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OAR Box 1781 

Prepped by Ollie Stewart 

Document Number: 

126)IV-C-40 

Docket Number: 

A-90-37 

Printed 10/29/2008 10:46:24 AM Sheet 126 of 142 
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"' ^ \ UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ^ 

|^fe| RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC 27711 ^\\ ) ~ 0 " <4^> 

MAR 17 2000 

\y 

OFFICE OF 

AIR QUALITY PUNNING 

AND STANDARDS 

Mr. Barry R. Wallerstein, D. Env. 

Executive Officer 

South Coast Air Quality Management District 

21865 E.Copley Drive 

Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4182 

Dear Mr. Wallerstein: 

This responds to your February 17, 2000 letter concerning the RACT/BACT/LAER 

Clearinghouse (RBLC) and consistent application of LAER requirements throughout the country. 

I share your concern about this matter and we are taking steps to ensure this goal is being 

achieved. 

As you know. Section 173(d) of the Clean Air Act requires States to promptly submit 

LAER determinations to the Administrator for the purpose of making such information available 

through the RBLC to other States and to the general public. Through the RBLC, EPA routinely 

reminds State and major regional and local air permitting agencies of this requirement. In 

addition, the Clearinghouse communicates with EPA Regional Offices to identify RACT. BACT 

and LAER permit decisions that need to be in the RBLC and pursues those determinations 

directly with the appropriate agencies. Through the RBLC, EPA also continues to identify and 

explore new options to acquire LAER permit determinations from responsible agencies. 

Except for California, most State and local permitting agencies submit their determinations 

directly to the RBLC. Based on mutual agreement, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 

submits permit information to the RBLC for BACT and LAER permits issued by all California air 

quality management districts. Therefore, all California districts are encouraged to submit their 

determinations directly to CARB. not the RBLC. This cooperative procedure assures that the 

California Air Pollution Control Officers Association BACT Clearinghouse (maintained by 

CARB) and the RBLC (maintained by EPA) are consistent. It also avoids duplicate submittals by 

districts to each clearinghouse and avoids potential informational discrepancies between the two 

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Internet Address (URL) • http://www.epa.gov 

Recycled/Recyclable • Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper (Minimum 25% Postconsumer) 
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clearinghouses. This arrangement has worked well for both EPA and CARB. We, therefore, 

hope to continue this cooperative agreement and improve information transfer capabilities 

between the clearinghouses to help promote consistency and equity in LAER decisions nationwide 

as resources and technology allow. In addition, we will continue to work with the State and local 

agencies on trying to ensure the RBLC is always up to date. 

I appreciate this opportunity to be of service and trust that this information will be helpful 

to you. If you or your staff have any questions about the RBLC or suggestions on how to keep it 

up to date, please contact Mr. Bob Blaszczak (919/541-5432; blaszczak.bob@epa.gov). 

Sincerely, 

IS. Seitz 

Director 

Office of Air Quality Planning 

and Standards 

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