BOARD MEETING DATE: May 2, 2014 AGENDA NO. 27

PROPOSAL: Amend Rule 1155 – Particulate Matter (PM) Control Devices

SYNOPSIS: Rule 1155 was adopted in December 2009 and subsequently 

forwarded to CARB for inclusion in the SIP. CARB approved the 

submittal and forwarded to U.S. EPA in July 2010. U.S. EPA has 

raised concerns about certain exemptions during equipment 

start-up. In order to address U.S. EPA’s concern regarding 

approval of this rule into the SIP, Rule 1155 is proposed for an 

administrative amendment clarifying that certain provisions of Rule 

401 – Visible Emissions and the provisions of Rule 404 –

Particulate Matter – Concentration are applicable to equipment 

subject to Rule 1155.

COMMITTEE: Stationary Source, March 21, 2014; Reviewed

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Adopt the attached resolution:

1. Certifying the Notice of Exemption for Proposed Amended Rule 1155

2. Amending Rule 1155 – Particulate Matter (PM) Control Devices.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.

Executive Officer

EC:PF:TG:JHL

This Board letter and its attachments serve as the final staff report for the proposed 

amendments to Rule 1155. The draft staff report, (released on March 28, 2014), was 

incorporated herein without changes.

Background

Rule 1155 was adopted on December 4, 2009 to ensure proper operation and 

maintenance (O&M) of PM control devices. The key requirements of the rule include

no visible emissions, a PM grain limit, and installation of a bag leak detection system 
2

(BLDS) and verified filtration system on larger devices. Rule 1155 requires that there 

must not be any visible emissions observed from any PM air pollution control device 

requiring an SCAQMD permit. To implement this requirement, a once a week, fiveminute visible emissions observation by a trained individual using U.S. EPA Method 22 

is required for any baghouse or other PM air pollution control device. Rule 1155 also 

includes requirements for: baghouse upgrades to, at a minimum, an automated shaker 

unit; a controlled material transfer system; properly designed ventilation system for a 

new baghouse; proper O&M of any permitted PM air pollution control device or BLDS; 

and recordkeeping.

Rule 1155 allows an exemption from certain rule requirements during periods of 

equipment start-up. Specifically, the rule exempts equipment or processes venting to 

the PM air pollution control device from the no visible emissions, PM concentration, 

and related requirements during the initial one-half hour of start-up, including start-up 

after an equipment breakdown or scheduled maintenance activity. 

Rule 1155 was submitted to CARB in February 2010, approved, and forwarded to U.S. 

EPA in July 2010 for approval into the State Implementation Plan (SIP). 

On February 22, 2013, U.S. EPA published in the Federal Register (78 FR 12460) a 

response to a petition for rulemaking filed by the Sierra Club with the U.S. EPA

Administrator on June 30, 2011. The Petition includes interrelated requests concerning 

the treatment of excess emissions in state rules by sources during periods of start-up, 

shutdown, or malfunction (SSM). As a part of the proposed action, the U.S. EPA raised 

concerns about uncontrolled excess emissions resulting from certain regulatory 

exemptions during the SSM event and whether that exemption is also from all other 

regulations. With this in mind, U.S. EPA has requested, (see attachment A), that an 

amendment be made to Rule 1155, prior to inclusion into the SIP, to ensure that sources 

subject to Rule 1155 are subject to other SCAQMD regulations and are not allowed 

unlimited emissions during periods of start-up, for which a limited exemption is 

provided in the rule (as noted above).

Rule 401 – Visible Emissions, as amended March 2, 1984, is currently in the SIP and 

establishes a maximum opacity for all sources, (given some exclusions), no greater than 

No. One (1) on the Ringelmann Chart, as published by the United States Bureau of 

Mines. A Ringelmann Chart No. 1 is equivalent to 20% opacity. Sources subject to 

Rule 1155, even under exempted conditions, remain subject to Rule 401. However, the 

Rule 1155 exemption does not specifically reference these provisions of Rule 401.

Rule 404 – Particulate Matter – Concentration, as amended February 7, 1986, is 

currently in the SIP and establishes a general outlet PM concentration level for all 

equipment, with or without control. The rule establishes varying baseline grain loading 

maximum concentrations based on flow rate. As with Rule 401, sources subject to Rule 
3

1155, even under exempted conditions, remain subject to Rule 404. However, the Rule 

1155 exemption does not specifically reference these provisions of Rule 404.

Therefore, in order to address the U.S. EPA’s concerns regarding approval of Rule 1155

into the SIP, Rule 1155 is proposed for an administrative amendment clarifying that PM 

air pollution control devices under the rule during start-up conditions remain subject to 

the SIP-approved opacity requirement of Rule 401, paragraph (b)(1), and the PM 

concentration requirements of Rule 404. Rule 401 (b)(1) sets the maximum opacity at 

No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart and is identical to Rule 401, subdivision (a), in the 

March 1984 version of the rule, which was SIP-approved on January 29, 1985 (Federal 

Register Citation No. 50 FR 3907). 

Summary of Proposal

This proposed amended rule would clarify that during the one-half hour starting period

of the equipment, PM air pollution control devices under Rule 1155 remain subject to 

the PM concentration (grain loading) requirements of Rule 404 and the opacity 

requirement of no greater than No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart as specified in Rule 401 

(b)(1) [shown as Rule 401 (a) in the SIP-approved version, as amended March 2, 1984 

and SIP-approved on January 29, 1985].

As the provisions referred to in the proposed amendment are already in effect, they 

represent no change to existing requirements on sources subject to the rule.

Public Process

The rule development effort is based on discussions with U.S. EPA regarding approval 

of Rule 1155 into the SIP and concerns regarding the exemption provisions of the rule 

when equipment is under start-up condition and whether that exemption is from all 

other regulations. Discussions have taken place between U.S. EPA and SCAQMD staff 

on ways to rectify this SIP approval issue. An agreeable solution has been developed

with U.S. EPA resulting in this proposed rule amendment. 

As part of the rule development effort, SCAQMD held a Public Workshop on March 27, 

2014. Only two comments were made at the workshop and did not directly relate to the 

proposed amendments. A comment was made that Table 1 – Summary of Requirements 

of the rule should also list the condition under which monthly visible emissions checks 

would be acceptable in lieu of weekly checks, as provided in subdivision (e)(2). Staff 

responded that the table is merely a summary of key rule elements, as stated in 

subdivision (b), and that the table is not intended to include all rule requirements. A 

comment was also made that, unlike the visible emissions requirement, no guidelines 

are provided in the rule relative to measuring PM concentration levels. Staff responded 

that such a measurement is not always required, but that if necessary, SCAQMD staff 

would review source test protocols and provide feedback and guidance as needed. 

Visible emission checks as required by the rule are a means of a check for self 
4

compliance, whereas methods to test PM concentrations could vary by source and 

protocols for compliance would need to be approved by SCAQMD staff.

SCAQMD staff presented the proposed amendments to the Stationary Source 

Committee at its March 21, 2014 meeting.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Socioeconomic Impacts

SCAQMD staff has reviewed Proposed Amended Rule 1155, and determined that it is 

exempt from CEQA pursuant to state CEQA Guidelines §15061 (b)(3) – Review for 

Exemption. Upon adoption of the proposed amended rule, a Notice of Exemption will 

be prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15062 and filed with the county clerks in 

each county within the SCAQMD’s jurisdiction.

No socioeconomic impact assessment was performed for the proposed amendments 

because they are administrative in nature and seek to clarify existing rule requirements 

pursuant to Rule 401 (b)(1) and Rule 404 already in effect.

Draft Findings Under the California Health and Safety Code 40727

Before adopting, amending or repealing a rule, the California Health and Safety Code 

requires SCAQMD to adopt written findings of necessity, authority, clarity, consistency, 

non-duplication, and reference, as defined in Health and Safety Code § 40727. The 

draft findings are as follows:

Necessity - The SCAQMD Governing Board has determined that a need exists to adopt 

Proposed Amended Rule 1155 – PM Control Devices, to ensure that the proposed 

amendment addresses U.S. EPA’s submitted letter expressing concerns relating to startup emissions. The proposed amendment would clarify that Rule 404 requirements for 

PM concentration and Rule 401 (b)(1) requirements for opacity remain applicable, 

which is necessary for approval into the State Implementation Plan to assist in the 

attainment of State and federal PM standards for the South Coast Air Basin.

Authority - The SCAQMD Governing Board obtains its authority to adopt, amend, or 

repeal rules and regulations from Health and Safety Code §§ 40000, 40001, 40440, 

40463, 40702, 40725 through 40728.

Clarity - the SCAQMD Governing Board has determined that Proposed Amended Rule 

1155 – PM Control Devices, is written and displayed so that the meaning can be easily 

understood by persons directly affected by it.

Consistency - The SCAQMD Governing Board has determined that Proposed Amended 

Rule 1155 – PM Control Devices, is in harmony with, and not in conflict with or 

contradictory to, existing statutes, court decisions, federal or state regulations.
5

Non-duplication - The SCAQMD Governing Board has determined that Proposed 

Amended Rule 1155 – PM Control Devices, does not impose the same requirements as 

any existing state or federal regulation, and the proposed rule is necessary and proper to 

execute the powers and duties granted to, and imposed upon, the SCAQMD.

Reference - In adopting this proposed amended rule, the SCAQMD Governing Board 

references the following statutes which the SCAQMD hereby implements, interprets or 

makes specific: Health and Safety Code Sections 40001 (rules to achieve ambient air 

quality standards); 40440(a) (rules to carry out the AQMP); 40440(a) (BARCT); 

40440(c) (cost-effectiveness); and Federal Clean Air Act Section 172(c)(1) (RACT).

Comparative Analysis 

Under Health and Safety Code Section 40727.2, the SCAQMD is required to perform a 

comparative written analysis when adopting, amending, or repealing a rule or regulation. 

The comparative analysis is relative to existing federal requirements, existing or 

proposed SCAQMD rules and air pollution control requirements and guidelines which 

are applicable to PM Control Devices. 

As the proposed amendments are administrative in nature and clarify the applicability of

other rule provisions that are already in effect and represent no change to existing 

requirements, a comparative analysis is not required.

AQMP and Legal Mandates

Rule 1155 is a PM control device rule that implements control measure BCM-01 of the 

2007 Air Quality Management Plan. The proposed amendments will address an 

approvability issue by U.S. EPA that should resolve concerns preventing inclusion into 

the SIP.

Resource Impacts

Existing SCAQMD resources are sufficient for continued implementation and 

enforcement of the rule.

Attachments

A. Letter from U.S. EPA dated March 18, 2014

B. Notice of Exemption

C. Resolution for Proposed Amended Rule 1155

D. Proposed Amended Rule 1155
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

REGION IX

75 Hawthorne Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

MAR 182014

Dr. Elaine Chang

Deputy Executive Officer

South Coast Air Quality Management District

21865 Copley Drive

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Re: SCAQMD Rule 1155

Dear Dr. Chang:

I am writing to clarify EPA’s concerns regarding paragraph (g)(7) of SCAQMD Rule

1155 (Particulate Matter Control Devices), recently discussed by EPA and District staff.

While we fully support District efforts in adopting and implementing the innovative

requirements for permitted control devices described in this rule, we believe that the

exemption in paragraph (g)(7) precludes full SIP approval under the federal Clean Air

Act (CAA).

Paragraph (g)(7) exempts affected control devices during 1/2 hour of startup from Rule

1155’s zero visible emissions standard, outlet PM concentration of less than 0.01 grains

per dry standard cubic foot (gr/dscf) and several other control and monitoring

requirements. This conflicts with EPA’s CAA interpretation with respect to the treatment

in SIPs of excess emissions during startup. Central to EPA’s interpretation are the

definitions of “emission limitation” and “emission standard” contained in CAA section

302(k), which are defined as limitations that must be met on a continuous basis, and

CAA section 110(a)(2)(A), which requires each SIP to include enforceable emission

limitations and other control measures as may be necessary or appropriate to meet

applicable CAA requirements. This is discussed in more detail in “EPA Proposed Rule:

State Implementation Plans: Response to Petition for Rulemaking; Findings of

Substantial Inadequacy, and SIP Calls to Amend Provisions Applying to Excess

Emissions During Periods of Startup, Shutdown, and Malfunction” (78 FR 12460,

February 22, 2013).

In addition, CAA sections 110(I) and 193 restrict EPA’s ability to approve SIP

relaxations. While the zero visible emission standard and other requirements of Rule

1155 would clearly strengthen the SIP, it is not clear how this strengthening relates to

the startup exemption in paragraph (g)(7), which could be interpreted to relax other

District rules and SIP requirements, such as those regarding opacity (e.g., SCAQMD

Rule 401) and gr/dscf loading (e.g., SCAQMD Rule 404).

ATTACHMENT A
As a result of these concerns with paragraph (g)(7), we recommend that SCAQMD

revise and resubmit Rule 1155 in lieu of EPA acting on the existing version. We believe

our issues can be addressed without significant impact on affected sources and we

would be happy to work with the District in this regard. Feel free to contact me (415-

972-3183), Andy Steckel (415-947-4115) or Christine Vineyard (415-947-4125) if you

wish to discuss this further.

Sincerely,

E lizah”4j_J

DeputrDi’rector, Air Division

cc: Phil Fine, SCAQMD
ATTACHMENT B

South Coast

Air Quality Management District

21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182

(909) 396-2000 • www.aqmd.gov

SUBJECT: NOTICE OF EXEMPTION FROM THE CALIFORNIA 

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT

PROJECT TITLE: PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 1155 – PARTICULATE 

MATTER (PM) CONTROL DEVICES

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the South Coast Air 

Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is the Lead Agency and will prepare a Notice of 

Exemption for the project identified above.

Rule 1155 was adopted in December 2009 and subsequently submitted to the California Air 

Resources Board (CARB) for approval and inclusion in the State Implementation Plan (SIP). 

CARB approved the SIP inclusion and submitted to U.S. EPA in July 2010 for approval. U.S. 

EPA has raised concerns about certain exemptions during equipment start-up. In order to 

address U.S. EPA’s concern affecting approval of this rule into the SIP, an administrative 

amendment for Rule 1155 is proposed to clarify that certain provisions of Rule 401 – Visible 

Emissions, and the provisions of Rule 404 – Particulate Matter – Concentration, are applicable to 

equipment subject to Rule 1155.

Pursuant to CEQA, the SCAQMD is the Lead Agency and has reviewed the proposed project 

mentioned above pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §§15002 (k)(1) and 15061. The proposed 

amendments are not expected to adversely affect air quality or any other environmental 

categories because they are administrative in nature. As a result, no new adverse impacts on the 

environment are expected from the proposed project. Since it can be seen with certainty that the 

proposed project has no potential to adversely impact air quality or any other environmental area, 

it is exempt from CEQA pursuant to state CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3) – Review for 

Exemption. A Notice of Exemption has been prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15062 -

Notice of Exemption. The Notice of Exemption will be filed with the county clerks of Los 

Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties immediately following the adoption of 

the proposed project.

Any questions regarding this Notice of Exemption should be sent to Jeff Inabinet (c/o Planning, 

Rule Development & Area Sources) at the above address. Mr. Inabinet can also be reached at 

(909) 396-2453.

Date: May 2, 2014 Signature:

Michael Krause

Program Supervisor – CEQA Section

Planning, Rule Development & 

Area Sources

Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 14
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION

To: County Clerks of

Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, 

San Bernardino

From: South Coast Air Quality Management District

21865 Copley Drive

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Project Title:

Proposed Amended Rule 1155 – PM Control Devices

Project Location:

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) area of jurisdiction consisting of the four-county South Coast 

Air Basin (Orange County and the non-desert portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties), and the 

Riverside County portions of the Salton Sea Air Basin and the Mojave Desert Air Basin.

Description of Nature, Purpose, and Beneficiaries of Project:

Rule 1155 was adopted in December 2009 and subsequently submitted to CARB for approval and inclusion in the SIP. 

CARB approved the SIP inclusion and submitted to U.S. EPA in July 2010 for approval. U.S. EPA has raised concerns 

about certain exemptions during equipment start-up. In order to address U.S. EPA’s concern affecting approval of this 

rule into the SIP, an administrative amendment for Rule 1155 is proposed to clarify that certain provisions of Rule 401 –

Visible Emissions, and the provisions of Rule 404 – Particulate Matter – Concentration, are applicable to equipment 

subject to Rule 1155.

Public Agency Approving Project:

South Coast Air Quality Management District

Agency Carrying Out Project:

South Coast Air Quality Management District

Exempt Status:

General Concepts [CEQA Guidelines §15002 (k)(1)]; and

General Rule Exemption [CEQA Guidelines §15061 (b)(3)]

Reasons why project is exempt:

The SCAQMD has reviewed the proposed amendments to Rule 1155, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15002(k)(1) –

Three Step Process, and CEQA Guidelines §15061 – Review for Exemption and has determined that the proposed 

amendments are exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15061 (b)(3) – General Rule Exemption. The 

proposed amendments are not expected to adversely affect air quality or any other environmental categories because they 

are administrative in nature. As a result, no new adverse impacts on the environment are expected from the proposed 

project. Since it can be seen with certainty that the proposed project has no potential to adversely impact air quality or 

any other environmental area, it is exempt from CEQA pursuant to state CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3) – Review for 

Exemption.

Project Approval Date:

SCAQMD Governing Board Hearing: May 2, 2014, 9:00 a.m.; SCAQMD Headquarters

CEQA Contact Person:

Mr. Jeffrey Inabinet

Phone Number:

(909) 396-2453

Fax Number:

(909) 396-3324

Email:

jinabinet@aqmd.gov

Rule Contact Person:

Mr. Jong Hoon Lee

Phone Number:

(909) 396-3903

Fax Number:

(909) 396-3324

Email:

jhlee@aqmd.gov

Date Received for Filing Signature Signed upon approval

Michael Krause

Program Supervisor – CEQA Section

Planning, Rule Development

and Area Sources
ATTACHMENT C

RESOLUTION NO. 2014-_____

A Resolution of the South Coast Air Quality Management District 

(SCAQMD) Board certifying the Notice of Exemption for Proposed Amended Rule 

1155 – Particulate Matter (PM) Control Devices.

A Resolution of the South Coast Air Quality Management District 

Board amending Rule 1155 – Particulate Matter (PM) Control Devices.

WHEREAS, Rule 1155 was adopted in December 2009 to implement a 

PM control measure in the 2007 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP); and

WHEREAS, U.S. EPA has submitted a letter expressing concerns relating 

to start-up emissions, which currently prevents approval of Rule 1155 into the State 

Implementation Plan (SIP); and 

WHEREAS, the SCAQMD staff conducted a public workshop regarding

Proposed Amended Rule 1155; and

WHEREAS, the SCAQMD staff has reviewed Proposed Amended Rule 

1155, and determined that it is exempt from CEQA pursuant to state CEQA Guidelines

Section 15061 (b)(3) – Review for Exemption; and

WHEREAS, the SCAQMD staff has prepared, pursuant to CEQA 

Guidelines Section 15062, a Notice of Exemption for Proposed Amended Rule 1155 –

Particulate Matter (PM) Control Devices; and

WHEREAS, the SCAQMD staff has reviewed Proposed Amended Rule 

1155, and determined that no socioeconomic impact assessment needs to be performed 

for the proposed amendments because they are administrative in nature and seek to 

clarify that the existing rule requirements of Rule 404, as well as Rule 401 (b)(1) [shown 

as Rule 401 (a) in the SIP-approved version, as amended March 2, 1984 and SIPapproved on January 29, 1985] are already in effect; and

WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 40727 requires 

that prior to adopting, amending or repealing a rule or regulation, the SCAQMD

Governing Board shall make findings of necessity, authority, clarity, consistency, nonduplication, and reference based on relevant information presented at the public hearing 

and in the staff report; and
WHEREAS, the SCAQMD Governing Board has determined that a need 

exists to adopt Proposed Amended Rule 1155 to ensure that the proposed amendment 

addresses U.S. EPA’s concerns relating to start-up emissions. The above amendment 

would clarify that Rule 404 requirements for PM concentration and Rule 401 (b)(1) 

requirements for opacity remain applicable, which is necessary for approval into the State 

Implementation Plan; and

WHEREAS, the SCAQMD Governing Board has authority to adopt 

Proposed Amended Rule 1155 pursuant to the California Health and Safety Code 

Sections 40000, 40001, 40440, 40702, 40725 through 40728; and

WHEREAS, the SCAQMD Governing Board has determined that 

Proposed Amended Rule 1155 is written and displayed so that the meaning can be easily 

understood by persons directly affected by it; and

WHEREAS, the SCAQMD Governing Board has determined that Rule 

1155, as proposed to be amended, is in harmony with, and not in conflict with, or 

contradictory to, existing statues, court decisions, or state or federal regulations; and

WHEREAS, the SCAQMD Governing Board has determined that Rule 

1155, as proposed to be amended, does not impose the same requirement as any existing 

state or federal regulation, and the proposed amended rule is necessary and proper to 

execute the powers and duties granted to, and imposed upon, the SCAQMD; and

WHEREAS, adoption of Proposed Amended Rule 1155 will alleviate a 

problem by addressing specific U.S. EPA’s concerns regarding start-up emissions that are 

necessary for approval of the rule into the State Implementation Plan (SIP) and will assist 

in attaining state and federal ambient air quality standards; and

WHEREAS, by adopting Proposed Amended Rule 1155, the SCAQMD

Governing Board will be implementing, interpreting or making specific the provisions of 

the California Health and Safety Code Section 40001 (rules to achieve ambient air quality 

standards), 40440 (a) (rules to carry out the AQMP), 40440 (c) (cost-effectiveness), and 

Federal Clean Air Act Section 172 (c)(1) (RACT); and

WHEREAS, the SCAQMD specifies the Assistant Deputy Executive 

Officer of Proposed Amended Rule 1155 as the custodian of the documents or other 

materials which constitute the record of proceedings upon which the adoption of this 

proposed amended rule is based, which are located at the South Coast Air Quality 

Management District, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing has been properly noticed in accordance with 

all provisions of Health and Safety Code Section 40725; and
WHEREAS, the SCAQMD Governing Board has held a public hearing in 

accordance with all provisions of law.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the SCAQMD Governing 

Board hereby certifies, pursuant to the authority granted by law, the Notice of Exemption 

for Rule 1155, as proposed to be amended, in compliance with CEQA Guidelines 

Sections 15061 (b)(3) – Review for Exemption, and 15062; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the SCAQMD Governing Board 

does hereby adopt, pursuant to the authority granted by law, Proposed Amended Rule 

1155, as set forth in the attached, and incorporated herein by reference; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the South Coast Air Quality 

Management District Board requests that Proposed Amended Rule 1155 be submitted 

into the State Implementation Plan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Officer is hereby 

directed to forward a copy of this Resolution and Proposed Amended Rule 1155 to the 

California Air Resources Board for approval and subsequent submittal to the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency for inclusion into the State Implementation Plan.

DATE: _______________ _______________________________

CLERK OF THE BOARDS
PAR 1155-1 

(Adopted December 4, 2009) 

(PAR1155, March 19, 2014)

PROPOSED AMENDED RULE 1155. PARTICULATE MATTER (PM) 

CONTROL DEVICES 

(a) Purpose 

The purpose of this rule is to establish requirements for permitted particulate 

matter (PM) air pollution control devices, including, but not limited to, 

baghouses, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) systems, bin vents, or other 

dust collectors using high efficiency or other air filters, cyclones, electrostatic 

precipitators, and wet scrubbers.

(b) Applicability 

This rule applies to the operator of permitted PM air pollution control device(s) 

venting processes that have direct (non-combustion) PM emissions. A summary 

of key rule elements is provided in Table 1 of this rule. 

(c) Definitions 

(1) BEST AVAILABLE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY (BACT) is as defined 

in South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1302 –

Definitions, subdivision (h). 

(2) BAGHOUSE means an air pollution control device designed to remove 

PM from a gas stream using fabric filters in the shape of a tube or an 

envelope, or other air filters that are built into a frame or cartridge. For 

the purpose of this rule, baghouses are separated into three tiers based on 

the following characteristics: 

 (A) Tier 1: Baghouses for which the filter surface area is less than or 

equal to 500 square feet; 

 (B) Tier 2: Baghouses for which the filter surface area is greater than 

500 square feet but less than or equal to 7,500 square feet; or 

 (C) Tier 3: Baghouses for which the filter surface area is greater than 

7,500 square feet. 

(3) BAG LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM (BLDS) means a system that 

monitors electrical charge transfer based on triboelectricity or electrostatic 

induction to continuously monitor bag leakage and similar failures by 

detecting changes in particle mass loading in the exhaust. 

ATTACHMENT D
Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

PAR 1155-2

(4) BIN VENT means an air filtration dust collector designed to remove PM 

from the air that is displaced by materials filling silos and bins.

(5) CONTINUOUS OPACITY MONITORING SYSTEM (COMS) means a 

system that meets minimum requirements specified under U.S. EPA 40 

CFR Part 60, Appendix B, to continuously monitor opacity.

(6) CYCLONE means an air pollution control device designed to remove PM 

from a gas stream by inertia.

(7) ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR (ESP) means an air pollution

control device designed to remove PM from a gas stream by imparting a 

high voltage direct current (DC) charge to the particles while

simultaneously ionizing the carrier gas, producing an electric corona.

(8) EXISTING PM CONTROL DEVICE means a PM air pollution control 

device installed or for which an application for a permit has been deemed 

complete on or before December 4, 2009.

(9) FACILITY means any source or group of sources or other air 

contaminant-emitting activities which are subject to this rule and are 

located on one or more contiguous properties within the SCAQMD, in 

actual physical contact or separated solely by a public roadway or other 

public right-of-way, and are owned or operated by the same person (or by 

persons under common control), or an outer continental shelf (OCS) 

source as determined in 40 CFR Section 55.2. Such above-described 

groups, if noncontiguous, but connected only by land carrying a pipeline, 

shall not be considered one facility. Sources or installations involved in 

crude oil and gas production in Southern California Coastal or OCS 

Waters and transport of such crude oil and gas in Southern California 

Coastal or OCS Waters shall be included in the same facility which is 

under the same ownership or use entitlement as the crude oil and gas 

production facility on-shore.

(10) NEW PM CONTROL DEVICE means a PM air pollution control device

for which an application for a permit has been deemed complete after 

December 4, 2009.

(11) NON-CONTINUOUS PROCESS means an emissions generating activity 

vented to a PM air pollution control device that operates no more than 

once per week or for periods of less than one hour, not to cumulatively 

exceed 4 hours during any single day.
Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

PAR 1155-3

(12) VERIFIED FILTRATION PRODUCT means a filtration product that has 

been verified under the U.S. EPA Environmental Technology Verification 

(ETV) program at the time of purchase. Manufacturers whose filtration 

product verification has expired must demonstrate at the time of purchase 

that the product is the same as was previously tested and verified under the 

ETV program.

(13) WET SCRUBBER means an air pollution control device designed to 

remove PM from a gas stream by using a finely atomized stream of liquid 

to capture particulate matter pollutants.

(d) General Requirements

(1) Beginning April 1, 2010, the operator of a facility shall not cause or allow 

any visible emissions (excluding condensed water vapor) from any PM air 

pollution control device required to have a permit.

(2) No later than January 1, 2011, the operator of any Tier 3 baghouse shall

meet an outlet PM concentration of less than or equal to 0.01 grains per 

dry standard cubic foot (gr/dscf).

(A) Notwithstanding the above, the operator of hot mix asphalt 

production equipment shall comply with the 0.01 gr/dscf limit no 

later than January 1, 2013, unless the operator has documentation 

that demonstrates that new fabric filters have been installed within 

12 months prior to December 4, 2009, in which case the hot mix 

asphalt production equipment shall comply by January 1, 2014 or 

at the end of the filter useful life, whichever occurs sooner. 

(3) No later than April 1, 2010, all permitted PM control devices shall be 

operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s operation 

and maintenance manual or other similar written materials supplied by the 

manufacturer or distributor of a control device to ensure that the control 

device remains in proper operating condition. If such documents are not 

available, the operator shall provide and follow written operation and 

maintenance procedures for the PM control device(s). Such 

documentation shall be made available to the Executive Officer

immediately upon request.

(4) No later than January 1, 2012 or after the end of the useful life of a manual 

shaker unit, whichever occurs sooner, the operator of an existing manual 
Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

PAR 1155-4

shaker baghouse shall upgrade or replace it with, at a minimum, an

automated shaker unit.

(5) An operator shall not install a manual shaker baghouse after December 4, 

2009.

(6) If the PM emission limit in paragraph (d)(2) is exceeded, the operator shall

file a permit application to use verified filtration products, as defined in 

paragraph (c)(12), or other technologies or methods demonstrated through 

source test pursuant to paragraph (e)(6) to comply with the requirement in 

paragraph (d)(2), within three months of discovery by the operator or of 

notification by the Executive Officer, to replace the existing filter bags or 

cartridges. The operator shall install the verified filtration products within 

three months of issuance of the permit.

(7) If the operator discovers the exceedance of the PM limit in paragraph (d)(2) 

and resolves the problem that led to the exceedance, within 24 hours of 

discovery, the operator would not be subject to the requirements in 

paragraph (d)(6). 

(8) When a new process is vented to a new baghouse, the operator shall install 

and maintain a ventilation system that meets a minimum capture velocity 

requirement specified in the applicable standards of the most current

Edition of the U.S. Industrial Ventilation Handbook, American 

Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, at the time of 

installation.

(9) The operator shall discharge material collected in a permitted PM control 

device for disposal or bring the material back to the process through a 

controlled material transfer system to prevent fugitive emissions during 

material transfer, including, but not limited to, shrouding or use of dust 

suppressants to stabilize the material.

(10) Until more stringent requirements of this rule are effective and after, if 

still applicable, the operator shall operate and maintain all existing PM air 

pollution control devices according to existing SCAQMD permit 

conditions.

(11) For any new or modified PM air pollution control device subject to 

BACT, the operator of such device shall meet the more stringent BACT 

level established for that device (pursuant to SCAQMD BACT 

Guidelines) at the time of evaluation of the permit application for the 

device. 
Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

PAR 1155-5

(e) Monitoring Requirements

(1) No later than March 31, 2010, the operator shall have a minimum of one 

person trained in the reading of visible emissions pursuant to EPA Method 

22. Beginning April 1, 2010, the operator of any baghouse or other PM 

control device shall have the trained person conduct a continuous fiveminute visible emissions observation using EPA Method 22 once a week 

and shall maintain records for each observation and any necessary 

subsequent action(s) taken to eliminate visible emissions pursuant to 

subdivision (f). The provisions of this paragraph shall apply to Tier 3 

baghouse units up to and until compliance with the provisions of 

paragraph (e)(3).

(A) If the operator observes any visible emissions exiting at any time, 

including during a scheduled Method 22 test, the operator shall 

implement, within 24 hours, all necessary corrective actions to 

eliminate the visible emissions.

(B) To verify corrective actions were effective, the operator must

restart the operations and complete a new Method 22 test to ensure 

no visible emissions are present. If visible emissions are still 

present, further corrective actions pursuant to subparagraph 

(e)(1)(C) must be taken. If no visible emissions are present, 

normal operations may resume.

(C) If the operator, after taking all corrective actions, subsequently 

observes visible emissions, the operator shall shut down the PM 

emitting equipment that vents into the control device, unless the 

baghouse operation can be adjusted to ensure no visible emissions,

until necessary steps are taken to prevent the visible emissions. 

Baghouse adjustments include, but are not limited to, closing off 

specific baghouse chambers.

(D) If the activity being observed is consistently a duration of less than 

five minutes, then the Method 22 observation shall be for the 

period in which the activity takes place.

(E) An operator shall not be considered in violation of this paragraph

and (d)(1), if the operator complies with subparagraphs (e)(1)(A) 

through (e)(1)(D).

(F) To the extent that multiple Method 22 tests can be conducted 

simultaneously, the operator may observe multiple sources
Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

PAR 1155-6

contemporaneously at a single time as long as all of the sources are 

located in the field of view of the observer and appropriate records 

are kept for each observation. If the operator observes a visible 

emissions problem during the reading, each source shall then be 

monitored separately.

(2) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (e)(1), any baghouse 

outfitted completely with verified filtration products shall only be required 

to conduct visible emission observations once per month, pursuant to 

paragraph (e)(1), and shall maintain records for each Method 22 

observation and any subsequent actions taken to eliminate visible 

emissions.

(3) The operator of any Tier 3 baghouse shall install, operate, calibrate and 

maintain a BLDS pursuant to the manufacturer’s written 

recommendations, to monitor baghouse performance and ensure 

compliance with in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2).

(A) The provisions of this paragraph shall apply to any new Tier 3 

baghouse installed and operated as of December 4, 2009. For an 

existing baghouse, the facility operator shall file a permit 

application for a BLDS no later than May 1, 2010 and shall install 

the BLDS within three months of issuance of the permit. 

(B) The BLDS system shall meet the following minimum 

requirements:

(i) The BLDS sensor must provide output of relative PM 

emissions; and

(ii) The BLDS must have an alarm that will activate 

automatically when it detects significant increase in relative 

PM emissions greater than a preset level and the presence 

of an alarm condition should be clearly apparent to the 

facility operator.

(C) The operator shall install a BLDS that has been certified by the 

manufacturer to be capable of alarming automatically before 

visible emissions can be seen in the exhaust of a baghouse and 

shall set the BLDS to operate at such level. The baseline output 

for the system must be established as follows:

(i) Adjust and maintain the range and the averaging period of 

the device for the specific application per the 
Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

PAR 1155-7

manufacturer’s written specifications and 

recommendations; and

(ii) Establish and maintain the alarm set points and the alarm 

delay time per the manufacturer’s written specifications 

and recommendations.

(D) The operator shall perform adequate maintenance and inspections 

of a BLDS, according to the written specifications and 

recommendations of the manufacturer, to ensure that the monitor is 

operating properly at all times and shall maintain the records 

pursuant to subdivision (f).

(E) If the operator receives an alarm from the BLDS, the operator shall 

investigate the baghouse and the BLDS, and take all necessary 

corrective actions to eliminate the cause of the alarm.

(F) The operator shall maintain filters and operate the baghouse such 

that the BLDS alarm activation is minimized and the cumulative 

number of hours of alarm activation within any continuous sixmonth rolling period do not exceed more than five percent of the 

total operating hours in that period after following the procedures 

of subparagraph (e)(3)(G), including, but not limted to, shut down 

of the equipment as specified. 

(G) Each time the alarm activates, the operator shall count the alarm 

time as the actual length of time of the elevated emissions that 

caused the alarm and record it. If the inspection of the baghouse, 

pursuant to subparagraph (e)(3)(E), demonstrates that no visible 

emissions are occuring in conjunction with the alarm and that no 

corrective actions are necessary to the baghouse equipment, no 

alarm time will be counted. If cumulative alarm time exceeds five 

percent of the total operating hours based on any continuous sixmonth rolling period, the operator shall shut down the equipment 

that vents into the baghouse until necessary actions are taken to 

eliminate the elevated emissions.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (e)(1) and subparagraph 

(e)(3)(A) applicable to Tier 3 units, the operator of hot mix asphalt 

production equipment may conduct daily visible emissions monitoring, as 

described in paragraph (e)(1), in lieu of BLDS installation, provided the 

facility operator notifies the Executive Officer in writing no later than 
Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

PAR 1155-8

May 1, 2010, files a permit application for a BLDS no later than June 1, 

2011, and installs the BLDS within three months of issuance of the permit, 

at which time the operator shall comply with the provisions of paragraph 

(e)(3). Daily visible emissions monitoring shall begin no later than 

January 1, 2011 and continue until such time the BLDS is installed. The 

operator shall maintain records for each observation and any subsequent 

actions taken to eliminate visible emissions during the time in which daily 

visible emissions monitoring is conducted.

(5) No later than January 1, 2015 or after the end of the useful life of a 

COMS, whichever occurs sooner, a COMS installed at an existing Tier 3 

baghouse shall be changed to a BLDS.

(6) Source tests conducted to demonstrate compliance with paragraph (d)(2)

shall follow SCAQMD Methods 5.1, 5.2, or 5.3, as applicable.

(A) For a baghouse located at a Title V facility, the facility operator 

shall conduct an initial source test no later than January 1, 2011 to 

demonstrate compliance with the requirements of paragraph (d)(2). 

Subsequent source tests shall be conducted every five years

thereafter. 

(B) Source tests shall be conducted by an approved lab from the 

SCAQMD Laboratory Approval Program. For the purpose of this 

rule, the total weight of PM in solid and liquid form should be 

considered when conducting source tests.

(f) Recordkeeping

Records shall be kept in a format approved by the Executive Officer to 

demonstrate compliance with the provisions of this rule, and all records and 

information recorded pursuant to this subdivision shall be maintained at the 

facility for a minimum of five years and shall be made available to the Executive 

Officer immediately upon request.

(1) For the purposes of paragraph (e)(1), records kept shall include, but not be 

limited to:

(A) Facility name;

(B) Observer’s name and affiliation;

(C) Date and time of observation;

(D) Process unit(s) being observed;

(E) Observer’s position relative to the source;
Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

PAR 1155-9

(F) Observation duration;

(G) Whether visible emissions occurred and cumulative amount of 

time visible emissions occurred; and

(H) If visible emissions were observed, what actions were taken to 

correct the problem causing them, including and up to date and 

time of equipment shutdown, if applicable.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (e)(3), records kept shall include, but not be 

limited to:

(A) Facility name;

(B) Facility representative for maintaining the BLDS;

(C) Date and time of routine maintenance and inspections conducted 

on BLDS; 

(D) The date and time of any alarm, including length of the alarm time, 

and cause of the alarm;

(E) The date and time corrective action is completed to eliminate the 

cause of the alarm;

(F) Whether visible emissions occurred; and

(G) Total operating hours of the baghouse.

(g) Exemptions

(1) With the exception of paragraph (d)(1), any baghouse for which the filter 

surface area is less than or equal to 100 square feet is exempt from the 

provisions of this rule.

(2) The operator of a PM air pollution control device venting a noncontinuous process is exempt from the provisions of paragraph (e)(1), 

provided no visible emissions occur when the process activity takes place.

(3) Any equipment with an active permit to operate that is not in operation as 

of December 4, 2009 shall be exempt from the provisions of this rule until 

operations commence.

(4) Facility operations that are subject to District Rules 1105.1 – Reduction of 

PM10 and Ammonia Emissions from Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units, and 

1156 – Further Reductions of Particulate Emissions from Cement 

Manufacturing Facilities, are exempt from the provisions of this rule.

(5) The operator of a Tier 1 or Tier 2 baghouse that voluntarily installs, 

operates, calibrates and maintains a BLDS pursuant to paragraph (e)(3)

shall be exempt from the visible emissions provisions of paragraph (e)(1).
Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

PAR 1155-10

(6) Bin vents are exempt from the provisions of paragraph (e)(1).

(7) The provisions of paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(6), and (e)(1), and 

subparagraphs (e)(3)(E) through (e)(3)(G) shall not apply during the onehalf hour of start-up of the equipment or process venting to the PM air 

pollution control device, including start-up after a repair to fix an 

equipment breakdown or after a scheduled maintenance activity. During 

that one-half hour starting period, PM air pollution control devices under 

this rule remain subject to the PM concentration (grain loading) 

requirements of Rule 404 and an opacity requirement of no greater than 

No. 1 on the Ringelmann Chart as specified in Rule 401 (b)(1) [shown as 

Rule 401 (a) in the SIP-approved version, as amended March 2, 1984, and 

SIP-approved on January 29, 1985].

(8) For PM air pollution control devices connected in series, the provisions of 

paragraphs (d)(2), (d)(6), and (e)(1) shall only apply to the PM air 

pollution control device exhausting to the atmosphere. In the event a Tier 

3 baghouse is not the last in the series to vent to the atmosphere, the 

provisions of paragraph (e)(3) shall not apply.

(9) Any paint spray booth or powder spray booth is exempt from the 

provisions of this rule.

(10) Air pollution control equipment exclusively venting organic gases from

hot mix asphalt load-out operations and directly related equipment, 

including storage silos, conveyors, mills, and batching towers, are exempt 

from the provisions of this rule.

(11) With the exception of paragraph (d)(1), any portable dust collector, fume 

extractor, or negative air machine with a maximum rated capacity of less 

than or equal to 3,000 cfm is exempt from the provisions of this rule.

(12) With the exception of paragraph (d)(1), facility operations that are subject 

to District Rule 1469 - Hexavalent Chromium Emissions from Chromium 

Electroplating and Chromic Acid Anodizing Operations are exempt from 

the provisions of this rule.

(13) With the exception of paragraph (d)(1), high efficiency particulate air

(HEPA) equipment are exempt from the provisions of this rule.
PAR 1155-11

Proposed Amended Rule 1155 (cont.) (Adopted December 4, 2009)

Table 1

Summary of Requirements

Fabric Filtration PM Air Pollution Control Equipment

(baghouses)*

Other Fabric and Non-Fabric 

Filtration 

PM Air Pollution Control Equipment

(dust collectors, cyclones, ESPs, wet 

scrubbers)*

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 n/a

≤ 500 square feet > 500 – 7,500 square feet > 7,500 square feet n/a

Once-a-week visible emissions 

monitoring and recordkeeping

(new, existing)

Once-a-week visible emissions 

monitoring and recordkeeping

(new, existing)

Until BLDS is installed, 

once-a-week visible 

emissions monitoring 

and recordkeeping

Once-a-week visible emissions 

monitoring and recordkeeping

(new, existing)

-- --

BLDS installation

(new, existing) --

--

Emission limit

(0.01 gr/dscf) --

Title V facilities conduct 

initial source test and 

test every five years 

relative to compliance 

with the emission limit.

* Except as provided in subdivision (g) Exemptions.