Internal combustion (IC) engines use pistons that alternately move back and forth to convert pressure into rotating motion.  Internal combustion engines are used to in different applications from electrical generation, powering air compressors and pumps.  IC engines can operate on a variety of petroleum fuels (diesel, gasoline, natural gas, propane, etc.) and biodiesels.  The combustion of the petroleum fuels is a source of air emissions including oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, oxides of sulfur, particulate matter, diesel particulate and toxic air contaminants.

Diesel powered engines inject the fuel into the combustion chamber igniting the gases inside the cylinder by compressing the gas.  Gasoline, natural gas, and propane powered engines ignite the fuel-air mixtures in the combustion chambers using a spark from a spark plug.

Who Needs a Permit?

• Pursuant to Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD) Rule 201, Section 4.14, any stationary piston-type IC engines with a rating of 50 brake horsepower or greater requires a permit to operate.
• Portable engines that are registered under California Code of Regulations Title 13, Article 5, Sections 2450 through 2465 (Portable Equipment Registration Program - PERP) may be exempt from MBARD permits unless the engine is used with stationary equipment that requires a MBARD permit to operate, remains at one location for more than one year, or does not meet the requirements specified in the MBARD PERP Eligibility Policy at Stationary Sources.
• Pursuant to MBARD Rule 220, Section 1.2, diesel engines utilized in agricultural operations with a rating of 50 brake horsepower or larger are required to obtain a registration.  For more information click Here.

Permit Fees 

New Installations:

IC engines are required to submit a one-time NEW APPLICATION fee for applying Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate (Rule 300 District Fees).

Modifications:

For modifications resulting in any physical change or change in method of operation shall pay the MODIFICATION fee specified in Rule 300.

Permit Application Completeness Determination

An application will not be accepted for processing until it is deemed complete. The following will be required in order for MBARD to make a completeness determination.

• Completed Form 1 ATC-PTO Application with the original signature of the owner/proprietor or responsible officer of the company.
• Submittal of fees outlined in Form 400-General Application Fee Determination Sheet, and in accordance with District Rule 300.
• Submittal of Internal Combustion Engine Supplemental Information Form.
• Any additional information that may be requested in order to perform a health risk assessment or to better understand the process or the applicability of regulations.

Documents/Forms

Advisories

Permit Application Forms

Recordkeeping Forms

MBARD Rules

Federal Rules

National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

• Code of Federal Regulation, 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart ZZZZ, NESHAPS FOR HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS FOR RECIPROCATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES 

New Source Performance Standards (NSPS)

• Code of Federal Regulation, 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart JJJJ, NSPS FOR STATIONARY SPARK IGNITION INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
• Code of Federal Regulation, 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart IIII, NSPS FOR STATIONARY COMPRESSION IGNITION INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

State Rules

California Health and Safety Code, Section 42301.6, Public Notice For Possible Source Of Air Hazardous Emissions Near School Prior To Approving Permit

CCR Title 17, Section §93115 – Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Stationary Compression Ignition (CI) Engines

CCR Title 17, Section §93116 – Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Diesel Particulate Matter From Portable Engines Rated at 50 Horsepower and Greater

CCR Title 17, Section §93116 – Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) for Diesel Particulate Matter From Portable Engines Rated at 50 Horsepower and Greater