Air district reminds farmers about engine rules compliance

Aug. 8, 2008 - - Stationary and transportable spark-ignited internal combustion engines used in agricultural operations are subject to regulation. That is the message going out to valley farmers from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The engines fall under District Rule 4702. Regulated engines include irrigation pumps, dairy digester gas-fired engines, and other engines used in agricultural operations that are fired by natural gas, propane/LPG, biogas and/or gasoline.
Full compliance with Rule 4702 is required by January 1, 2009. Owners and/or operators of these engines are required to submit either an Authority to Construct (ACT) permit application or a Permit-Exempt Equipment Registration (PEER). The application should identify the chosen compliance method. ACT applications were due July 1, 2008, while PEER applications are due October 1, 2008. Further information about complying with Rule 4702 is available by contacting one of the valley air district offices: Modesto (209) 557-6446; Fresno (559) 230-5888; or Bakersfield (661) 326-6969.