Frequently Asked Questions and Other Information
What are regulated air pollutants?
- The EPA and DEQ regulates the release of pollutants into the air. The most common regulated pollutants are listed below.
AIR POLLUTANT DESCRIPTION OF POLLUTANT Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) NOx is released into the air from the combustion of fuels (ex. gasoline, natural gas, fuel oil, diesel fuel). NOx is a major contributor to the formation of ground level ozone and acid rain. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) SO2 is released into the air from the combustion of sulfur-bearing fuels (ex. fuel oil, diesel fuel) and contributes to the production of acid rain. Carbon Monoxide (CO) CO is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels such as gasoline, oil, and wood and by the incomplete combustion of many natural and synthetic products. Carbon monoxide may be particularly hazardous to people who have heart or circulatory problems and people who have damaged lungs or breathing passages. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) VOCs are released from fuel combustion and from evaporation of solvents, paints, and glues. VOCs are smog-formers and include chemicals such as benzene, toluene, methylene chloride and methyl chloroform. In addition to ozone (smog) effects, many VOCs can cause serious health problems such as cancer and other effects. Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) HAPs are chemicals that can cause serious health and environmental effects. HAPs are released from the use of chemicals, paints, solvents, and from motor vehicle exhaust. Many VOCs are also HAPs. The EPA has designated 187 chemicals as HAPs. Particulate Matter (PM,
PM-10, PM-2.5)PM is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter (PM-10) pose a health concern because they can be inhaled into and accumulate in the respiratory system. Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM-2.5) are referred to as “fine” particles and are believed to pose the largest health risks. Due to their small size, fine particles can lodge deeply into the lungs. Sources of fine particles include all types of combustion (motor vehicles, power plants, wood burning, etc.) and some industrial processes. Particles with diameters between 2.5 and 10 micrometers are referred to as “course.” Sources of course particles include crushing or grinding operations, and dust from paved or unpaved roads. Lead (Pb) Lead is emitted from a number of industrial sources such as metal smelters, waste incinerators, and industrial boilers, as well as from combustion of leaded aviation gasoline. Depending on the level of exposure, lead can adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems and the cardiovascular system. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) CFCs are ozone-destroying chemicals released into the air from industrial processes and from refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
What is an air pollution source?
The DEQ defines an air pollution source as any one or combination of the following: buildings, structures, facilities, installations, articles, machines, equipment, landcraft, watercraft, aircraft or other contrivances which contribute, or may contribute, either directly or indirectly to air pollution. An air pollution source also includes any activity by any person that contributes, or may contribute, either directly or indirectly to air pollution, including, but not limited to, open burning, generation of fugitive dust or emissions, and cleaning with abrasives or chemicals.
NASA LaRC is a permitted stationary source of air pollutant emissions.
What are the air pollution sources at NASA LaRC?
Sources of air pollution at NASA LaRC include:
- Natural Gas and Oil-fired Boilers, Furnaces and Heaters
- Sudden Expansion (SUE) Burner Exhaust
- Paint Booths (paints, thinners, solvents)
- Solvent Parts Washers
- Vehicle Gasoline Refueling
- Diesel Generators and Fire Pumps
- Investment Casting Wax Burn-out Furnace
- 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel Exhaust
- National Transonic Facility Burner Exhaust
- Arc Heated Scramjet Test Facility Exhaust
- Direct Connect Supersonic Combustion Test Facility Exhaust
- HyMETS Facility Exhaust
- Abrasive blasting
- Metal Shop Operations
- Tape Prepregging Machine
What are NASA LaRC’s compliance requirements under the Air Permit?
General Air Permit Conditions and Requirements:
The LaRC permit contains legally enforceable conditions that limit the amount of air pollutants that NASA LaRC may emit. Specific permit requirements vary according to the air pollution source, but they generally fall into four categories:
Physical:
- Controls to limit emissions such as low NOx burners on boilers and filters on paint booths.
- Monitoring equipment to measure emissions or process rates.
Operational:
- Limits on the amount of fuel burned or materials processed.
- Limits on frequency and duration of operations.
Record Keeping (requirements to keep records of:)
- Quantity of products, fuels, or materials used.
- Operational throughputs.
- Frequency or duration of operation.
Reporting and Inspections:
- Quarterly Reports.
- Annual Inventory and Emissions Statement.
- Periodic Inspections by DEQ.
Where can I find more information about NASA LaRC’s air program?
NASA Langley Standard Practice and Environmental Engineering Branch at 757-864-3500
Call the Standard Practice and Environmental Engineering Branch if you have questions about air pollution sources, monitoring or compliance requirements, or if you need more information.
