SIGNIFICANT STATIONARY SOURCES Three significant stationary sources of air pollution are organic solvent usage, combustion of fuels, and operations of the petroleum industry. They are significant both for the quantity and quality of their emissions. Organic solvent usage is a major source of hydrocarbons and other organic gases which participate in the photochemical smog reactions. Rule 66 which was adopted on July 28, 1966, is intended to reduce emissions of photochemically reactive materials. Combustion of fuel oil is a major source of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, aerosols and unsightly plumes. Rules 62 and 62. 1 promote the reduction of this pollution by the use of natural gas. Petroleum refining and marketing contribute to the emission of hydrocarbons. Rules 56, 59, 61, 63 and 65 and voluntarily adopted practices have reduced substantially hydrocarbon emissions from these sources. (a) Complies with the sulfur limits of Rule 62 (in effect from April 15 through November 15). (b) Complies with the sulfur limits of Rule 62.1 (in effect from November 16 through April 14). Emissions of Air Contaminants from the COMBUSTION AVERAGE DAILY EMISSIONS OF Air Contaminants From (a) Industrial facilities, other than power plants and oil refineries, which are on interruptible natural gas schedules. (b) Domestic, commercial and industrial facilities on firm natural gas schedules. AIR POLLUTION FROM POWER PLANTS AND THE EFFECT OF THE 1966 DECISION BY THE FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION The burning of fuel oil in the boilers of electric power plants is the principal source of sulfur in the atmosphere of Los Angeles County, and makes an important contribution of oxides of nitrogen and particulates. When oil is being burned conspicuous plumes are emitted from the stacks, and particles that fall in the vicinity of the plants cause extensive damage. The substitution of natural gas for oil eliminates the sulfur oxides, particulates, plumes, and fallout, and reduces oxides of nitrogen; however, a shortage of natural gas prevents full time use of this more desirable fuel. Restriction of Fuel Oil Burning To compel the use of natural gas to the greatest extent possible the District has adopted Rule 62, which has the effect of forbidding the use of fuel oil from April 15 through November 15, and Rule 62.1, which requires that during the rest of the year natural gas must be burned whenever it is available. Such availability for use as boiler fuel depends upon the extent of demand for gas for space heating and other domestic uses. The supply of natural gas is ade quate to provide the total fuel requirements of power plants during the Rule 62 period, but not during the Rule 62.1 period. Role of the Federal Power Commission The bulk of the natural gas consumed in Southern California is supplied from outside the state. Jurisdiction over the interstate transport of natural gas is vested in the Federal Power Commission, which allocates the amount of gas that may be imported. Unless the FPC authorizes the importation of a sufficient quantity of natural gas to meet the full wintertime requirements of the power plants, it will not be possible to eliminate some use of fuel oil. Additional Gas Supplies Certificated On July 26, 1966 the Federal Power Commission, in its Opinion No. 500, au thorized additional volumes of natural gas for distribution to consumers in Southern California. The increased quantities of natural gas certificated by the FPC will reduce the amount of fuel oil burned by power plants during the Rule 62.1 period (November 16 through April 14) from over 10.5 million barrels in 1965-66 to 5.5 million barrels in 1967-68. REDUCTION OF FUEL OIL BURNING TO BE ACHIEVED BY POWER NOTE: (a) Based on forecasts for an average temperature year provided by Pacific Lighting Serivce and Supply Company. |