BAAQMD Registration Program For Agricultural Diesel Engines

In 1998, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) identified diesel particulate matter (PM) as a toxic air contaminant (TAC). In order to reduce the public’s exposure to diesel PM, CARB has approved a number of regulatory measures affecting the vast majority of diesel engines operating in California. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (Air District) and other local air quality agencies throughout California are required to implement these regulations also known as Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCM). The ATCM for Stationary Compression Ignition (CI) Engines includes requirements for diesel-fueled engines used in agricultural operations.

What types of agricultural engines are subject to Stationary CI Engine ATCM?

Agricultural engines are defined as those used for the purposes of growing crops, or raising fowl or other animals. These engines are typically used to pump water, run frost protection systems, and to generate electricity during power failures or to provide electricity in remote locations. The Stationary Compression Engine ATCM regulates both in-use (existing) and new, non-motive agricultural engines rated at greater than 50 horsepower. Portable engines owned by, and used exclusively at an agricultural facility are also subject to this ATCM. For portable engines not owned by an agricultural facility, such as rented portable engines, the Portable Engine ATCM (Sections 93116 through 93116.5 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR)) is applicable.

What types of agricultural engines are exempt from Stationary CI Engine ATCM?

Specific diesel-fueled engines that are exempt from this ATCM (i.e. no registration and no new emission standards) include:

  • Engines less than or equal to 50 horsepower
  • Engines used to propel vehicles or equipment (tractors, harvesters, trucks, etc.)
  • Agricultural wind machines

Engines used in emergency standby generator sets that are equipped with nonresettable hour meters are exempt from the emission standards set forth in the ATCM, however, they still need to be registered with the Air District.   In addition, the operating hours of an exempt emergency standby generator must be recorded and maintained in a log for a period of at least 36 months.

What is the Stationary CI Engine ATCM?

The Stationary Compression Ignition Engine ATCM is an air pollution control regulation adopted by the California Air Resources Board that was amended on November 16, 2006 to include agricultural sources (effective date October 18, 2007). It is published in Sections 93115 through 93115.15 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). The ATCM requires that all stationary diesel engines meet certain emissions standards for particulate matter pollution (soot), designated as "Tiers" 1-4. These emissions standards are set forth in Section 2423 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations and Part 89 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of the ATCM is to phase out older, higher-polluting diesel engines and replace them with cleaner-burning equipment.

The ATCM allows in-use diesel engines that do not comply with any of the Tier 1-4 emissions standards - also referred to as "Non-certified" or "Tier 0" Engines - to be operated up until a designated compliance date as long as the engines were registered with the local air pollution control agency. Tier 1 and Tier 2 engines need to be in compliance by the 2015-2016 timeframe, or 12 years after initial installation, whichever is later.

Go to the Engine Tier Designation Table.

Go to the Engine Compliance Schedule.

Go to the Engine Certification Standards.

What does the Stationary CI Engine ATCM require?

Although no operating permits are required for agricultural engines, all agricultural engines subject to the ATCM must be registered with the Air District. Owners and operators of in-use agricultural engines subject to the ATCM should submit their registration information to the Air District by March 1, 2008. After March 1, 2008, any new agricultural engines must be registered within 90 days of initial operation. Following the registration process, the ATCM requires the replacement, or modification of older diesel engines with cleaner burning EPA certified engines over a period of 3 to 12 years.

How do I register?

The Engine Registration form will be available to be filled out and submitted to the Air District online. You will need to know your engine model, date of installation, estimated operating hours and other pertinent information to complete the registration form.

Go to the Engine Registration page.

What are potential compliance options for the Stationary CI Engine ATCM?

Potential compliance options include:

  • engine replacement with an electric motor, spark-ignited engine, or compliant diesel engine
  • engine retrofit with add-on control devices
  • use of alternative diesel fuels (e.g. biodiesel)
  • use of natural gas, propane, or other alternative fuels

Engine replacement with an electric motor, or a new, cleaner diesel engine is expected to be the primary means of compliance due to technical and financial considerations.

Is funding available to meet the requirements of Stationary CI Engine ATCM?

Some compliance options may be eligible for incentive funding. Contact the program provider or the Air District for more information. The following links provide information on specific programs:

Carl Moyer Program at (415) 749-4925

Environmental Quality Incentives Program at (530) 792-5653

Are there any fees associated with this registration program?

State law authorizes the Air District to impose a schedule of fees to generate revenue to recover the costs of activities related to implementing and enforcing air quality programs. The initial registration fee and annual renewal fee for agricultural engines can be found in Regulation 3, Fees - Schedule R.

For more information, please contact Mr. Joe Slamovich at (415) 749-4681, or Mr. Randy Frazier at (415) 749-4672.

For more information regarding Agricultural Engines and Other Agricultural Air Quality Issues go to the California Air Resources Board.