E1: Air Emission Compliance Program

Responsibility for Maintenance:  Facilities; Financial Services

I. Policy Statement  

The New York Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and implementing regulations require that certain sources of emissions of air contaminants obtain a permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In addition, certain federal regulations impose additional requirements on sources of air contaminant emissions. The College strives to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those related to air emissions.

II. Reason for Policy  

Onondaga Community College is required to comply with applicable air permit program requirements under the ECL and the regulations set forth at Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations (NYCRR), Part 200 et seq., as well as any applicable federal air compliance requirements.

III. Applicability of the Policy  

This policy applies to all departments of the College that may emit air contaminants to the outdoor atmosphere. Additionally, the portion of the policy addressing future changes to the Emission Source Inventory also has the potential to apply to Management Services.

IV. Related Documents  

  • 6 NYCRR Part 200 – General Provisions
  • 6 NYCRR Part 201 – Permits and Registrations
  • 40 CFR Part 60 – Federal New Source Performance Standards

V. Contacts  

SubjectOffice NameTitle or PositionTelephone NumberEmail/URL
Emission Source Inventory and Air Permit
Compliance
FacilitiesAssistant Director of Campus Facilities
 
(315) 498-2179suarezs@sunyocc.edu
     
Purchase of New Emission Sources or Chemicals that Constitute Air Contaminants Management ServicesAssistant Vice President,
Management Services
(315) 498-2566mcmullem@sunyocc.edu  

VI. Definitions  

TermDefinition
Air ContaminantA chemical, dust, compound, fume, gas, mist, odor, smoke, vapor, pollen or any combination thereof.
Emission SourceAny device or equipment capable of causing emissions of Air Contaminants to the outdoor atmosphere, including any air cleaning device.
Emission PointAny conduit, chimney, duct, vent, flue, stack, opening of any kind through which Air Contaminants may be emitted to the outdoor atmosphere.

VII. Procedures  

Nature of Emission Sources Potentially Present. Emission Sources include, but are not limited to:  

  • Boilers
  • Furnaces and Space Heaters
  • Generators
  • Laboratory Exhaust Systems, including Fume Hoods and Canopies
  • Chemical Storage Cabinets and Rooms
  • Storage Tanks
  • Printing Presses
  • Paint Spray Booths
  • Degreasing Units and Parts Cleaners
  • Laundry Operations

Emission Sources are frequently, but not exclusively, located in laboratories, physical plant/maintenance buildings, art studios, kitchens and laundries, and locations which require heating or cooling.

Emission Source Inventory. The College shall maintain an inventory of all Emission Sources and Emission Points present at its campus. The inventory shall consist of a detailed list of Emission Sources, including the specific location of each Emission Source, size (i.e., heat input rating for a boiler or natural-gas fired space heater), and the identification and quantity of Air Contaminants that each Emission Source would be expected to emit.

Air Permit Applicability Review. Based on the information contained in the inventory, the College will determine whether any Emission Sources are subject to the air permit requirements set forth in 6 NYCRR Part 201 or whether they are exempt from air permit requirements. The DEC regulations contain a list of Emission Sources which are considered “exempt” or “trivial” and which are generally not subject to air permit requirements. To the extent the College determines that an Emission Source qualifies as exempt or trivial, Facilities will maintain documentation in support of that determination.

If Emission Sources at the College are subject to air permit requirements, Facilities, assisted by other College departments as needed, will ensure the preparation and submission of appropriate air permit application documentation to the DEC. Facilities will be responsible to ensure compliance with all state and federal requirements set forth in any issued air permit.

Future Changes to the Emission Source Inventory. All affected departments must take steps to ensure that the College’s Emission Source inventory remains current. The installation of new Emission Sources, changes to or removal of an Emission Source, or the emission of a new Air Contaminant, may have an impact on the College’s air compliance obligations. As a result, Facilities must be notified, at least 30 days in advance of planned installation, of all proposed new Emission Sources or the emission of a new Air Contaminant to ensure that a review of potentially applicable regulatory requirements is performed. Facilities must also be notified before any changes are made to an Emission Source, or any Emission Source is removed, to ensure that regulatory compliance is achieved. Coordination between Management Services and Facilities regarding proposed purchases of new Emission Sources or chemicals which may be emitted will facilitate compliance.


Approved by OCC Board of Trustees April 3, 2006