March 9, 2012
EPA’s RICE standards impact generators, other stationary engines

A new set of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards represents a shift in the federal agency’s approach to regulation. Unlike earlier regulations that generally focused on the largest emitters of pollutants, the revised rules impact nearly any company that operates stationary internal combustion engines such as emergency generators.

The RICE (Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines) rules established a number of emissions standards that vary based upon the age of the engine and how it is used, said Wabash Valley Environmental Engineer Dear Schramm-Satayathum. “There are three types of standards,” she explained, “two of which solely apply to newer model-year engines.”

Wabash Valley’s landfill gas generation plants are affected by the new rules, as are some engines operated by Corn Belt Energy. “RICE is already part of the air permits for these plants,” Dear explained, adding that under the current standards, there shouldn’t be a need for modifications or retrofits that would cut emissions. “Right now, it’s more of a monitoring and paperwork issue. Operators of those engines are required to perform tests, keep records, and report emissions on a regular basis. Most of the actual standards are for the manufacturers of the engines, so by buying them, you probably meet those rules.”

How an engine is used determines which of the provisions must be followed. “For example, if the engine is a generator that is used for standby power, the rules provide hourly limitations and restrictions on how the power can be used,” she noted. “Under those rules, you can use it to provide backup power in the event of a power loss at your facility, but you can’t sell the power when there is demand on the grid. If you want to make money with the generator, you have to classify it differently, and you’ll be subject to additional rules. For instance, the generators at the landfill plants do not have super stringent limitations, so we can run them full-time and do what we want with the electricity they produce. That means we have to do more recordkeeping, though.”

The rules also vary, depending upon whether the engine is considered to be a “major” source of hazardous pollutants, or whether it’s an “area” source. “Each classification has its own set of rules, but everybody falls into one of the two categories,” Dear said.

“If you operate or are planning to operate a combustion engine, you should to talk to an environmental professional to see how you’ll be classified under RICE, and so you’ll understand your limitations and reporting requirements.”

Dear explained the rationale for this broad regulation of small-scale emissions by pointing to the fact that targeting businesses creates less political pressure for U.S. EPA than doing something along the lines of further tightening automobile engine standards and directly raising costs to consumers. “It’s much easier for EPA to limit facilities with a source that doesn’t impact the pockets of the general public.”

    Leave a Reply