1133.2 - 1

SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

RULE 1133.2 -- EMISSION REDUCTIONS FROM CO-COMPOSTING

OPERATIONS

(Adopted January 10, 2003)

(a) Purpose

The purpose of this rule is to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) and

ammonia (NH3) emissions from co-composting operations.

(b) Applicability

This rule applies to all new and existing co-composting operations.

(c) Definitions

For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) AERATION SYSTEM is a system where air is forced through organic

materials being composted, through the use of fans or blowers.

(2) AGRICULTURAL COMPOSTING is composting conducted in

agricultural settings where the feedstock consists of wastes generated

on-site by the production and processing of farm or agricultural

products.

(3) ACTIVE CO-COMPOSTING is the phase of the composting process

that begins when organic materials are mixed together for composting

and lasts a minimum of 22 days.

(4) BASELINE EMISSIONS FACTORS are the non-controlled emission

factors for co-composting operations for VOC and ammonia.

(5) BIOFILTRATION is a pollution control technology that removes and

oxidizes VOC and ammonia through the action of bacteria and other

microorganisms.

(6) CO-COMPOSTING is composting where biosolids and/or manure are

mixed with bulking agents to produce compost. Co-composting

includes both the active and curing phases of the composting process.

(7) COMPOST is a product resulting from the controlled biological

decomposition of organic materials.

(8) COMPOSTING is a process in which solid organic waste materials are

decomposed in the presence of oxygen under controlled conditions

through the action of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

1133.2 - 2

(9) CURING is the phase of the co-composting process that begins

immediately after the end of the active phase of composting and lasts 40

days or until the compost has a Solvita Maturity Index of 7 or the

product respiration rate is below 10 milligrams of oxygen consumed per

gram of volatile solids per day as measured by direct respirometry.

(10) ENCLOSURE is a completely walled, floored, and roofed structure or

vessel.

(11) EXISTING CO-COMPOSTING OPERATIONS are all co-composting

operations that have begun operations on or before the date of adoption

of this rule.

(12) GREENWASTE is any organic waste material generated from

gardening, agriculture, or landscaping activities including, but not

limited to, grass clippings, leaves, tree and shrub trimmings, and plant

remains.

(13) GREENWASTE COMPOSTING is composting of greenwaste by itself

or greenwaste in combination with up to 20 percent manure, by volume.

(14) NEW CO-COMPOSTING OPERATIONS are co-composting

operations that have not started operations as of the date of adoption of

this rule.

(15) OPERATOR is the operator of a co-composting operation.

(16) SOLVITA MATURITY INDEX is an index that defines the stage

where compost exhibits resistance to further decomposition, as tested by

the Solvita Maturity Test®.

(17) START-UP is the first day of active co-composting operations at the

facility.

(18) THROUGHPUT is the mass of biosolids, manure, and greenwaste in

tons per year as received by the facility and processed through

composting excluding recycled materials.

(19) WOODWASTE is lumber, and the woody material portion of mixed

demolition wastes and mixed construction wastes.

(20) WOODWASTE COMPOSTING is composting of woodwaste by itself.

(d) Requirements

(1) Operators of new co-composting operations shall:

(A) Conduct all active co-composting within the confines of an

enclosure which meets the following conditions:
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

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(i) The inward face velocity of air through each opening in

which air can enter the enclosure shall be a minimum of

100 feet per minute, unless the opening is equipped with

a closure device that seals the opening in the event that

the airflow direction changes.

(ii) The area of all openings in the enclosure through which

air can enter the enclosure shall not exceed 2% of the

surface area of the enclosure’s four walls, floor, and

ceiling.

(iii) The enclosure may be opened for brief time periods, not

to exceed a total of 30 minutes per day for purposes of

access or maintenance. These time periods do not need

to be included in the face velocity determination or as an

opening for the two percent criteria.

(iv) No measurable increase over background levels of

ammonia or hydrocarbons outside the enclosure shall

occur at any enclosure opening including any opening

that occurs briefly for access or maintenance. A portable

ammonia or hydrocarbon analyzer shall be used for these

measurements. The portable ammonia analyzer shall be

operated per manufacturer’s instructions and calibrated

with certified zero and 10 parts per million ammonia

standards. The portable hydrocarbon analyzer shall be a

flame ionization detector operated per manufacturer’s

instructions and calibrated with certified zero and 10

parts per million methane standards.

(B) Conduct all curing using an aeration system that operates under

negative pressure for no less than 90 percent of its blower(s)

operating cycle; and,

(C) Vent the exhaust from the enclosure and the aeration system to

an emissions control system designed and operated with a

control efficiency equal to or greater than 80 percent, by weight,

for VOC emissions and 80 percent, by weight, for ammonia

emissions.

(2) In lieu of complying with the requirements of paragraph (d)(1),

operators of new co-composting operations may submit a compliance
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

1133.2 - 4

plan, for the approval of the Executive Officer, that demonstrates an

overall emission reduction of 80 percent, by weight, for VOC emissions

and 80 percent, by weight, for ammonia emissions from the baseline

emission factors.

(3) Operators of existing co-composting operations shall submit a

compliance plan, for the approval of the Executive Officer, that

demonstrates an overall emission reduction of 70 percent, by weight, for

VOC emissions and 70 percent, by weight, for ammonia emissions from

the baseline emission factors.

(4) The baseline emission factors to be used under paragraphs (d)(2) and

(d)(3) shall be 1.78 pounds of VOC per ton of throughput and 2.93

pounds of ammonia per ton of throughput. The Executive Officer may

approve the use of operation-specific baseline emission factors in lieu of

the baseline emission factors, if the operator requests the use of such

baseline emission factors as part of the compliance plan submittal and

demonstrates that the operation specific baseline emissions factors are

representative of noncontrolled operations.

(5) The operator of a co-composting operation shall submit the compliance

plan required pursuant to paragraphs (d)(2) or (d)(3) at least one year

prior to the start of operations for new co-composting operations and at

least one year prior to the effective date of compliance for existing cocomposting operations.

(6) The control efficiency required under subparagraphs (d)(1)(C) and

(j)(2)(A) for new co-composting operations shall be demonstrated by a

source test conducted as part of the permit application process and every

two years thereafter.

(7) The control efficiency required under subparagraph (j)(2)(A) for

existing co-composting operations shall be demonstrated by a source

test conducted on or before January 1, 2007, and every two years

thereafter.

(8) Within 180 days after the effective date of compliance and every two

years thereafter, the operator of a co-composting operation shall

perform all necessary tests and provide a certification of compliance

report that includes all source test data and all other applicable

information to demonstrate compliance with the emission reduction

requirement of paragraphs (d)(2) or (d)(3).
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

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(e) Compliance Plan

(1) Compliance plans required under paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) shall

contain all the following elements:

(A) The name(s), address(es), and telephone number(s) of the

person(s) responsible for the preparation, submittal and

implementation of the compliance plan;

(B) The name, address, and telephone number(s) of the facility for

which the compliance plan is being prepared;

(C) A description and process diagram of the co-composting

operation;

(D) A complete description of the control method(s) that will be

used at the co-composting operation to meet the requirements

under paragraphs (d)(2) or (d)(3). The description shall be in

sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with paragraphs

(d)(2) or (d)(3). The acceptable control methods include, but are

not limited to:

(i) enclosure design or technology;

(ii) aeration system design and operation;

(iii) biofiltration;

(iv) scrubber;

(v) feedstock component optimization;

(vi) biosolids thermal pre-treatment;

(vii) enclosed material mixing and thermal stripping;

(viii) staged active pile construction and aeration;

(ix) feedstock ratio optimization;

(x) process controls;

(xi) Best management practices; or,

(xii) Any combination of the methods listed above; or,

(xiii) Any other method approved by the Executive Officer,

California Air Resources Board, and the United States

Environmental Protection Agency.

(E) All data, calculations methodology, calculations, records,

manufacturer specifications and all other information necessary

to determine that the composting methods and control methods

proposed in subparagraph (e)(1)(D) will achieve the required
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

1133.2 - 6

emission reductions.

(F) A methodology and calculations establishing the daily and

annual VOC and ammonia emissions or projected emissions;

(G) If applicable, a source test protocol developed in accordance

with the requirements of subdivision (g), to establish operationspecific baseline emission factors.

(H) A source testing protocol developed in accordance with the

requirements of subdivision (g) to demonstrate compliance with

the overall emission reductions specified in paragraph (d)(2) or

(d)(3).

(I) An identification of all equipment needing permits to construct

and operate.

(2) In evaluating the plan, the Executive Officer may require tests and

sampling as necessary to determine the adequacy of the plan and the

likelihood of compliance with the emission reduction requirements of

paragraphs (d)(2) or (d)(3).

(3) The Executive Officer may approve operation-specific baseline

emissions factors provided the baseline emissions factors are

substantiated with source test data obtained in accordance with

subdivision (g) of this rule and the composting method(s) and mixture is

representative of normal operations.

(4) The Executive Officer shall provide interim approval of the compliance

plan provided the operator submits all of the information required under

paragraph (e)(1) and the Executive Officer verifies that, by design, the

plan will meet the requirements of paragraph (d)(2) or (d)(3), as

applicable.

(5) Following the interim approval of the plan, the Executive Officer shall

approve the compliance plan provided the operator submits, no later

than 180 days after the effective date of compliance, a certification of

compliance report that includes all source test data, and the Executive

Officer verifies that the emissions from the co-composting operations

comply with the requirements of paragraphs (d)(2) or (d)(3), as

applicable.

(6) The Executive Officer may impose conditions necessary to ensure that

the co-composting operation complies with the compliance plan and all

applicable AQMD rules.
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

1133.2 - 7

(7) The Executive Officer may require the operator to maintain records

consistent with the compliance plan necessary to demonstrate

compliance with the plan.

(8) Compliance with the provisions of the approved plan does not exempt

an operator from complying with the requirements of the California

Health and Safety Code, or any other AQMD rule.

(f) Compliance Schedule

(1) The effective dates of compliance for paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), and

(d)(3) of this rule shall be as follows:

(A) Upon start-up for new co-composting operations.

(B) January 1, 2007 for existing co-composting operations with a

facility design capacity of 100,000 tons of throughput per year

or more.

(C) January 1, 2008 for existing co-composting operations with a

facility design capacity greater than or equal to 10,000 but less

than 100,000 tons of throughput per year.

(D) January 1, 2009 for existing co-composting operations with a

facility design capacity less than 10,000 tons of throughput per

year.

(2) The Executive Officer shall extend for up to three years the compliance

date for an existing co-composting operation which, at the time of rule

adoption and at least one year prior to the effective compliance date,

has less than 3 years remaining under a non-renewable conditional use

permit beyond its effective compliance date. By June 1, 2003, the

operator of such an operation must submit to the Executive Officer a

copy of the conditional use permit and a letter from the responsible

agency verifying that the permit is non-renewable and the date when

the permit is expired.

(g) Testing Protocol

(1) The operator of a co-composting operation shall conduct all required

source and laboratory tests in accordance with an Executive Officer

approved test protocol developed in accordance to the guidelines

provided in Attachment A of this rule.

(2) The operator of the co-composting operation shall use a District
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

1133.2 - 8

approved laboratory in accordance with the Attachment A of this rule.

(3) The following methods shall be used to determine compliance with this

rule:

(A) SCAQMD Method 207.1 – Determination of Ammonia

Emissions from Stationary Sources.

(B) SCAQMD Method 25.3 – Determination of Low Concentration

Non-Methane Non-Ethane Organic Compound Emissions from

Clean Fueled Combustion Sources.

(C) SCAQMD Method 1.1 Sample and Velocity Traverses for

Stationary Sources.

(D) SCAQMD Method 1.2 Sample and Velocity Traverses for

Stationary Sources with Small Stacks or Ducts.

(E) SCAQMD Method 2.1 Determination of Stack Gas Velocity and

Volumetric Flow Rate (S-Type Pitot Tube).

(F) SCAQMD Method 2.2 Direct Measurement of Gas Volume

through Pipes and Small Ducts.

(G) SCAQMD Method 2.3 Determination of Gas Velocity and

Volumetric Flow Rate From Small Stacks or Ducts.

(H) SCAQMD Method 4.1 Determination of Moisture Content in

Stack Gases.

(h) Recordkeeping

The operator shall, at a minimum, maintain operation’s records for a period of

at least two years, or five years for facilities subject to Title V Permit

Requirements, and make them available to the Executive Officer upon request.

(i) Plan Fees

Operators subject to a compliance plan submittal pursuant to paragraphs (d)(2)

and (d)(3) shall be assessed, as applicable, filing and evaluation fees pursuant

to Rule 306.

(j) Exemptions

(1) The provisions of subdivisions (d) through (i) of this rule shall not apply

to agricultural composting operations, greenwaste composting

operations, woodwaste composting operations, co-composting

operations with a design capacity of less than 1,000 tons of throughput

per year, and existing co-composting operations with a design capacity
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

1133.2 - 9

of less than 35,000 tons of throughput per year containing no more than

20 percent biosolids, by volume.

(2) Except for paragraphs (d)(6) and (d)(7), the provisions of subdivisions

(d) through (i) shall not apply to new and existing co-composting

operations that:

(A) Conduct co-composting operations using an aeration system that

is vented to an emission control device with a control efficiency

of 80 percent, by weight, for VOC emissions and 80 percent, by

weight, for ammonia emissions; and,

(B) Are owned and operated by a municipality which composts

waste generated within the jurisdiction of the municipality; and,

(C) Process less than 5,000 tons of biosolids or manure per year,

combined.
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

1133.2 - 10

ATTACHMENT A

GUIDELINES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOURCE TEST

PROTOCOLS FOR VOC AND AMMONIA EMISSIONS FROM COCOMPOSTING OPERATIONS

Source test protocols are to consist of testing plans to measure VOC and ammonia

emissions due to the composting process. When used for determining the control

device efficiency requirement specified for new facilities, the measurements shall

consist of lb/hr measurements at the inlet and exhaust of the control device as well as a

verification of the enclosure and are subject to the applicable requirements that follow.

When used for determining the overall emission reduction requirements as compared

to the baseline emissions factors, emissions are to be reported as % reductions for the

active co-composting and curing phases in terms of pounds of emissions per ton of

throughput (total raw material as received) and are subject to the applicable

requirements that follow. The following are general requirements for all testing as

well as specific requirements for the rule sections for each facility-specific protocol

which must be prepared by the source test contractor and approved by the SCAQMD

prior to testing.

1. Alternative Test Methods

The reference test methods for ammonia, VOC, and flow rate cited in this

guideline shall be used to determine compliance with this rule. Alternative test

methods may be used if they are determined to be equivalent and approved in

writing by the Executive Officer, the California Air Resources Board, and the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For the source test protocols, as

defined as the manner in which the reference test methods are employed to

obtain a measurement of the emissions, alternatives to the procedures cited in

this guidelines may be used if they are determined to be equivalent and

approved in writing by the Executive Officer.

2. LAP Requirements

The sampling, analysis, and reporting shall be conducted by a laboratory/source

test firm that has been approved under the SCAQMD Laboratory Approval

Program (LAP) for the cited SCAQMD reference test methods, where LAP

approval is available. For SCAQMD reference test methods for which no LAP

program is available, the LAP approval requirement shall become effective one

year after the date that the LAP program becomes available for that SCAQMD

reference test method.

3. Operating Conditions
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

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The testing must be conducted under representative operating conditions with

respect to seasonal conditions, compost composition, process throughput,

processing of the materials, and pile geometries. The following operating

parameters shall be recorded during testing and reported with the test results:

a) A thorough description of the composting process and process diagram of

each processing area and including residence times in each of the

composting process areas.

b) Process throughput as determined by facility’s billing scales or other

calibrated measuring device that represents the tons of the material as

received that is present at the facility during the time of the testing. When

using the District Baseline Emission Factors, the process throughput is to

include all of the raw organic materials that are composted excluding

material that is recycled from previous similar processing. Several

throughputs may be necessary if applicable to the different processing

areas or pile ages.

c) Compost composition (percent and type of materials i.e. biosolids,

manure, greenwaste, etc...).

d) Age of all piles that were tested and all piles present at the facility during

testing.

e) Detailed Dimensions of all piles so that a surface area for each pile type

can be calculated.

4. Ammonia Sampling

SCAQMD Method 207.1 shall be used to obtain the ammonia samples from

each source of emissions to be tested. When sampling from a flux chamber, a

sample line of minimal length should be connected to a midget sampling train

consisting of; two midget impingers each filled with 15 ml of 0.1N Sulfuric

Acid, an empty bubbler, and a bubbler filled with tared silica gel. The samples

shall be analyzed for ammonium content as ammonia by ion chromatography or

ion selective electrode.

5. VOC Sampling

Duplicate integrated gas samples shall be taken from each source of emissions

to be tested using SCAQMD Method 25.3. The Method 25.3 apparatus should

be connected to sample directly inside the flux chamber or duct as applicable.

Compost emissions are considered as water soluble sources where the 50 ppm

applicability limit of Method 25.3 does not apply.

6. Specific Requirements for Testing Co-Composting Operations Control

Equipment Performance

For surface types of emissions, such as with open faced biofilter exhausts, the

exhaust emission rate shall be determined as in the following Section (8).
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

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For a control device inlet or exhaust that is vented through a testable duct, the

gas velocity within the duct shall be measured according to SCAQMD Methods

1.1, 2.1, and 3.1. The flow rate shall also be corrected to dry standard

conditions using the moisture content as determined by SCAQMD Method 4.1.

This flow rate may then be used to determine mass emission rates.

The overall destruction efficiency is calculated as follows:

ODE = 100 x (1 – (E / I)) (Equation 1)

Where:

ODE = Overall Destruction Efficiency (%)

E = Total Exhaust Emission Rate (lb/hr)

I = Total Inlet Emission Rate to Control Device (lb/hr)

7. Specific Requirements for Existing Co-Composting Operations and New CoComposting Operations (Overall Emissions Reduction)

A proposed measurement from the active and curing co-composting process,

including but not limited to surface emissions of all piles where the materials

are composted, and outlets (vents or surfaces) of control devices must be

included in the protocol. If the emissions are vented to atmosphere from a vent

stack such as from an otherwise uncontrolled aerated static pile or other vent to

atmosphere, then the stack concentration, determined using methods specified

in Sections (4) and (5) and flow rate measurements as specified in the previous

Section (6) are required. From all surface types of emissions such as from

compost piles and biofilter surfaces, the procedure for measuring surface

emissions as in Section (8) is required. A measurement for fugitive emissions

from aerated static pile surfaces must also be included.

Each type of pile must be tested. If the facility includes several identical piles,

then only the largest pile need be tested. If the facility has more than three

different age piles that are otherwise identical in processing and composition,

then at a minimum three ages can be tested including newer, older, and middle

aged piles. In any case, the surface area of all piles at the facility must be

included in the determination of pile dimensions as recorded in Section (3).

If the facility elects to use an alternative to the District’s baseline emissions

factors, then a separate test must be conducted to establish this baseline on the

uncontrolled composting operation (e.g., windrow method) with the same

compost mix. Following the source test to determine an alternative baseline,

facilities would have the option to use the District’s baseline emissions factors

or the alternative baseline emissions factors.

Reduction of emissions shall be calculated as follows:
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

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% Reduction = 100 x (1-TE/B) (Equation 2)

Where:

TE = Total Active and Curing Phase Emissions (lb/ton

throughput)

B = District Baseline Emissions or Alternative Baseline

Emissions if Tested (lb/ton throughput)

8. Procedure for Measuring Surface Emissions

The procedure for measuring surface emissions such as the compost pile and

biofilter surfaces that cannot be tested by conventional methods through a stack

or duct, is a modified form of the procedures found in the US Environmental

Protection Agency’s (EPA) Measurement of Gaseous Emission Rates from

Land Surfaces Using an Emission Isolation Flux Chamber User’s Guide (EPA

Guide). The modification to the procedures in the EPA Guide are specified in

the following requirements.

The flux chamber encompasses a fixed surface area of 1.4 ft2 and contains a

sweep air system to obtain a homogeneous air sample by employing a mixing

fan and sweep gas (10% He in air at 5 liters/min recommended). The sweep

gas must contain a non reactive and non-present tracer such as the

aforementioned 10% helium so that a correction for the contribution of the

surface flow rate can be calculated.

A minimum of ten (10) sample locations or a sufficient number at each

pile/surface tested must be obtained in order to achieve a representative sample

of the surface emissions. These locations can be composited for each

pile/surface to reduce testing costs. or example, for one hour sampling, ten (10)

random positions on the pile should be tested for 6 minutes each. Alternatively,

a lesser number of sample locations may be sampled provided that an

evaluation of spatial variation demonstrates that the number of sample locations

are sufficient.

The emissions must be reported in units of lb/hr-ft2

, lb/hr and lb/ton of

throughput. The following calculations shall apply to the test results:

Surface Flow Correction Factor = Ct / Cs (Equation 3)

Where:

Ct = Concentration of Tracer in Sweep Gas

Cs = Concentration of Sweep Gas in Flux Chamber Sample

Corrected Flux Chamber Results (lb/hr-ft2

) = UFC x (Equation 4)
Rule 1133.2 (cont.) (Adopted January 10, 2003)

1133.2 - 14

SFCF

Where:

UFC = Uncorrected Flux Chamber Results (lb/hr-ft2)

SFCF = Surface Flow Correction Factor

lb/hr = lb/hr-ft2 x Total Compost Surface Area in

Category

(Equation 5)

lb/ton throughput = lb/hr x (24 hr/day) /PT (Equation 6)

Where:

PT = Process Throughput (total ton/day as received)

Total Emissions (lb/ton throughput) = ∑ P (Equation 7)

Where:

P = Active and curing sources of the Facility Compost Emissions

(lb/ton throughput)

For a facility where not every age of pile was tested, the surface areas from

each pile in the facility must be included and sorted into appropriate age and

emissions categories from those that were measured.