Chapter 30: Air Quality

Overview (1)

SLAC operations produce a wide range of air emissions. Sources of emissions include standard equipment such as boilers, generators, and motor vehicles, but SLAC also generates emissions associated with the fabrication and operation of experimental equipment. Because hazardous materials are involved in many of these operations, SLAC is subject to various local, state, and federal air quality programs.

Many federal and state air quality requirements are incorporated into local government agency statutes and permits. Since July 2002, SLAC has operated in accordance with a site-wide synthetic minor operating permit (SMOP) issued by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), to whom authority has been delegated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This umbrella permit establishes facility-wide emissions caps to regulate all significant emissions associated with designated air pollutants. The BAAQMD administers the SMOP in tandem with a second permit, referred to as a permit to operate (PTO). The PTO establishes the basis for assessing operating fees by pro-rating the emissions generated by SLAC operations. A range of both general and specific permit conditions are included in the SMOP/PTO along with regional requirements. Permit conditions delineate emissions limits, abatement criteria, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

This chapter describes all current permit conditions for SLAC, additional air quality requirements from other governmental agencies, and SLAC's proactive air pollution abatement efforts taken in accord with its waste minimization/pollution prevention program. Using these elements, SLAC minimizes its impact on regional air quality and maintains compliance with air quality regulations.

While the air quality program manager takes the lead in these activities, other SLAC personnel play important roles, notably emissions source custodians and site owners. (See Section 5.1, “General” for summary information and Air Quality: Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities Matrix [pdf] for details.)

Hazards / Impacts (1.1)

The following hazards and impacts are generally associated with air pollution:

Physical discomfort: watery eyes, sneezing, coughing
Aggravation of various medical conditions, including asthma and emphysema
Respiratory illnesses, especially in sensitive individuals
Carcinogenicity, in particular mesothelioma, which is associated with exposure to asbestos
Toxicity, as represented by cyanide compounds, chlorine gas, and other poisonous substances
Degradation of exposed surfaces of buildings, increasing maintenance and shortening service life
Global climate change due to greenhouse gas accumulation
Destruction of the ozone layer

Examples of air pollutant categories and specific air pollutants associated with SLAC operations are listed below.

Note: Because air pollutants may exist as solids, liquids, and/or gases, the primary phases are noted for each example as it is stored and used at SLAC.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which include solvents such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane, alcohols, and solvent-containing paints and coatings (liquid, gas)
Greenhouse gases, especially sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which is used extensively in electrical equipment, and to a lesser degree in research apparatus (gas)
Ozone-depleting substances (ODSs), mainly freons, like refrigerants R-11 and R-22 (liquid, gas)
Asbestos, which was once a common component of building materials, including water pipes, wall board, insulation, floor tiles, and adhesives (solid)
Precursor organic compounds (POCs), such as isobutane, which react in the atmosphere to form photochemical smog (liquid, gas)
Hexavalent chromium, which was present in the past at low concentrations in the effluent from the wastewater treatment plant (solid)
Cyanide compounds, which are used in plating shop operations (solid, liquid, gas).
Dust and particulates, especially as mobilized during excavation and other construction-related activities (solid)

Exposure Sources (1.2)

Air emissions are generated throughout the SLAC facility and comprise a wide range of sources and chemicals. Exposure is typically by inhalation but can be from ingestion or direct contact leading to adsorption or absorption. Actual or potential exposure to hazardous air emissions is an important (although sometimes less obvious) element of two interrelated SLAC programs: job hazard analysis and mitigation (JHAM) and area hazard analysis (AHA). A JHAM is required for every SLAC employee and is closely linked to job descriptions and training assessments. AHAs have been developed for many areas on-site and are available for review by anyone planning to visit any of these areas.

Scope (2)

The requirements of this chapter apply to all persons at SLAC whose duties may involve work with or around emissions sources. Emissions sources at SLAC comprise both equipment and activities that involve hazardous materials and actual or potential release of air pollutants. Equipment includes both stationary sources, such as experimental apparatus and industrial machinery, and mobile sources, such as portable generators and trailer-mounted fuel tanks. Common activities that may release hazardous materials into the air include applying paint or epoxy and cleaning with solvents.

SLAC's permitted and exempt sources of air emissions are described below and linked to various regulatory deliverables in order to convey both the risks associated with certain air pollutants and the complex regulatory framework that addresses these pollutants. Compliance requirements for all sources, including emissions tracking and reporting, are presented.

The air quality programs at SLAC encompass a wide range of disparate activities and derive from a similarly wide range of complementary programs. For additional information on requirements regarding hazardous materials handling, see Chapter 40, "Hazardous Materials", Chapter 17, "Hazardous Waste", Chapter 27, "Asbestos", and Chapter 20, "Lead Safety". For SLAC policy concerning minimizing pollution, see Chapter 22, "Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention".

Exemptions (2.1)

Exemptions to the requirements of this chapter include most types of vehicles operated at SLAC, including passenger cars and trucks, as well as forklifts and heavy equipment such as mobile cranes. However, fuel emissions are monitored indirectly by tracking the amount of gasoline and diesel fuel purchased or dispensed from the on-site gasoline dispensing facility (GDF).

Note: Car and truck emissions are specifically exempted from the SMOP, since they are already regulated under California's smog certification program. However, all vehicles operated on-site, including commercial delivery trucks, are subject to SLAC's policy that prohibits engine idling, as described in this chapter.

Note: Many exemptions are allowed under BAAQMD regulations, typically for low-volume hazardous materials use, contained work areas, or research and development activities.

Implementation (8)

The requirements of this chapter will be implemented according to the schedule in Air Quality: Implementation Plan [pdf].

continue to Standards (3)

Questions? Submit a Web Request or
Last update: