What are the Current EPA Emergency Generator Rules and Standards?

At Woodstock Power, we use our own high standards when we consider purchasing a used generator for resale. However, just like any other business, we have to comply with the EPA emergency generator rules too. The Environmental Protection Agency protects human health and the environment by regulating business practices that can affect the environment. This includes regulating the use of emergency generators. The following is a brief helpful article on how your business can follow the EPA emergency generator rules.

Why does the EPA regulate?

Now some of you may wonder why the EPA emergency generator rules even exist; why should they regulate generator use in the first place? Believe it or not, generators can emit three categories of pollutants:

Common pollutants – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particle matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds
Hazardous air pollutants – acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene
Greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide and methane

So regulations serve to monitor emergency generators in order to protect the environment and those working near the generator.

Furthermore, the EPA emergency generator rules also apply to fuel storage so that leakage does not contaminate water sources.

Compliance Requirements

EPA emergency generator rules are organized according to existing generators or new generators. Consider this more detailed chart.

Engine Subcategory

Compliance Requirements

Existing emergency/black start:

<100 HP at major source
≤500 HP at major source
All at area source

Operate/maintain engine & control device per manufacturer’s instructions or owner-developed maintenance plan
May use oil analysis program instead of prescribed oil change frequency
Emergency engines must have hour meter and record hours of operation
Keep records of maintenance
Notifications not required
Reporting and ULSD for emergency engines used for local reliability

New emergency/limited use >500 HP at major source

Initial Notification

Lastly, the EPA emergency generator rules apply to emissions as well. Consider this chart for that information.

Horsepower	Category	Standards
0 – 500	Existing RICE at Major Sources	Change oil/filter & inspect hoses/belts every 500 hours or annually; inspect air cleaner (CI) or spark plugs (SI) every 1,000 hours or annually
Greater than 500	Existing RICE at Major Sources	No standards
≤300 – ≥500	Existing RICE Located at Area Sources	Change oil/filter & inspect hoses/belts every 500 hours or annually; inspect air cleaner (CI) or spark plugs (SI) every 1,000 hours or annually
<250 – 500	New RICE Located at Major Sources	Comply with CI/SI NSPS
>500	New RICE Located at Major Sources	No standards

You can find more information here.

Need More Help?

If you need more information, such as getting approved for a permit, do not hesitate to contact us at Woodstock. One of our expert staff would be happy to help you!

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