Air Quality Rule Changes and Updates

Short summary 

DEQ proposes changes to rules as a continuing effort to streamline, reorganize and update Oregon’s air quality permit programs to improve air quality with a more efficient and effective permitting program. Previous improvements began with the Environmental Quality Commission’s adoption of Revisions to Point Source Air Management Rules in 2001, and Air Quality Permit Program Streamlining and Updates in 2007.

The proposed rules include changes to statewide particulate matter standards and the pre-construction permitting program. This would help align the particulate matter standards with EPA’s adoption of the ambient air quality standard for fine particulates, commonly called PM_2.5, and ensure Oregon’s permitting program protects air quality. The proposal also includes additional pre-construction permitting flexibility for smaller businesses.

To improve community outreach, the proposed rules would allow the use of technological advances when holding public hearings and meetings.

DEQ proposes minor changes to the Heat Smart program and the gasoline dispensing facility rules to improve implementation.

This document organizes and describes the proposed rules under the following nine main categories:

1.   Clarify and update air quality regulations

2.   Update particulate matter emission standards

3.   Change permitting requirements for emergency generators and small natural gas or oil-fired equipment

4.   Establish two new state air quality area designations – “sustainment” and “reattainment” – to help areas avoid and more quickly end a federal nonattainment designation

5.   Identify Lakeview as a state sustainment area while retaining its federal attainment designation

6.   Change the pre-construction permitting program, also called New Source Review

7.   Provide more flexibility for public hearings and meetings

8.   Re-establish Heat Smart exemption for small commercial solid fuel boilers that the permitting program regulates

9.   Remove annual reporting requirements for small gas stations