Second Annual Survey of the Most Recent BACT/LAER Determinations for Combustion Turbines by State Air Pollution Control Agencies

摘要

In early 2002,a survey was conducted of state air pollution control agencies to determine the most recent Best Available Control Technology(BACT)and Lowest Achievable Emission Rate(LAER)determinations for natural gas combustion turbines used in electric power generation facilities.BACT and LAER for both simple cycle and combined cycle modes of turbine operation were evaluated.This paper reports on the results of a follow up survey conducted in early 2003.It is intended to address the need for current BACT/LAER determinations used by state air pollution agencies and private industries.The survey was conducted of state air pollution control agencies in the eastern half of the United States.Twenty-one of 24 states contacted responded to the survey.Each state was queried on the most recent BACT/LAER emission standard determinations for simple and combined cycle combustion turbines;compliance averaging time applicable to these determinations;the types of control technologies required by each state agency;the cost per ton of pollutant removed threshold for economic feasibility;and the total number of BACT/LAER determinations made by each state.The survey focused on the following pollutants:nitrogen oxides(NO_x),carbon moNO_xide(CO),sulfur dioxide(SO_2),particulate matter of ten micron diameter and less(PM_(10)),and hydrocarbons(HC).A total of 144 BACT and LAER determinations were provided.The survey results show that BACT and LAER emission standard determinations for large combustion turbines vary significantly by state.Similarly,the compliance averaging times also vary significantly.However,both the control technologies selected for BACT and LAER and the average cost per ton of pollutant removed threshold for economic feasibility are more consistent among the states.Finally,only 23% of the most recent BACT/LAER determinations in this survey were included in the RBLC database.U.S.EPA could help states make better BACT and LAER determinations by speeding up the process of incorporating the most recent BACT and LAER determinations in the RBLC database.