"The Challenge of Air Quality Permit
Approval for a Glass
Plant near Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks"
Steven J. Klafka, P.E., DEE
ABSTRACT
Locating a new air pollution source
near national parks and wilderness areas increases the need for a more
thorough evaluation of air quality impacts and available emission
control methods. This paper discusses the complexity and unique hurdles
of the air quality permit process for a 650 ton per day float glass
plant proposed for western Washington State. This process required 24
months and resulted in the use of air pollution control measures more
effective than similar projects in the U.S. The plant required air
quality permits from both the local and state air pollution control
agencies with oversight by five federal agencies. The state issued a
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) air quality permit with
requirements for the evaluation of Best Available Control Technology
(BACT) and near-field air quality impacts. Selection of the emission
control methods are discussed. A unique method developed to screen
regional sources for the near-field modeling analysis is explained. In
addition, the project was located within 200 kilometers of seven Class
I air quality areas including Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks.
A separate evaluation was required by the National Park Service and
U.S. Forest Service to assess far-field impacts on air quality
standards, regional visibility and acid deposition. A review of impacts
on endangered species was required by the National Marine Fisheries and
US Fish and Wildlife Services. While prior float glass projects
elsewhere in the U.S. had established BACT for the industry, the
proximity to the Class I areas required greater control of the proposed
air pollution emissions. Despite the effort taken to verify compliance
with air quality permit requirements, the permit was challenged after
issuance. Project construction was delayed until the USEPA
Environmental Appeals Board verified compliance with the PSD and BACT
requirements.
