Is Your Air Permit Strategy Ready for NJDEP’s New SOTA Standards?
New Jersey’s air quality has improved in recent years due to maintenance efforts to reduce pollution levels. However, there are still instances when the air quality in some areas does not meet the standards. This is due to smog and fine particles that pose a health concern, especially in industrial areas and overburdened communities in the state.
In December 2023, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) introduced the New State-of-the-Art (SOTA) standards to maintain air quality. The updated SOTA standards aim to implement stricter emission limits and regulate facilities operating compression ignition reciprocating internal combustion engines (CI RICE) and spark ignition reciprocating internal combustion engines (SI RICE).
The updated SOTA standards introduce tighter emission limits on various pollutants to lessen air pollution in New Jersey. These include stricter limits on emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia slip (NH3), and total suspended particulate matter.
Furthermore, the changes in the SOTA standards indicate stricter control of technology requirements and more stringent monitoring protocols for facilities. Under the revised SOTA guidelines, those who operate older engines or without emissions control may find their air permits invalid.
It is important for manufacturers and facilities that operate CI RICE and SI RICE to understand the updated guidelines. This can affect how they can secure or renew their air permits. Navigating the revised standards can be complex, but working with a reliable air permit consultant NJ can help facilities review the existing equipment and assess potential compliance gaps.
A professional permit consultant can assist facilities with various processes, such as compliance assessment, permit application, renewal, emission testing, and reporting. After testing the equipment for compliance with SOTA standards, facilities can impose cost-effective solutions and prevent penalties.
NJDEP permit compliance today depends on how facilities adapt to the updates in the SOTA guidelines. With the help and support of a professional air permit consultant, manufacturers and facilities can prevent delays and develop effective strategies that align with New Jersey’s changing environmental regulations.
For more details about managing compliance under NJDEP’s revised air quality standards, check this infographic by Lockatong Engineering.
