Emission Credits may be available in SJ Valley; process stalled

Bill Van Dam, Milk Producers Council, reports that processing of the first Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs) in the South Coast Air Quality District has hit a snag. The air district has generated a legal opinion that the credits cannot be issued for PM10 (particulate matter under 10 microns).
Of the several reasons given, the most troubling is that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is not willing to accept as “accurate enough” the standards used by the air district. This does not mean the concept is dead, but it is a significant problem that may be difficult to resolve.
Paul Martin, WUD director of environmental services, notes the problems are expected to be resolved and an emission reduction credit program likely will be developed for both the South Coast and the San Joaquin Valley at some time in the future. Martin said that dairies holding permits that cease operation do have an opportunity to file for ERCs to protect their right to these credits. However, they must file within 180 days of ending their operation. Martin advises WUD members who are ending operation on a facility to contact their WUD representative to assist them with the filing.