62-296.402. Sulfuric Acid Plants

(1) Applicability. Rule 62-296.402, F.A.C., applies to new and existing Sulfuric Acid Plants, defined as any installation producing sulfuric acid by burning elemental sulfur, alkylation acid, hydrogen sulfides, organic sulfides, mercaptans, or acid sludge. For the purposes of this rule, “existing” means the emission unit was in existence, in operation, or under construction, or had received a permit to begin construction prior to January 18, 1972. Sulfuric Acid Plants that are required to meet the sulfur dioxide limits in 40 C.F.R. Part 60, Subpart H, adopted and incorporated by reference in subparagraph 62-204.800(8)(b)12., F.A.C., are not subject to the corresponding sulfur dioxide emission limits, testing requirements, and reporting requirements specified in this rule. All new and existing Sulfuric Acid Plants must meet the continuous emissions monitoring requirements of this rule.

(2) Existing Plants.

(a) Florida portion of the Jacksonville, Florida – Brunswick, Georgia, Interstate Air Quality Control Region as defined in 40 C.F.R. Section 81.91.

1. Visible Emissions – ten percent opacity.

2. Sulfur Dioxide – 29 pounds per ton of 100 percent acid produced.

3. Acid Mist – 0.5 pounds per ton of 100 percent acid produced.

(b) All other areas of the State of Florida.

1. Visible Emissions – ten percent opacity.

2. Sulfur Dioxide – 10 pounds per ton of 100 percent acid produced.

3. Acid Mist – 0.3 pounds per ton of 100 percent acid produced.

(3) New Plants.

(a) Visible emissions – ten percent opacity.

(b) Sulfur Dioxide – four pounds per ton of 100 percent acid produced.

(c) Acid Mist – 0.15 pounds per ton of 100 percent acid produced.

(4) Test Methods and Procedures. All emissions tests performed pursuant to the requirements of this rule shall comply with the following requirements.

(a) The test method for visible emissions shall be EPA Method 9, as described at 40 C.F.R. Part 60, Appendix A-4, adopted and incorporated by reference at Rule 62-204.800, F.A.C.

(b) The test method for acid mist/sulfur dioxide shall be EPA Method 8, as described at 40 C.F.R. Part 60, Appendix A-4, adopted and incorporated by reference at Rule 62-204.800, F.A.C. The minimum sample volume shall be 40 dry standard cubic feet.

(c) Test procedures shall meet all applicable requirements of Chapter 62-297, F.A.C.

(5) Continuous Emissions Monitoring Requirements. Each owner or operator of a sulfuric acid plant shall install, calibrate, operate and maintain a continuous monitoring system for continuously monitoring the pollutants specified in this subsection. Performance specifications, location of monitor, data requirements, data reduction and reporting requirements, shall conform with the requirements of 40 C.F.R. Part 51, Appendix P and 40 C.F.R. Part 60, Appendix B, adopted and incorporated by reference in Rule 62-204.800, F.A.C., provided, however, any alternative procedure (as specified in Section 3.9, 40 C.F.R. Part 51, Appendix P) or special consideration (as specified in Section 6.0, 40 C.F.R. Part 51, Appendix P) shall be incorporated in the Department’s air permit for the emissions unit and submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a proposed revision to the State Implementation Plan.

(a) Facilities greater than 300 tons per day production capacity, expressed as 100% acid, shall install continuous monitoring systems for the measurement of sulfur dioxide emissions for each sulfuric acid emission source.

(b) Where two or more emissions units emit through a common stack, continuous monitoring systems, if required, shall be installed on each emissions unit prior to combination of the emission.

(6) Semi-annual Reporting Requirements. The owners or operators of facilities for which monitoring is required shall submit to the Department a written report of emissions in excess of emission limiting standards as set forth in Rule 62-296.402, F.A.C., for each semi-annual period. Each semi-annual report shall cover the 6-month periods of January 1 – June 30 and July 1 – December 31. The reports shall be submitted by the 60th day following the end of each calendar half (i.e., March 1st and August 29th of every year). The nature and cause of the excessive emissions shall be explained. This report does not relieve the owner or operator of the legal liability for violations. All recorded data shall be maintained on file by the owner or operator for a period of two years.

Rulemaking Authority 403.061 FS. Law Implemented 403.021, 403.031, 403.061, 403.087 FS. History–Formerly 17-2.600(2), 17-296.402, Amended 11-23-94, 1-1-96, 3-13-96, 7-10-14, 6-23-22.