SS35 PM from Asphalt Operations

SS35: Particulate Matter from Asphalt Operations Brief Summary: This measure would develop a new regulation, Regulation 6, Particulate Matter, Rule 7: Asphalt Operations (Rule 6-7), to prevent condensable particulate matter when paving asphalt is loaded into storage bins on a delivery truck. Similarly, this measure would prevent condensable particulate matter when chip seal asphalt is sprayed onto a roadway. These particulate matter (PM) emissions are condensed asphalt aerosols known as “blue smoke”. This regulation will require blue smoke abatement, and establish visible emissions limits for these operations. In addition, this measure would establish a requirement to use low fuming asphalt for all roofing asphalt operations. Purpose: Reduce PM2.5 emissions from paving asphalt, chip seal asphalt, and roofing asphalt. Source Category: Point Sources – Particulate Matter for Asphalt Plants Area Sources – Particulate Matter for Chip Seal Paving and Roofing Asphalt operations Regulatory Context and Background: Visits to asphalt plants identified vapors coming from paving asphalt as it is loaded into delivery trucks as significant sources of visible smoke. This smoke consists of small condensed aerosols from asphalt vapors, commonly referred to as “blue smoke”. Chip seal operations are also large sources of “blue smoke”. In addition, roofing asphalt is heated to application temperatures in a heating device known as an asphalt kettle. Hot roofing asphalt and asphalt kettles also produce smoke, and since application is usually in populated areas, odors are also a concern. Implementation Actions: The Air District will:  Develop a new rule to prevent blue smoke emissions from paving asphalt and chip seal operations and to require “low fuming” roofing asphalt for roofing asphalt operations. Emission Reductions: PM emissions of blue smoke from paving asphalt operations are estimated to be 240 lbs per day PM2.5 (50 lbs per day from each of three large paving asphalt plants) for approximately eight months of the year (during the paving season). Similarly, PM emissions of blue smoke from chip seal operations are estimated to be 120 lbs per day of PM2.5 for six months of the year. Controls for blue smoke emissions from these sources are expected to be 75 percent effective, resulting in emission reductions of 270 lbs per day of PM2.5 or 30 tons per year (tpy). PM emissions of smoke and fumes from roofing asphalt is estimated to be 250 lbs per day, and control from the polymer in low fuming asphalt is conservatively expected to be 70 percent, resulting in emission reductions of 175 lbs per day of PM2.5 for approximately 8 months each year (21 tpy).

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Exposure Reductions: None. Emission Reduction Trade-Offs: Operations of blue smoke abatement will require some energy use, estimated to be less than 50HP for each abatement device. No trade-offs for the polymer used in low fuming roofing asphalt. Costs: Blue smoke abatement facilities are estimated to cost $200,000 capital, amortized to $30,000 per year plus $10,000 per year operating costs. Low fuming asphalt raises the cost of roofing asphalt approximately $1.00 above the base of $40 - $45 per 100 lb. plug. Co-Benefits: Low fuming roofing asphalt for asphalt operations is approximately 75 percent less odorous than regular roofing asphalt. Issue/Impediments: None. Source(s): 1. Bay Area Air Quality Management District, proposed amendments to Regulation 6-1, and proposed Regulation 6-7, workshop reports

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