LowNOx Rules in Texas

AreaSite ApplicabilityBoiler Size (design heat input)NOx LimitRule Citation in 30 T.A.C.
Beaumont / Port Arthur (BPA): Hardin, Jefferson, and Orange CountiesMajor NOx sites(>=50 tpy NOx)>40 MMBtu/hrIn operation on or before 11/15/92.0.10 lb NOx/MMBtu (82 ppmv NOx @3% O2)Comply: 2/3 by 5/1/03; all by 5/1/05.§117.206(a)(1)
§117.520
(a)(3)
Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW): Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant CountiesMajor NOx sites(>=50 tpy NOx)>40 MMBtu/hrIn operation on or before 11/15/92.30 ppmv NOx @3% O2 Comply by 3/31/02.§117.206(b)(1)
§117.520
(b)
Houston / Galveston (HGA): Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller CountiesSites
with less than 10 tons NOx per year design capacity to emit, from units
subject to §117.206 or §117.475, are not in cap-and-trade. (citation:
§101.351)
>2 MMBtu/hr Size limited by site 10 tons NOx per year design capacity to emit.0.036 lb NOx/MMBtu (30 ppmv NOx @3% O2) Comply by 3/31/05.§117.475(c)(1) §117.534
(2)(C)
 Sites
>= 10 tpy NOx as above, but less than major NOx source (< 25 tpy
NOx potential to emit from all emitting sources)
>2 MMBtu/hr but limited by site classification as non-major (minor) source.trade compliance. NOx allocation based on 0.036 lb NOx/MMBtu Cap reductions 2004-2008.§101.351 §117.475(c)(1) §101.353
 Major NOx sites (>=25 tpy NOx potential to emit)>2 and <40 MMBtu/hrCap-and-trade compliance. 0.036 lb NOx/MMBtu Cap reductions 2004-2008.§101.351 §117.206(c)(1) §101.353
 Major NOx sites>=40 and <100 MMBtu/hrCap-and-trade compliance. 0.030 lb NOx/MMBtu Cap reductions 2004-2008.§101.351 §117.206(c)(1) §101.353
 Major NOx sites>=100 MMBtu/hrCap-and-trade compliance. 0.020 lb NOx/MMBtu Cap reductions 2004-2008.§101.351 §117.206(c)(1) §101.353
StatewideOld boilers>=40 MMBtu/hr Grandfathered units (constructed before 9/71)120-month old BACT1(0.06 lb/MMBtu) Comply 3/07 ETx; 3/08WTx§116.811(3)(A) §116.779
(c) §116.771
Area Site Boiler Size (design heat input) NOx Limit2 Rule Citation In 30 T.A.C.
Statewide – requirements starting with manufacturing dates of 7/1/2002 (or 1/1/2005 where noted) Any <=75,000 Btu/hr <=75,000 Btu/hr (1/1/05) >75,000 & <=400,000 Btu/hr >400,000 & <=2 MM Btu/hr 40 ng/J heat output (55 ppm) 10 ng/J heat output (15 ppm) 40 ng/J heat output (55 ppm) 30 ppm (0.037 lb/MMBtu) §117.465(1) §117.465(2) §117.465(3) §117.465(4)
Statewide (see also HGA3) Any >2 and <=10 MMBtu/hr None §106.183 Permit-by-Rule
Statewide (see also HGA3) Any >10 and <=40 MMBtu/hr 0.10 lb/MMBtu §106.183 Permit-by-Rule
Statewide (see also HGA3) Any >40 MMBtu/hr Best Available Control Technology (case-by-case) 3/03 guidance – 9 ppmv §116.111(a)(2) (C) New Source Permit
HGA Sites with less than 10 tons NOx per year design capacity to emit, from units subject to §117.206 or §117.475, are not in cap-and-trade. (citation: §101.351) >2 MMBtu/hr Size limited by 10 tons NOx per year design capacity to emit. 0.036 lb NOx/MMBtu (30 ppmv NOx @3% O2) Comply by 3/31/05. Permit authorization still required. §117.475(c)(1) §117.534(2)(C)
Sites >=10 tpy NOx design capacity to emit from units subject to §117.206 or §117.475, must participate in cap-and-trade compliance. (citation: §101.351) >2 MMBtu/hr

1. Voluntary Emission Reduction Permit (VERP) and Existing Facility Permits. Under VERP rules, facilities in ozone nonattainment areas may require more stringent limit in accordance with §116.811(3)(B). VERP emission controls should be installed within three years of permit issuance.

2. Major NOx sources in BPA, DFW, or HGA must not significantly increase site NOx unless lowest achievable emission rate (LAER) technology is applied and offsets are obtained. Citation: 30 T.A.C. §116.150.

3. Under Texas law, all new or modified air pollutant emitting facilities statewide have to obtain permit authorization, either under Chapter 106 or 116. Separately and additionally, Chapter 117 requires NOx reductions in specific areas in order to meet federal ambient ozone standards.