New source review - Massachusetts

Massachusetts incorporates by reference the federal regulations for New Source Review (NSR) Permitting; however, the state adds further requirements.

A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:

• Federal potential emissions greater than or equal to 100 tons per year or more of any pollutant subject to regulation under the Act, except that lower emissions thresholds shall apply as follows:
  • 50 tons per year of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or
  • 50 tons per year of oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
• If the physical change would result in the following increases either in actual emissions or in the federal potential to emit, greater than or equal to:
  • 50 tons per year of VOCs,
  • 50 tons per year of NOx), or
  • 100 tons per year or more of any other pollutant subject to regulation under the Act.
• “Significant” means, in reference to a net emissions increase or the potential of a source to emit any of the following pollutants, a rate of emissions that would equal or exceed any of the following rates:
  • Carbon monoxide — 100 tons per year;
  • Ozone — 25 tons per year of NOx where an administratively complete application was received on or after November 15, 1992, for the physical change or change in the method of operation; or
  • Ozone — 40 tons per year of VOC or 25 tons per year of VOC where an administratively complete application was received on or after November 15, 1992, for the physical change or change in the method of operation.

Related information

• EzExplanation New Source Review
• Massachusetts State Implementation Plans

Citations

• Federal regulation 40 CFR Part 51-52
• Code of Massachusetts Regulations 310 CMR 7.00