1.11      Snow Melters and Portable Emission Units Permitting Process

1.11.1          Permitting Requirements for Snow Melters and Portable Emission Units

According to MDE, temporary/portable snow melters are not required to be permitted at this time. However, based on the size of the units, the snow melters may be subject to federal requirements under 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart Dc. Subpart Dc applies to small industrial-commercial-institutional steam generating units built after June 9, 1989 and with a heat input capacity between 10 MMBtu/hr and 100 MMBtu/hr. The rule requires that daily fuel use be recorded and kept on site and that notification of construction (purchase of snow melter) and startup be submitted to EPA. In addition, semi-annual fuel reports should be submitted to EPA identifying the sulfur content of the fuel and excess emissions reports shall also be submitted if applicable. Since the snow melters would be applicable to Subpart Dc, snow melters that are permanently stationed at the facility are subject to a permit to construct and would need to follow the same permitting requirements set forth above in Chapter 1.4.3 Permitting Requirements for Boilers, Water Heaters, and other Fuel Burning Equipment according to their size.

1.11.2          Design Guidelines for Snow Melters

Snow melters with a heat input capacity between 10 MMBtu/hr and 100 MMBtu/hr shall meet the requirements of Subpart Dc as set forth above. The Owner shall be responsible for recordkeeping and reporting requirements under this rule.