This Month's Topics:

• Public & Stakeholder Participation Information
• Air Pollution Control Basics: SIPs
• DECinfo Locator
• Join the Team!
• Dates to Remember
• AQI Alerts for Respiratory Health 
• Live Webinar: Intro to Life Cycle Assessment
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Workshop, Corning NY

Public & Stakeholder Participation Information:

• Part 218-7, Aftermarket Parts - DEC is proposing to amend Part 218 to incorporate revisions to aftermarket catalytic converter (AMCC) standards incorporated in the low emission vehicle (LEV) program; and to update various provisions incorporated by reference in Part 200. DEC will accept comments through November 13, 2019.
• Part 219, Incinerators - DEC is proposing to repeal and replace 6 NYCRR Subpart 219-4 and sunset Subparts 219-5 and 219-6. The new Subpart 219-4 would apply to all human and animal crematories operating throughout the state. DEC is also proposing to add a new Subpart 219-10 to limit oxides of nitrogen emissions from municipal waste combustion units. Following adoption, DEC will submit Part 219 to EPA as a revision to the State Implementation Plan for New York State. The public can submit comments through December 11, 2019.
• Part 222, Distributed Generation Sources - DEC is proposing to adopt a new 6 NYCRR Part 222, "Distributed Generation Sources" to replace the rule adopted on November 1, 2016. The new rule would apply to demand response and price-responsive generation sources located in the NYC metropolitan area as defined at 6 NYCRR Part 200.1(au). DEC will accept comments through November 25, 2019.
• Subpart 225-2, Fuel Composition and Use - Waste Oils - The proposal will establish applicability criteria, composition limits, and permitting requirements for waste oils; establish monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for facilities that are determined eligible to burn waste oil; and allow for the burning of waste oils in space heaters at automotive maintenance/service facilities. DEC will accept comments through November 13, 2019.
• Subpart 227-1, Stationary Combustion Installations - Revisions include lowering PM emission limits for existing and new stationary combustion installations, correcting minor typographical errors, and updating the regulation to incorporate changes to the air permitting regulations. DEC will accept comments through November 13, 2019.
• Subpart 227-3 Ozone Season Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) Emission Limits for Simple Cycle and Regenerative Combustion Turbine. DEC is proposing to establish lower NOX emissions standards for simple cycle and regenerative combustion turbines during the ozone season. DEC will accept comments through October 7, 2019.
• Various projects in the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB).

Additional information and access to past announcements are on our Public & Stakeholder Participation Information page.

Air Mail! is the publication to announce public and stakeholder information about air quality topics. All NYS residents are environmental stakeholders – we welcome anyone to join the information sessions and other opportunities posted here.

Happy Birthday Air Mail!

Air Mail! is celebrating its 2nd anniversary this month!

Air Pollution Control Basics: SIPs

Regulations are a necessity for maintaining good air quality, but how and why are they created? To tackle air quality issues, states across the nation develop State Implementation Plans (SIPs) to carry out air clean-up programs.

The NY SIP is made up of various regulations, assessments, and other programs that help NYS meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These standards were set by EPA, as required by the federal Clean Air Act, and establish limits for six criteria air pollutants that can be harmful to human health, infrastructure, and the environment. The SIP demonstrates how nonattainment areas (places that do not meet NAAQS) will meet federal standards.

If you are interested in taking part in any air quality issues, keep an eye on our Air Mail! topic “Public & Stakeholder Participation Information,” and let your voice be heard. You can learn more about NYS’ air pollution control program, and see the full list of NY SIP actions.

DECinfo Locator

In July, DEC launched its new interactive map, DECinfo Locator. This mapping system provides access to DEC documents and public data about NYS’ environment and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Finding permitted air pollution sources is easier than ever. While permits have been available for years on our website, the DECinfo map shows exactly where sources are, how close they are to your home or business, and delivers the permit documents to your computer. We post only “issued” permits on the map, but you can still see draft permits on the web page.

We will also be adding small pollution source registrations in the coming months. These sources include dry cleaners, autobody shops and other small businesses. Never before have these documents been made so readily available to you.

Along with permitted facilities, you can find where our air monitoring stations are located. Each station has a different utility, such as measuring for specific contaminants; however, they all provide information about what’s in the air at that location. Some sites will show meteorological data, too.

We encourage you to use the DECinfo map. Find out what’s in your neighborhood through the search tool. Use the help button to report problems or send suggestions. DEC wants to make DECinfo Locator the best tool possible for you to know your environment.

To access this first-of-its-kind mapping application, visit the DECinfo Locator web page. Learn more about its features from the Tutorial on YouTube.

Photo Caption: DECinfo Locator shows the exact location of permitted facilities and air monitoring stations and allows users to easily view and download information.

Join the Team!

Looking for a job that has a positive impact on our environment? DEC offers numerous opportunities for qualified individuals looking to work in environmental fields and support the protection of the environment. Learn more about career opportunities in natural resource management and environmental protection with DEC on our website.

Dates to Remember:

• September 23 - 29: Climate Week – Taking simple actions in your everyday life to reduce your carbon footprint can add up to big changes for the environment and air quality.
• September - October: Fall Foliage Report – Before you head out on your leaf peeping adventure, check out the 2019 Fall color report from I Love New York.  The Adirondack and Catskill mountains are breathtaking this time of year.
• October 4: World Animal Day – Clean air is important for all of earth’s creatures.
• October 16: World Food Day – Purchasing locally grown food reduces fossil fuel emissions from cross-country transportation, improving air quality for everyone.
• October 18: Federal Clean Water Act was enacted today in 1972 – By conserving electricity, you can help reduce the effects of acid rain on our waterways.

Stay Informed about Your Air Quality

NYS’ ozone season runs from April through September. DEC publishes ground-level ozone forecasts during ozone season, and particulate matter pollution forecasts year-round using a scale called the Air Quality Index (AQI). DEC sends out an air quality alert when there is a high AQI value, which indicates polluted air. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and people who exercise outdoors should take caution during an air quality alert. Find out if an Air Quality Alert is in effect by calling the toll-free Ozone Hotline: 1-800-535-1345.

The AQI can be accessed in three ways:

• Check the daily ozone and particulate matter pollution forecast.
• Find an Air Quality Monitor near you.
• Sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts for NYS via e-mail.

Live Webinar: Measuring Sustainability with Life Cycle Assessment

Get a practical introduction of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) through real world examples that measure the environmental sustainability of products and processes, resulting in cost savings, increases in efficiency, and improved market share.  This webinar is ideal for manufacturing managers, product and packaging designers, and sustainability professionals. 

Join the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute for this free 30-minute webinar on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 11:00 AM.  For additional details and registration, click here.

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Workshop
Corning, NY – Tuesday, November 12

Learn to identify and control environmental risks in your operations. Join the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) and Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology (AM&T) to discover the benefits of ISO 14001 certification.  ISO 14001 is the principal management system standard which specifies the requirements for the formulation and maintenance of an Environmental Management System (EMS).

Implementing ISO 14001 at your organization will reduce energy consumption, cut down on waste generation, contribute to environmental sustainability, and save money.  Industry experts will answer your questions about the business impacts and benefits of ISO 14001 certification. For more information and registration details, go to the event page.

We would like to know what you think. Please send your Air Mail! questions or comments to us at DAR.web@dec.ny.gov.