Proposed Changes Stationary Combustion Installations Regulations 

The NYS DEC will be holding three stakeholder meetings regarding proposed revisions to Part 227-1 of Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations (6 NYCRR 227-1), which regulates particulate matter and sets an opacity limit from stationary combustion installations. A stationary combustion installation is a system containing a single furnace, device, engine or turbine that burns fossil fuel and/or wood with air or oxygen. Examples of stationary combustion installations are power plants, combined heat and power production plants, and industrial combustion plants. 

Particulate matter - commonly referred to as soot - is a mixture of small particles and liquid droplets that occurs from combustion sources, including stationary combustion installations such as power plants. Opacity is the degree to which smoke blocks light and is an indirect way of measuring particulate emissions from a source such as a stationary combustion installation.

Exposure to fine particulate matter, particulate matter that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter commonly called PM2.5, can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

If you are interested in attending any of these three sessions, please see the attached document below.