Is Your Air Permit Strategy Ready for NJDEP’s New SOTA Standards?

New Jersey’s air quality has improved recently due to better maintenance of ideal standards and reduced pollution levels. However, there are still instances when the air quality does not meet the standards, as smog and fine particles remain a health concern, especially in industrial areas and overburdened communities.

As a commitment to maintaining state air quality, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) introduced new State-of-the-Art (SOTA) standards in late 2023. These updates seek to impose tighter emission limits and regulate compression ignition reciprocating internal combustion engines (CI RICE) and spark ignition reciprocating internal combustion engines (SI RICE).

The primary purpose of the SOTA standards is to promote the use of updated emission control methods to minimize air pollution. They also seek to set stricter limits on pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia slip (NH3), and total suspended particulate matter. Nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide have more aggressive reduction targets for engines due to their role in air pollution and emission violations.

For facilities, the updated SOTA standards set by the NJDEP raise significant concerns regarding the compliance of their existing stationary engines. This also poses the question of how the updates can change their NJDEP permit compliance and reporting.

Manufacturers and facilities operating CI RICE and SI RICE should understand the latest SOTA standards to secure or renew their air permits. Navigating these updates can be complex, but working with a reliable air permit consultant NJ can help facilities avoid costly missteps. Failure to achieve emission compliance may mean fines, penalties, or suspension.

Changes in air permit regulations and updated SOTA guidelines can pose new challenges for facilities. With the help of a reliable air permit consultant, companies can develop an action plan that complies with emission limits and meets New Jersey’s constantly changing environmental standards.

To navigate updated SOTA standards and evolving NJDEP regulations for emission limits, read this infographic by Lockatong Engineering.