Rulemaking To Revise VOC RACT: Chapters NR 419 Through 425

Background

The Clean Air Act requires states with areas that have a “Moderate” or above ozone classification to implement Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements to limit emissions of ozone precursors called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

VOC RACT requirements apply to two groups of emissions sources: source categories for which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued Control Techniques Guidelines (CTGs), and all other sources that emit VOCs at or above the major source threshold, also known as “non-CTG major sources.”

Motivation For Rulemaking

The DNR is proposing this rulemaking to ensure the state is meeting all federal requirements related to VOC RACT. This will enable the state to develop a fully approvable VOC RACT State Implementation Plan (SIP). The proposed rulemaking will also ensure sources located in the nonattainment areas properly control VOCs to limit ozone precursor emissions to help protect the state’s ozone nonattainment areas. Without the VOC RACT rule revisions, Wisconsin’s 2015 ozone nonattainment areas will be ineligible for redesignation, even if the air quality in the areas is meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).

Supplementary Information

• Air Regulations, Policies and Guidance Public Notices
• NR 419 Wisconsin Administrative Code
• NR 420 Wisconsin Administrative Code
• NR 421 Wisconsin Administrative Code
• NR 422 Wisconsin Administrative Code
• NR 423 Wisconsin Administrative Code
• NR 424 Wisconsin Administrative Code
• NR 425 Wisconsin Administrative Code

• Timeline
• Public Participation