NSR/PSD Reform Training and Workgroup Offered

On March 30, 2004, beginning at 12:30 p.m., a formal training course on the New Source Review (NSR) reform regulation will be conducted by RTP Environmental with support from the Central States Air Resources Agency. The course will continue the following day, ending around noon on March 31. The training will be held at the DNR's Air Quality Bureau offices at 7900 Hickman Road in Urbandale. The course will provide participants core information needed to understand changes in EPA's rule. There is no charge to attend.

The training is offered as part of a technical workgroup the DNR is forming to assist with rulemaking activities related to the adoption and implementation of the EPA's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment NSR reform rule published in the Federal Register on December 31, 2002. The workgroup will offer recommendations and suggest alternative approaches to the federal rule adoption.

Areas for workgroup recommendations include plantwide applicability limits (PALs), baseline actual emissions, actual to projected actual applicability tests, and pollution control projects/clean units. Sherry Timmins, regulatory assistance coordinator for the Department of Economic Development, will facilitate the workgroup and air quality staff will assist. The group will make recommendations to the DNR for rule adoption by Fall 2004.

If you have experience with or an interest in the development of the PSD program, you are invited to attend the March 30 training. Individuals with technical knowledge of the EPA's new rules, the PSD program, and NSR in general are also encouraged to participate in the workgroup, which will conduct its first meeting on March 30.

Volunteers should be prepared to commit to several meetings over four to six months. Participation is not limited at this time.

If you would like to attend the training, please provide participant names and contact information no later than March 26 to Anita Petty at (515) 242-5100 or by e-mail at anita.petty@dnr.iowa.gov. If you have questions about the training objectives or logistics please call Jim McGraw at (515) 242-5167 or email him at jim.mcgraw@dnr.iowa.gov.