Regulatory Text: 
Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 33 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, Part III Air (LAC 33:III)

Chapter 23. Control of Emissions for Specific Industries1

Subchapter D. Nitric Acid Industry

Section 2307. Emission Standards for the Nitric Acid Industry. LAc49 to LAd34 - Revised
Approved by EPA 03/08/89 (54 FR 09795) at 52.970(c)(49) effective 05/08/89.

   A.  Purpose. The purpose of this Subchapter shall be to limit the quantity of atmospheric emissions from nitric acid plants.

   B.  Scope. This Subchapter is applicable to all nitric acid production units not subject to NSPS in the state.

   C.  Exceptions

       1.  Start-up Provision

           a.  A four hour start up exemption from emission regulations may be authorized by the administrative authority for plants not subject to LAC 33:III.3191 to 3199 which have been shut down. It is recognized that existing nitrogen oxide abatement equipment is effective only at normal operating temperatures. This provision allows the necessary time to bring up a facility from a cold start to near steady state condition. A report in writing, explaining the conditions and duration of the start up and listing the steps necessary to remedy, prevent and limit the excess emissions, shall be submitted to the administrative authority within seven calendar days of the occurrence.

           b.  This provision is applicable to infrequent start ups only. Before the exemption can be granted the administrative authority must determine the excess emissions were not the result of failure to maintain or repair equipment. In addition, the duration of excess emission must be minimized and no ambient air quality standard may be jeopardized.

       2.  On-line Operating Adjustments.

           a.  A four hour exemption from emission regulations may be extended by the administrative authority to plants not subject to LAC 33:III.3191 to 3199 where upsets have caused excessive emissions and on-line operating changes will eliminate a temporary condition. A report, in writing, explaining the conditions and duration of the upset and listing the steps necessary to remedy, prevent and limit the excess emissions shall be submitted to the administrative authority within seven calendar days of the occurrence.

           b.  This provision is applicable to infrequent on-line adjustments only. Before the exemption can be granted, the administrative authority must determine the excess emissions were not the result of failure to maintain or repair equipment.

           c.  In addition, the duration of excess emissions must be minimized and no ambient air quality standard may be jeopardized.

   D.  Emissions. The emission of nitrogen oxides, calculated as nitrogen dioxide, from nitric acid production units shall be limited to 6.5 pounds per ton (3.3 kilogram/metric ton) of 100 percent acid produced. This emission limitation is equivalent to a nitrogen dioxide concentration of approximately 500 ppm by volume.

   E.  Responsible Persons to Have Tests Made. The department may require any person responsible for emission of air contaminants to make or have made tests to determine the emission of air contaminants from any source, whenever the department has reason to believe that an emission in excess of that allowed by these regulations is occurring. The department may specify testing methods to be used in accordance with good professional practice.  The department may observe the testing. All tests shall be conducted by reputable, qualified personnel. The department shall be given a copy of the test results in writing and signed by the person responsible for the tests.

   F.  The Department May Make Tests. The department may conduct tests of emissions of air contaminants from any source. Upon request of the department the person responsible for the source to be tested shall provide necessary sampling ports in stacks or ducts and such other safe and proper sampling and testing facilities, exclusive of instruments and sensing devices, as may be necessary for proper determination of the emission of air contaminants.

   G.  Degradation of Existing Emission Quality Restricted. Emissions whose quality as of the effective date of these regulations is higher than the standards set forth herein shall be maintained at the higher quality unless it can be affirmatively demonstrated to the department that a change in quality is justifiable and will not be contrary to the purpose of these regulations.

   H.  Measurement of Concentrations

       1.  The methods listed in Table 4 or such equivalent method as may be approved by the department shall be utilized to determine oxide of nitrogen concentrations in stack gases.

       2.  Measurement equipment shall be periodically calibrated to comply with minimal American Bureau of Standards Criteria.

   AUTHORITY NOTE:  Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:1084.
   HISTORICAL NOTE:  Promulgated by the Department of Environmental Quality, Office of Air Quality and Nuclear Energy, Air Quality Division in LR 13:741 (December 1987).

********************** end section 2307 ******************86t**