ENB Region 2 Completed Applications 04/11/2007

The Department has prepared a Draft Permit and has made a tentative determination to approve this application. The applicant proposes to renew their Title V permit which expired on 12/27/06. The applicant maintains a prison facility on Rikers Island in the East River and operates a powerhouse in a separate structure on the island producing steam to provide heat for the entire island, as well as process steam for the laundry. The powerhouse has eight boilers with a capacity of 96 mmbtu/hr each, firing natural gas or distillate oil as back up. The facility-wide emissions for NOx exceed the major source pollutant threshold defined in 6NYCRR Subpart 201-6. With this permit renewal application the facility is proposing to operate nineteen internal combustion engines subject to the NOx emission cap of 22.5 tons per year.

In accordance with 6NYCRR Parts 621.7(b)(9) and 201-6.4(c), the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has the authority to bar issuance of any Title V Facility Permit if it is determined not to be in compliance with applicable requirements of the Clean Air Act or 6NYCRR Part 201.

Persons wishing to inspect the subject Title V files, including the application with all relevant supporting materials, the draft permit, and all other materials available to the DEC (the "permitting authority") that are relevant to this permitting decision should contact the DEC representative listed below.  It is recommended that an appointment be made to confirm the availability of the subject files.  The DEC will endeavor to make the files available within 2 business days of contact, during normal business hours (8:30 am through 4:45 pm), unless the requestor wishes to inspect the files at a later date.  The Draft Permit and Permit Review Report may be viewed and printed from the Department web site at: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dar/boss/afs/index.html.

DEC will evaluate the application and the comments received on it to determine whether to hold a public hearing.  A public hearing may be legislative or adjudicatory.  A legislative public hearing is a proceeding which provides an additional opportunity for public comment.  DEC's determination to hold a legislative public hearing will be based on whether a significant degree of public interest exists.   If a legislative public hearing is to be held, a Notice of Hearing will be published which will include the time and place of the hearing and submitting comments.   The applicant and all persons who  have filed comments on the permit will be notified by mail of the public hearing.  Comments and requests for a legislative public hearing should be in writing and addressed to the Department representative listed below.

An adjudicatory public hearing is a trial type proceeding which provides the opportunity for adjudication on the basis of evidence, including direct testimony and cross examination.  An adjudicatory hearing is held only if substantive and significant issues relating to any findings or determinations the Department is required to make pursuant to the Environmental Conservation Law exist.   A copy of the Department's permit hearing procedures is available upon request or on the Department web site at: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ohms/gudph1.htm.

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law during normal business hours at the address of the contact person.

The Department has made a tentative determination to approve an application for an existing facility that operates combustion installation. There are two exempt gas-fired only chillers (7mmBtu/hr each) and one exempt emergency diesel generator (300 kw). Four new cogeneration engines (400 kw each) will be constructed with 3-way catalyst to control emissions. The engines will use natural gas only. A new 431 kw diesel engine generator will be limited to emergency or peak shaving operations. The facility NOx emissions are capped at 22.5 tons per year. Records demonstrating compliance with this cap will be kept in accordance with the permit special conditions. The facility is subject to the provisions of State Facility specified under 6NYCRR 201-7.2. The application, draft permit, relevant supporting materials and regulations are available for review during normal business hours at the DEC office provided in this notice. Comments of support or objection may be made by filing a written statement by the deadline date indicated. DEC may schedule a public hearing based upon an evaluation of the nature and scope of any written objections raised. Hearing notices will contain instructions on filing for party status and submitting comments.

Filed application documents, and Department draft permits where applicable, are available for inspection under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law during normal business hours at the address of the contact person.