TITLE 35: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
SUBTITLE B: AIR POLLUTION
CHAPTER I: POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
SUBCHAPTER c: EMISSION STANDARDS AND LIMITATIONS FOR STATIONARY SOURCES
PART 217 NITROGEN OXIDES EMISSIONS
SECTION 217.157 TESTING AND MONITORING

 

Section 217.157  Testing and Monitoring

 

a)         Industrial Boilers and Process Heaters

 

1)         The owner or operator of an industrial boiler subject to Subpart E of this Part with a rated heat input capacity greater than 250 mmBtu/hr must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on the emission unit for the measurement of NOx emissions discharged into the atmosphere in accordance with 40 CFR 75, as incorporated by reference in Section 217.104.  However, the owner or operator of an industrial boiler subject to Subpart E of this Part with a rated heat input capacity greater than 250 mmBtu/hr that combusts blast furnace gas with up to 10% natural gas on an annual basis and located at a source that manufactures iron and steel is not required to install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on that industrial boiler, provided the heat input from natural gas does not exceed 10% on an annual basis and the owner or operator complies with the performance test requirements under this Section and demonstrates, during each performance test, that NOx emissions from the industrial boiler are less than 70% of the applicable emissions limitation under Section 217.164.  If the owner or operator is unable to meet the requirements of this exception, a CEMS is required within 12 months after that event, or by January 1, 2015, whichever is later.

 

2)         The owner or operator of an industrial boiler subject to Subpart E of this Part with a rated heat input capacity greater than 100 mmBtu/hr but less than or equal to 250 mmBtu/hr must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on the emission unit for the measurement of NOx emissions discharged into the atmosphere in accordance with 40 CFR 60, subpart A and appendix B, Performance Specifications 2 and 3, and appendix F, Quality Assurance Procedures, as incorporated by reference in Section 217.104.

 

3)         The owner or operator of a process heater subject to Subpart F of this Part with a rated heat input capacity greater than 100 mmBtu/hr must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on the emission unit for the measurement of NOx emissions discharged into the atmosphere in accordance with 40 CFR 60, subpart A and appendix B, Performance Specifications 2 and 3, and appendix F, Quality Assurance Procedures, as incorporated by reference in Section 217.104. 

 

4)         On and after July 1, 2025, the owner or operator of an industrial boiler subject to Subpart E of this Part, or a process heater subject to Subpart F of this Part, with a rated heat input capacity greater than 50 mmBtu/hr but less than or equal to 100 mmBtu/hr must have an initial performance test conducted in accordance with subsection (a)(8)(A) of this Section and Section 217.154, and subsequent performance tests conducted in accordance with subsection (a)(8) of this Section.

 

5)         If demonstrating compliance through an emissions averaging plan, the owner or operator of an industrial boiler subject to Subpart E of this Part, or a process heater subject to Subpart F of this Part, with a rated heat input capacity less than or equal to 100 mmBtu/hr and not demonstrating compliance through a CEMS must have an initial performance test conducted in accordance with subsection (a)(8)(A) of this Section and Section 217.154, and subsequent performance tests conducted in accordance with subsection (a)(8) of this Section.

 

6)         Instead of complying with the requirements of subsection (a)(4) or (5) of this Section, an owner or operator of an industrial boiler subject to Subpart E of this Part, or a process heater subject to Subpart F of this Part, with a rated heat input capacity less than or equal to 100 mmBtu/hr may install and operate a CEMS on the emission unit in accordance with the applicable requirements of 40 CFR 60, subpart A and appendix B, Performance Specifications 2 and 3, and appendix F, Quality Assurance Procedures, as incorporated by reference in Section 217.104.  The CEMS must be used to demonstrate compliance with the applicable emissions limitation or emissions averaging plan on an ozone season and annual basis until July 1, 2025, and a 30-day rolling average on and after July 1, 2025.

 

7)         Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2) of this Section, the owner or operator of an auxiliary boiler subject to Subpart E of this Part with a rated heat input capacity less than or equal to 250 mmBtu/hr and a capacity factor of less than or equal to 20% is not required to install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on the boiler for the measurement of NOx emissions discharged into the atmosphere, but must conduct initial and subsequent performance tests in accordance with subsection (a)(8) of this Section.

 

8)         All performance tests required by this subsection (a) must be conducted at the owner or operator's sole expense and must meet the requirements in subsection (a)(8)(A).  All performance tests required by subsection (a) subsequent to an initial performance test must also meet the requirements in subsection (a)(8)(B):

 

A)        Except as provided in subsection (a)(8)(C), the performance test must be conducted using 40 CFR 60, subpart A and appendix A, Method 1, 2, 3, 4, 7E, or 19, in appendix A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, or A-7, respectively, as incorporated by reference in Section 217.104, or other alternative USEPA methods approved by the Agency.  Each performance test must consist of three separate runs, each lasting a minimum of 60 minutes.  NOx emissions must be measured while the industrial boiler or process heater is operating at maximum operating capacity or while it is operating at normal maximum load.  If the industrial boiler or process heater has combusted more than one type of fuel in the prior year, a separate performance test is required for each fuel.  If a combination of fuels is typically used, a performance test may be conducted, with Agency approval, on the combination of fuels typically used.

 

B)        A performance test must be conducted at least once every five years.  When, in the opinion of the Agency or USEPA, it is necessary to conduct testing to demonstrate compliance with Section 217.164 or 217.184, as applicable, the owner or operator of an industrial boiler or process heater must have the test conducted in accordance with the applicable test methods and procedures specified in this Section within 90 days after receipt of a notice to test from the Agency or USEPA.

 

C)        Instead of complying with the requirements of subsection (a)(8)(A) and with written approval from the Agency and USEPA, the owner or operator of an industrial boiler subject to Subpart E or a process heater subject to Subpart F, as applicable, may utilize an alternative method to determine the emission rate (lbs/mmBtu) for each fuel combusted in the prior year for units that share a common stack.  The alternative method must include the use of mass balance for units emitting through the common stack where not all emissions units sharing that common stack are subject to Subpart E or F, as applicable, provided there is adequate performance testing and/or CEMS monitoring to determine emissions from the units subject to Subpart E or F, as applicable, and where heat input is monitored for all emission units served by the common stack.  The owner or operator must comply with all applicable provisions under this Section until written Agency and USEPA approval to utilize the alternative method is received by the owner or operator.

 

b)         Glass Melting Furnaces; Cement Kilns; Lime Kilns; Iron and Steel Reheat, Annealing, and Galvanizing Furnaces; and Aluminum Reverberatory and Crucible Furnaces

 

1)         An owner or operator of a glass melting furnace subject to Subpart G of this Part, cement kiln or lime kiln subject to Subpart H of this Part, iron and steel reheat, annealing, or galvanizing furnace subject to Subpart I of this Part, or aluminum reverberatory or crucible furnace subject to Subpart I of this Part that has the potential to emit NOx in an amount equal to or greater than one ton per day must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on the emission unit for the measurement of NOx emissions discharged into the atmosphere in accordance with 40 CFR 60, subpart A and appendix B, Performance Specifications 2 and 3, and appendix F, Quality Assurance Procedures, as incorporated by reference in Section 217.104.

 

2)         An owner or operator of a glass melting furnace subject to Subpart G of this Part, cement kiln or lime kiln subject to Subpart H of this Part, iron and steel reheat, annealing, or galvanizing furnace subject to Subpart I of this Part, or aluminum reverberatory or crucible furnace subject to Subpart I of this Part that has the potential to emit NOx in an amount less than one ton per day must have an initial performance test conducted pursuant to subsection (b)(4) of this Section and Section 217.154.

 

3)         An owner or operator of a glass melting furnace subject to Subpart G of this Part, cement kiln or lime kiln subject to Subpart H of this Part, iron and steel reheat, annealing, or galvanizing furnace subject to Subpart I of this Part, or aluminum reverberatory or crucible furnace subject to Subpart I of this Part that has the potential to emit NOx in an amount less than one ton per day must have subsequent performance tests conducted pursuant to subsection (b)(4) of this Section as follows:

 

A)        All the units, including those that are part of an emissions averaging plan, must conduct subsequent performance tests at least once every five years; and 

 

B)        When, in the opinion of the Agency or USEPA, it is necessary to conduct testing to demonstrate compliance with Section 217.204, 217.224, or 217.244 of this Part, as applicable, the owner or operator must, at his or her own expense, have the test conducted in accordance with the applicable test methods and procedures specified in this Section within 90 days after receipt of a notice to test from the Agency or USEPA.

 

4)         The owner or operator of a glass melting furnace, cement kiln, or lime kiln must have a performance test conducted using 40 CFR 60, subpart A and Methods 1, 2, 3, 4, or 7E in appendix A-1, A-2, A-3, or A-4, respectively, as incorporated by reference in Section 217.104 of this Part, or other alternative USEPA methods approved by the Agency.  The owner or operator of an iron and steel reheat, annealing, or galvanizing furnace, or aluminum reverberatory or crucible furnace must have a performance test conducted using 40 CFR 60, subpart A and Method 1, 2, 3, 4, 7E, or 19 in appendix A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, or A-7, respectively, as incorporated by reference in Section 217.104 of this Part, or other alternative USEPA methods approved by the Agency.  Each performance test must consist of three separate runs, each lasting a minimum of 60 minutes.  NOx emissions must be measured while the glass melting furnace, cement kiln, lime kiln, iron and steel reheat, annealing, or galvanizing furnace, or aluminum reverberatory or crucible furnace is operating at maximum capacity.  If the glass melting furnace, cement kiln, lime kiln, iron and steel reheat, annealing, or galvanizing furnace, or aluminum reverberatory or crucible furnace has combusted more than one type of fuel in the prior year, a separate performance test is required for each fuel.  Except as provided under subsection (e) of this Section, this subsection (b)(4) does not apply if the owner or operator is demonstrating compliance with an emissions limitation through a CEMS under subsection (b)(1) or (b)(5) of this Section.

 

5)         Instead of complying with the requirements of subsections (b)(2), (b)(3), and (b)(4) of this Section, an owner or operator of a glass melting furnace subject to Subpart G of this Part, cement kiln or lime kiln subject to Subpart H of this Part, iron and steel reheat, annealing, or galvanizing furnace subject to Subpart I of this Part, or aluminum reverberatory or crucible furnace subject to Subpart I of this Part that has the potential to emit NOx in an amount less than one ton per day may install and operate a CEMS on the emission unit in accordance with the applicable requirements of 40 CFR 60, subpart A and appendix B, Performance Specifications 2 and 3, and appendix F, Quality Assurance Procedures, as incorporated by reference in Section 217.104 of this Part.  The CEMS must be used to demonstrate compliance with the applicable emissions limitation or emissions averaging plan on an ozone season and annual basis until July 1, 2025, and a 30-day rolling average on and after July 1, 2025.

 

c)         Fossil Fuel-Fired Stationary Boilers.  Until July 1, 2025, the owner or operator of a fossil fuel-fired stationary boiler subject to Subpart M of this Part must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on the emission unit for the measurement of NOx emissions discharged into the atmosphere in accordance with 40 CFR 96, subpart H.  On and after July 1, 2025, the owner or operator of a fossil fuel-fired stationary boiler subject to Subpart M of this Part must install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on the emission unit for the measurement of NOx emissions discharged into the atmosphere in accordance with 40 CFR 75.

 

d)         Common Stacks. 

 

1)         If two or more emission units subject to Subpart E, F, G, H, I, M, or Q of this Part are served by a common stack and the owner or operator of the emission units is operating a CEMS, the owner or operator may, with written approval from the Agency, use a single CEMS for the combination of emission units subject to Subpart E, F, G, H, I, M, or Q of this Part that share the common stack, provided the emission units are subject to an emissions averaging plan under this Part.

 

2)         If a common stack serves emission units subject to Subpart E or F, as well as emission units that are not subject to Subpart E or F, each emission unit served by that common stack must be monitored by a CEMS and/or have had performance testing conducted in accordance with subsection (a)(8) to determine emissions from the emission units subject to Subpart E or F and heat input from all emission units served by the common stack must be monitored.

 

3)         Notwithstanding subsection (d)(1), it is not required for all emission units sharing a common stack to be part of an emissions averaging plan if the following criteria are met:

 

A)        Each emission unit at the source subject to an emissions limitation in Subparts E or F and not served by a common stack is demonstrating compliance with the applicable emissions limitation on a unit basis.

 

B)        The common stack is monitored by either a CEMS in accordance with this Section or performance testing in accordance with subsection (a)(8)(C) to demonstrate compliance with the applicable emissions limitations.

 

e)         Compliance with the CEMS requirements by an owner or operator of an emission unit who is required to install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on the emission unit under subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), or (b)(1) of this Section, or who has elected to comply with the CEMS requirements under subsection (a)(6) or (b)(5) of this Section, or who has elected to comply with the PEMS requirements under subsection (f) of this Section, is required by the applicable compliance date under Section 217.152 of this Subpart.

 

f)         As an alternative to complying with the requirements of this Section, other than the requirements under subsections (a)(1) and (c) of this Section, the owner or operator of an emission unit who is not otherwise required by any other statute, regulation, or enforceable order to install, calibrate, maintain, and operate a CEMS on the emission unit may comply with the specifications and test procedures for a PEMS on the emission unit for the measurement of NOx emissions discharged into the atmosphere in accordance with the requirements of 40 CFR 60, subpart A and appendix B, Performance Specification 16.  The PEMS must be used to demonstrate compliance with the applicable emissions limitation or emissions averaging plan on an ozone season and annual basis until July 1, 2025, and a 30-day rolling average on and after July 1, 2025.

 

(Source:  Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 6355, effective April 23, 2025)