ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
February 27, 1975
AMETEK, INC.
Petitioner
v.
)
PCB 74—451
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
Respondent
OPINION & ORDER of the Board (by Mr. Zeitlin)
Ametek filed its Petition regarding this matter on
December 3, 1974, seeking relief from the requirements of
Rule 3-3.112 of the Rules and Regulations governing the
Control of Air Pollution (Old Rules)
.
Variance is requested
for the period of December 15, 1974 to February 28, 1975,
for a Babcock-Wilcox boiler with a chain grade stoker using
coal as a fuel. Ametek wishes to burn 1,000 tons of coal
during that period in contravention of the particulate
emission standards of Rule 3-3.112.
Ametek, located in East Moline, Illinois, manufactures
laundry and dry cleaning equipment, heat transfer equipment
and filtration equipment. Ametek utilizes three boilers to
produce steam for heating purposes.
Ametek’s boiler No. 1, which is the subject of this
petition, has also been the subject of prior variance pro-
ceedings. On April 26, 1973 Ametek filed a variance peti-
tion, also from Rule 3-3.112 of the Old Rules in order to
run stack tests for four days as part of its proposed compli-
ance program. That variance, recommended by the Agency as
part of a valid compliance program, was granted on June 7,
1973, PCB 73—171, 8PCB 239.
Due to difficulties in obtaining the fabric for its
baghouse, Ametek requested a further variance on November 1,
1973 for that boiler. The variance was granted on January
24, 1974 and ran until March 31, 1974, PCB 73—466, 11 PCB—
39.
Further failures in the original and substitute fabric
bag material, and delays in the delivery of other components
for Ametek’s baghouse, have led to the instant petition.
15— 617
Ametek’s construction permit for this baghouse was
issued on July 13, 1973. The installation was projected for
completion by March 31, 1974, which date was later moved
back to November 1, 1974. At the time this petiticn was
filed, the baghouse was 90 complete~with some outside
wiring and hookup remaining to be done. Only one part, a
thermocouple has still not been received by .Ametek. Ametek
states that boiler No. 1 has not been used with coal as a
fuel since the variance in PCB 73-446 expired on March 31,
1974,
The Agency has recommended that the variance in this
matter be granted. The Agency investigation, which is
consistent with the prior proceedings in regard to Ametek’s
boiler No. 1, indicates that the baghouse will in fact be
successful as a compliance method. Agency analysis of the
coal to be used by Ametek indicate that particulate emissions
from boiler No. 1 should be well within the limits of Rule
203(g)
some two to three months before the May 30, 1975
standards become effective. Ametek’s facility is located in
an industrial area, and the Agency has received no objection
to the grant of this variance. The Agency further feels
that Ametek has not been responsible for the delays to date,
and indicates that Ametek has proceeded in good faith.
The Board will accept the Agency recommendation and
grant this variance. Anietek’s program of compliance will
apparently serve to properly abate any emission problems
currently existing, and achieve full compliance with the Act
and the provisions of Rule 203(g) when it becomes appli-
cable. Further, Ametek’s proper use of variance procedure,
and compliance with the requirements of prior variances when
coupled with this short delay, lead to the conclusion that a
grant of this variance is reasonable.
No hearing was held in this matter.
This Opinion constitutes the findings of fact and
conclusions of law of the Board.
ORDER
It is the Order of the Pollution Control Board that:
1. Petitioner Ametek, Inc. is granted a variance from
the requirements of Rule 3-3.112 of the Rules and Regulations
Governing the Control of Air Pollution for the period December
15, 1974 to February
28,
1975, during which time it may
operate its boiler No. I with up to a maximum of 1,000 tons
of coal,
—3--
2. Petitioner, Ametek, Inc. shall for the, period of this
variance comply with the conditions in subparagraph (a) and
(b) of the Board’s Order in Ametek, Inc. v. Environmental
Protection Agency, PCB 73-446, January 24, 1974, 11 PCB 39,
40.
I, Christan L. Moffett, Clerk of the Illinois Pollution
Control Board, herçby certify th above Opinion
&
Order were
adopted on the
~
day of
,
1975 by a vote
of ~to
~,
__
~àzt
Illinois Po11uti~Control Board
15—619