirements are not applicable for PM10. 18 Fossil fuel-fired steam-electric plant with heat input greater than 250 MMBtu/hour. SAC/371322/082410013(LEC_5.1_AIR_QUALITY.DOC) 5.145