RICE NESHAP FAQ's
Please select a question below.
1. What exactly does RICE NESHAP mean?
RICE NESHAP is an acronym for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine- National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. On February 17, 2010, EPA finalized portions of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE NESHAP). The rule was promulgated into the existing RICE standards located in 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart ZZZZ on March 3, 2010.
2. Who is affected by RICE NESHAP?
Non-emergency engines located at both major and area sources of toxic emissions may be subject to comply with RICE NESHAP. Specifically:
- Engines at area sources constructed or reconstructed before June 12th, 2006
- Engines less than 500 hp located at major sources constructed or reconstructed before June 12th, 2006
- Engines greater than 500 hp located at major sources constructed or reconstructed before December 19th, 2002
3. What is the difference between "Emergency" and "Non-Emergency"
- Emergency engines are such engines that are solely operated for emergency purposes only. For generator sets, this is defined as operation only during instances when the normal power supply has been interrupted. Emergency generator sets can only be started once normal power supply has been lost and must cease to run once normal power supply has been restored. Operating for storm avoidance, peak shaving, voltage support, or any other reason beyond loss of normal power supply is prohibited by emergency engines. Emergency engines are allowed to operate for a maximum of 100 hours per year for maintenance and testing purposes.
- Non-emergency engines are simply engines that are not defined as "emergency". Examples include engines used for storm avoidance, demand/response programs, voltage support, or any other revenue generating programs.
4. What is the difference between major and area sources?
- Major sources are any stationary source or group of stationary sources located within a contiguous area and under common control that have a total potential to emit of more than 10 tons per year of any single hazardous air pollutant (HAP) or more than 25 tons per year of any combination of HAP's
- Area sources are simply defined as sources that are not major sources
5. How do I know if my engine needs retrofit for RICE NESHAP?
Please click here to follow this applicability flow chart provided by the EPA. You will need specific information about your engine or engines such as date of installation, horsepower, and total operating hours per year
6. What emissions are regulated under RICE NESHAP?
The intent of the RICE NESHAP ruling was to limit hazardous air pollutants which are pollutants known or suspected of causing cancer and other serious health effects. These include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, methanol and other air toxics from several categories of previously unregulated stationary engines. Carbon Monoxide (CO) reductions are regulated under RICE NESHAP as CO is easier to be accurately measured in the field and provides a similar representation of HAP reductions.
7. What do I need to do to bring my engine into compliance with RICE NESHAP?
Stationary diesel engines that are affected by this ruling must install emission control devices, typically diesel oxidation catalysts, to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by 70%. Additionally, closed or open crankcase ventilation systems must be installed to reduce metallic HAP's if the engine is not already equipped with such a device. Continuous Parameter Monitoring Systems (CPMS) are required on RICE engines greater than 500 horsepower. More information on CPMS can be found below.
8. How does a DOC work and what maintenance is required?
A diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is a simple flow through substrate catalyzed with precious metals and placed into the diesel exhaust stream to convert pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide (CO) into the harmless byproducts of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Water (H2O). DOC's are relatively low maintenance items. Periodically, the face of the DOC may need to be cleared from particulate buildup to lower system backpressure. Diesel oxidation catalysts may need to be replaced if damaged or once they have reached the end of their useful emissions life.
9. What are the initial performance testing requirements?
Initial performance testing is required to demonstrate that the catalyst is working properly and the emissions limits of the RICE NESHAP ruling are being achieved. The initial testing requires three separate one-hour tests at 100% load to measure CO reductions. EPA approved portable gas analyzers may be used to conduct this testing.
10. What are the requirements for monitoring and record keeping?
For all engines greater than 500 hp: Catalyst inlet temperatures must be continuously monitored and recorded to ensure the catalyst temperature is between 450°-1350°F. The pressure differential across the DOC must also be monitored and recorded monthly to ensure a pressure drop of no greater than +/- 2 inches of water column from the initial performance test is observed. Records must be maintained for 5 years and the previous 2 years of records must be kept onsite.
11. What are the future requirements to maintain RICE NESHAP compliance?
- Non-emergency engines greater than 500 hp at area sources require additional testing every 3 years or 8,760 hours, whichever comes first.
- Non-emergency engines greater than 500 hp at major sources require additional testing every 5 years or 8,760 hours, whichever comes first.
- Non-emergency engines between 300-500 hp currently do not require additional testing
12. Where can I find more information about the final rulings?
A copy of the EPA's final RICE NESHAP ruling can be found by clicking here.
or on the EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/rice/fr03mr10.pdf
13. Who can I contact for additional information?
You may contact your regional EPA office or local department of air quality for any additional information regarding RICE NESHAP.
Link to office locator: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/stprogs.html
Additional contact information can be found by clicking here.
You may also contact Ryan Murphy from GenAcc™ for any information or assistance regarding RICE NESHAP
Ryan Murphy
DOC Retrofit Specialist
Email: rmurphy@genaccproducts.com
Direct: (309) 671-4361
Mobile: (309) 678-0200
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