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Proposed BP permit is focus of comment period, public hearing

Nov. 6, 2017

FERNDALE – BP’s Cherry Point Refinery is seeking a local air permit to install equipment at its complex to better capture venting gases.

BP is asking the Northwest Clean Air Agency to approve an Order of Approval to Construct permit so the refinery can carry out its planned Coker Gas Venting project. The project is intended to add one booster compressor, piping, instrumentation, and ancillary equipment within the existing coker unit and flare gas recovery unit to capture gas during venting of the existing coke drums. That would decrease coke drum venting and flaring emissions.

The project would help BP to meet pending new regulatory requirements for coker gas venting.

Coker units break down heavy petroleum molecules (like asphalt pitch or roofing tar) into lighter molecules, which are later separated into different products, including motor fuels.

The public can comment on the draft permit through Dec. 8, 2017, at the address listed below. NWCAA will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Dec. 7, 2017, at the Ferndale Public Library, 2125 Main St.

Comments can be submitted to Robyn Jones at:

Copies of the draft permit, its technical support document, and the project application are available at:

Permit decisions can be appealed to the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 calendar days following each agency’s final determination.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency is responsible for enforcing federal, state and local air quality regulations in Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. In addition to permitting and regulating industrial sources of air pollution, the agency provides services and information related to asbestos, indoor air quality, outdoor burning, woodstoves and fireplaces. More information about the agency is available at www.nwcleanairwa.gov.