FERNDALE – Petrogas Ferndale Storage Terminal is seeking a permitting change so it can use two refurbished engines for back-up compression at its propane and butane storage and distribution operation.
In May 2016, Petrogas received an Order of Approval to Construct permit from the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) so it could install two new, cleaner-burning gas-fired compressor engines at the terminal at 4100 Unick Road. Petrogas originally planned to remove the old compressor engines, but instead refurbished them.
The permit revision Petrogas is requesting would allow the refurbished engines to be used as back-ups in case of emergency and during maintenance on the new primary engines. The original air permit considered reductions of toxic air emissions from decommissioning the old engines. Now that Petrogas proposes to retain the old engines on-site with the new engines, those toxic reductions can no longer be applied and Petrogas must demonstrate that it won’t exceed state standards for toxic impacts.
NWCAA’s preliminary determination finds that the project would have no adverse impacts to ambient air quality for toxic air pollutants and will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal air quality regulations.
The public can comment on the proposed revised permit through Sept. 6. NWCAA will hold a public hearing on the permit revision on Sept. 5 at the Ferndale Public Library, 2125 Main St. An open house will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the public hearing at 6:30 p.m.
Comments can be submitted to Crystal Rau at:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- Northwest Clean Air Agency, 1600 S. 2nd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Copies of the proposed NWCAA permit, its technical support document, and the project application are available at:
- https://nwcleanairwa.gov/the-latest/#public_notices
- Northwest Clean Air Agency, 1600 S. 2nd St., Mount Vernon
Permit decisions can be appealed to the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board within 30 calendar days following NWCAA’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.