Revised: 09/15/2004
QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
RBLC WEB
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Air Technology Center (CATC) maintains a permit data base called the RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse or RBLC. The RBLC permit data base contains information about recent control technology determinations submitted by State and local agencies. The regulation data base includes information about federal regulations governing air pollutant emissions. The RBLC Web allows anyone to search these data bases without any user registration. These quick start instructions provide basic information on using the system and searching the data bases.
To access the RBLC Web, go to the CATC home page (at: https://www.epa.gov/ttn/catc/) and click on the RBLC logo. Options found on the RBLC Homepage include links to data base search options, documents, and related software.
Using the RBLC Web
The data base contains information on facilities that apply for construction permits, the basis for emission limits (RACT, BACT, or LAER) for each facility, pertinent source operating parameters such as process types, pollutant emission rates, pollution prevention techniques, add-on control equipment or other technology, permitting agency contacts, and scheduling data. Details about all of the data elements can be found in Section 2.2 and Appendix A of the RBLC User’s Manual.
The HELP System:
The on-line HELP system provides context-sensitive assistance throughout the system. Simply click on the button labeled "Help" to access a HELP file that explains the current item. The RBLC User’s Manual can supply answers to more complex questions, and can be accessed on line or saved to disk. A portable document format (PDF) version of the document has the advantage of being searchable by the Adobe Acrobat® software.
Searching the Permit Data Base:
Data Base Searches -- Click on "Search Data Base" on the RBLC home page. The Basic Search page is the default search page. Under the heading, "Other Search Options, Permit Data Base", you may choose from the following additional search options:
Continue in RBLC interactive search mode by following the directions on the screen and making choices by entering text and/or clicking buttons. Details about searching the data base are in Section 2.3 of the RBLC User’s Manual.
Navigation buttons are provided near the top of each facility, process and pollutant data page to assist in moving through the search results, data base and Web site. Use these buttons rather than the Web browser’s navigation buttons to avoid potential errors that can result from the way that browsers cache information.
Viewing Results On-line:
A search allows the user to access the part of the data base meeting the search criteria specified. Once the search has located a result set, entries in the set may be viewed on-line or downloaded as a report file. The Basic Search, Standard Search, and Advanced Search results tables can be sorted by permit date (default), State/RBLC ID, or facility name by clicking on the appropriate "Sort by" button at the top of the table. The "Find Lowest Emission Rate" search results table is sorted by the emission limit (lowest to highest).
Information about each of the determinations in the search results table is organized by facility, process, and pollutant. Click on a RBLC ID to access facility data (general information about this permitting action). Click on a process name to view details about the process and access links to pollutant information. The "Find Lowest Emission Rate" search results table does not provide direct access to process details, but does provide direct access to pollutant information by clicking the emission limit. View other types of information by clicking on the navigational buttons near the top of each facility, process and pollutant data page.
Reports:
The RBLC Web provides several pre-defined formats for viewing and downloading search results. Both summary and detail formats are available. The list of available formats is contained in a pick-list at the bottom of the Search Results page. Details about these reports can be found in Sections 2.4 and 2.5 of the RBLC User’s Manual.
Searching the Regulation Data Base:
The organization of the Regulation Data Base is similar to that of the RBLC's permit data base. Refer to Section 3.2 of the RBLC User’s Manual for more information about Regulation Data Base data elements. Each entry, or rule, in the regulation data base consists of regulation-, process-, and pollutant-level data. A rule is associated with the type of facility that is the source of pollutants governed by the regulation.
Choose one of the options under "Other Search Options, Regulation Data Base" to locate information of interest in the regulation data base. Then, to continue in RBLC interactive search mode, simply follow the directions on the screen, making choices by entering text and clicking buttons. The RBLC Web offers the following search options:
Choose the "Scan All" option to easily view the entire regulation data base. Entries are displayed in a results table, and either a detailed listing report or a freeform report is available for downloading. Choose either the "Standard Search" or "Advanced Search" option to view only selected regulations. All RBLC search options present an overview of search results in a table that allows the user to examine details about matching facilities, their processes, and pollutants. Each option also supports saving results through several different RBLC reports.
On-Line Documentation for RBLC
The RBLC is documented in this set of Quick Start Instructions, the RBLC Data Entry Form Instructions, the RBLC Annual Report, and the RBLC User’s Manual. Short descriptions of each are listed on the Web page where they are located. The user’s manual should be kept as a reference for codes, standard units, and detailed instructions for using the system. In addition to these traditional forms of documentation, the system includes the context-sensitive on-line HELP function that is available throughout the entire system.
1.1 BACKGROUND
Welcome to the RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (RBLC) Web. EPA initially established the RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse to assist State and local air pollution control personnel in making control technology determinations and in sharing technology information. Moreover, the RBLC is a resource to industries and consultants when they are preparing permits and researching control options, and to the public and environmental groups when they are reviewing and commenting on permitting activities. This document describes how to use the RBLC Web to access information pertinent to these users.
1.1.1 The Purpose of RBLC
The basic purposes of the RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse are:
The Clearinghouse should serve as a reference or a starting point for State and local agencies when considering RACT, BACT, or LAER decisions
The RBLC data base system performs the following three functions:
The most typical use of the information in the data base is to identify and compare available control technologies, either for the sake of selecting the most appropriate control in a specific situation or identifying the range of controls available for a process.
The RBLC Web on-line search functions allow users to build searches specific to their needs. These searches can be used to identify the most commonly used control technologies for a particular pollutant and process, or those being used within a specific period of time or geographic region. These subsets can be downloaded and used with PC-based data base or spreadsheet software to do more complex searches. Search options and the mechanics of searches are discussed thoroughly in Sections 2 and 3.
1.1.2 Regulatory Basis
The Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the responsibility and authority to control air pollution in the United States and its territories. One of the responsibilities given to EPA under Section 108 of the CAA is to publish information on air pollution control techniques. This information includes data on available technology and methods for prevention and control of air pollution.
Different provisions of the CAA require the Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT), Best Available Control Technology (BACT), and Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER), and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) as emission control and pollution prevention measures:
Although the specific criteria governing RACT, BACT, LAER, or NSPS vary, the general underlying approach is to require the best abatement technology possible on all major existing, new, or modified sources. Most State and local programs have accepted complete responsibility for issuing PSD and nonattainment permits. Thus, it is extremely important that information be available to assist control agencies in making the necessary control technology determinations in a nationally consistent manner. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 made submittal of LAER to the RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse Information System mandatory.
1.1.3 Information in the RBLC Data Base
The RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse data base includes RACT, BACT, and LAER determinations made by various air pollution control agencies. Each data base entry contains information on the permitted facility at facility, process and pollutant levels. Examples of the data included for each level are:
The RBLC is accessible on the World Wide Web, and access requires only a PC, an Internet connection, and a browser. The RBLC is available from the Clean Air Technology Center (CATC) home page located at: www.epa.gov/ttn/catc/. No account or password is required to search and browse the data base.
Authorized State or local air pollution control agency personnel may enter and edit their RBLC data on-line. An RBLC edit user ID and a password are required for a user to be able to add information to the data base on-line. Contact the RBLC/CATC to receive an edit authorization form. An EPA staff person is available to assist authorized users in obtaining RBLC edit authority as well as security clearance for inputting determinations. Inquiries concerning RBLC and completed data input forms and files (additions to the RBLC data base) should be directed to:
RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse (E-143-03)
Information Transfer & Program Integration Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
Clean Air Technology Center (CATC): Voice - (919) 541-0800,
FAX - (919) 541-0242
E-Mail: catcmail@epa.gov
For Web-related issues, the RBLC Webmaster can be contacted through email: Steigerwald.Joe@epa.gov.
1.1.5 Making Suggestions and Reporting Problems
Comments on the RBLC Web are always welcome. Improvements to the Web are a continuing goal of the CATC. Please use the contacts listed in Section 1.1.4 to make suggestions or report problems. You also may use the "Feedback" link in the RBLC sidebar menu or the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of each RBLC Web page to contact the RBLC.
1.2 OVERVIEW OF THE RBLC WEB SITE
1.2.1 Web Site Organization
The RBLC home page provides access to the RBLC data bases, and links to related sites. Connect to the RBLC home page from the CATC home page: https://www.epa.gov/ttn/catc/. Options that are available from the RBLC home page are:
1.2.2 On-Line Help Options
The RBLC Web includes a context-sensitive on-line HELP function that is available throughout the entire system.
On the RBLC Search page, click on the "on-line help" link for an on-line version of this user’s manual, including step-by-step instructions on using the system’s permit and regulation search options, and data element definitions and reporting formats.
1.2.3 On-Line Documents
Reference documents available for the RBLC are the User’s Manual (this document), the Quick Start Instructions (included with the User’s Manual, Volume I), the RBLC Data Entry Form Instructions, and the RBLC Annual Report. These documents can be accessed on line or saved to disk as a portable document format (PDF) file. A PDF version of any of these documents has the advantage of being searchable by the Adobe Acrobat® software. Short descriptions of each are listed on the RBLC Documents Web page where they are located. The user’s manual is divided into multiple volumes:
The user’s manual should be kept as a reference for codes, standard units, and detailed instructions for using the system. The RBLC User’s Manual will be updated annually.
SECTION 2: RBLC PERMIT DATA BASE SEARCHES AND DATA STRUCTUREThe RBLC permit data base contains information about control technology determinations submitted by State and local agencies. Click on "Search Data Base" from the RBLC home page to search the RBLC data bases. From the data base search page, users may view on-line help for the search options, perform a search on either the permit or the regulation data base, or link to additional resources. This section outlines the permit data base options, provides a detailed listing and description of the data elements in the permit data base, and shows how to use the five permit data base search options. The Federal/State Regulations data base is discussed in Section 3 of this Volume.
The RBLC is in the process of changing its terminology. Currently the terms "Search" and "Query" are both in use on the RBLC Web site. As the Web site is improved over time, the term "Search" will replace "Query." In the interim, users are advised that these terms mean the same thing and to ignore minor discrepancies in the use of these terms in this manual and on the RBLC Web site.
2.1 Permit Data Base Search Options
Choose the Basic Search (default) option or one of the options under "Other Search Options: Permit Data Base" to locate information in the permit data base. Then, follow the directions on the screen to define a search. The RBLC Web offers the following search options:
All RBLC search options present an overview of the search results in a table with links to pages that provide details about facilities, processes, and pollutants. Each option also supports saving results in any of the RBLC standard output formats.
Navigation buttons are provided near the top of each facility, process and pollutant data page to assist in moving through the search results, data base and Web site. Use these buttons rather than the Web browser’s navigation buttons to avoid potential errors that can result from the way that browsers cache information.
The RBLC navigation buttons can be used to return to the search page and re-specify search criteria for another search, or use the link at the bottom of the results page to return to the main RBLC page in order to choose another search option. If a search is not successful, return to the search page and re-specify the search criteria. Check to make sure that a misspelled word or an invalid value for a search element is not the problem.
The RBLC data base contains information about a variety of data elements. This information is separated into three main categories: facility data, process data, and pollutant data. The data are organized so that each facility determination may have multiple processes and each process may emit multiple pollutants. Each facility has at least one process and at least one pollutant. The information that EPA maintains in the data base on each of the three levels (facility, process, and pollutant) is listed below. Data elements that can be used in a search are marked with a (*).
Facility Information:
The RBLC data base includes a character field for each of the above dates that indicates whether the date is estimated or an actual date.
Process Information:
Pollutant Information:
The RBLC Web permit data base classifies permit data into three categories. These categories are:
The RBLC offers a separate data base for information on Federal regulations. Details about this data base are described in Section 3 of this Volume.
2.3.1 Planning the Search
Before starting any search, consider the information to be gathered in the search. Review the description of each option in Section 2.1 to identify these options’ specific uses and strengths. The standard and advanced searches allow the user to build a more sophisticated search, taking into account more search criteria than the basic search option. However, these search options can return an overwhelming number of determinations if the search is not specific. We recommend that users familiarize themselves with the search criteria that are available so that they can search efficiently.
2.3.2 How To Run a Search
A search allows the user to create a subset of the data base using available search criteria. A search may include any combination of data elements available. The user can select one, several, or all data elements as search criteria. After selecting one of the five search options on the RBLC Web, specify the search criteria in the input form and then start the search by clicking the "Run search now" button. Once the search has located matching determinations, the results can be viewed on-line or downloaded as a report file. The results can be sorted by permit date, facility name or state (which also sorts by RBLC ID). Additional instructions and search information are available on the search Web pages and through the help system.
The Basic Search option provides a simple mechanism to run a search based on some of the most basic data fields in the RBLC. The data elements available in the basic search are as follows:
After entering the search criteria, click the "Run search now" button to execute the search. The results of the search are displayed in a table. Section 2.4 and 2.5, Search Results and Data Base Reports, describe how to view and download search results.
2.3.4 Find Lowest Emission Rate
This option finds the lowest emission rate for a selected process and pollutant. This search is currently limited to combustion sources but eventually will be available for any processes with an emission limit expressed in standardized emission units. To use the lowest emission rate search, first select the process type and pollutant from the dynamic menu by moving your cursor through the expanding menu. Click on the pollutant of interest in the final menu. Next, enter the date range to find the lowest emission rate. Click the "Run report now" button to run the report. The "Go Back" button will return the user to the process type and pollutant selection menu. Search results are displayed in a table, which is discussed in Section 2.4.
The standard search option provides more flexibility in examining the permit data base. It allows searches on almost all searchable data fields and it supports searches based on multiple data fields. When a data value must be one of a particular set of choices, these choices are presented in a pick-list.
Multiple search criteria may be used. Try to select enough criteria to match a manageable number of records, without being so restrictive that the search finds no matches or so vague that the search is complex and it takes too long to run. Usually, two to three criteria work well. Be sure not to specify mutually exclusive criteria, such as selecting North Carolina as the facility location, but a permitting agency in Texas.
Search criteria are used to identify matching data base records. In most cases, the data specified will need to be exact matches. Some records (i.e., date of determination entry, facility identifier, and control efficiency) allow the use of comparison operators to define a range of potential values. For numbers, the allowable operators are equals, greater than, or less than. Operators for alphanumeric fields allow you to match any part of the data, match the beginning characters only, or specify an exact match of every character.
A total of seven data elements can be searched and include:
1) RBLC Date Selection
2) Facility or Industry Identifiers
3) Facility Location (State or EPA Region)
4) Permit Information
5) Process Information
6) Pollutant Information
7) Emissions Abatement Information
All of these seven data elements that can be searched using the RBLC standard search are described below, along with instructions on their use.
Enter a "from" date and/or a "to" date. The search will find dates the same as or more recent than the "from" date and the same as or earlier than the "to" date.
Example - Search by Date
Problem: To get a summary of determinations entered and modified by a specific agency during the last three months of the year 1999.
Solution: Choose Date Last Modified, and in the date fields, enter 09/01/99 and 12/31/99. In the Permit Information section of the search, select the agency’s name from the pick-list (e.g., AZ002 - Maricopa Co. Air Pollution Control, AZ), then run the search.
The RBLC Web is flexible about the format of dates. Dates may be entered in a numeric mm/dd/yyyy or m/dd/yy format or spelled out, i.e, ‘Jan 1, 1998’. If the system cannot recognize the date as it has been entered, it will prompt the user to go back and enter another date value.
Facility or Industry Identifiers
These selections allow the user to search based on a facility or company name, an RBLC ID, or by SIC code. Select a facility identifier from the pick list (see the items listed below) and enter the appropriate value to match.
Any of these facility identifiers can be entered as either complete or partial names. Enter a complete RBLC ID to locate one specific determination. When the search criteria is the RBLC ID, the search will run faster if the exact match operator is used. Choose one of the following comparison operators:
Comparison operators are particularly useful when searching text fields such as the facility name. For example, when using the Beginning With operator and specifying THE PA as the value to match, the result set will include "THE PAPER CLIP FACTORY," "THE PA ELECTRIC PROJECT," and "THE PASTRY SHOP," but not "PASTEURIZATION INC." Using the Exact Match operator would probably give you an empty result set. Specifying PA as the value to match with the Containing operator would find all of these facilities, plus names such as "PRINCIPAL REPAIRS" and "CONSOLIDATED PAVERS."
For a more general industry-based search, choose from the pick list of SIC codes to retrieve a broad set of facilities in a particular industry. Many older permits were added to the data base without a SIC code, so searches may not find all matching records. A link to a downloadable list present on the CHIEF web site is provided in the RBLC Reference Library.
The data base may be searched by EPA Region; State or U.S. territory; or Class One/U.S. Border areas in combination with the facility’s distance to Class One/U.S. Border areas (up to 20 areas may be selected at one time). The latter combination will find facilities that are near any of the National Parks and other protected areas that have been selected. Selection options are:
TThe permit information option allows a search based on the permitting agency, or a permit number. Search options are:
The data base can be searched by process information by entering a word or phrase that describes a particular process and by selecting from the pick-list of process type codes/names. Process type codes/names are the primary method of classifying source categories in the permit data base, and a search is most likely to be successful if the process code is specified. Process names can be used to narrowly define a broad process category. Detailed process information may not be available for NSR early notification entries.
Pollutant information includes the pollutant name or its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number. When conducting a search based on a pollutant, it is strongly recommend that some facility or process-level criteria be included in the search to reduce the size of the search results. Search options are:
Emissions Abatement Information
Emissions abatement information includes the case-by-case regulatory program under which the limit was established, the method used to control emissions, a particular pollution prevention technique or add-on control that was used to achieve the emissions limit, and/or the percent efficiency of the control method used. Partial words work best for searches on control description, because they allow for spelling variations. For control efficiency information, specify a comparison operator.
EXAMPLE: USING THE STANDARD SEARCH FORM
Problem: Too many determinations.
The RBLC Web data base is being consulted to identify nitrogen oxide (NOx) control methods applied to large, combined-cycle, natural gas turbines. A quick Basic Search using the generic process type code 15.000, Large Combustion Turbines (> 25 MW), and the pollutant selection NOx yields 412 determinations, an overwhelming number. What sort of search options can be used to refine the search?
Solution: Define needs, experiment with options, run several searches.
The study is focusing on just combined-cycle, natural gas turbines, so the generic process type is not the best selection for the search. Refining the process type code selection will help. Combustion source process type codes are now broken down into very specific subsets of similar sources. In this example, there is a corresponding process type code that closely matches the search criteria: 15.210: Natural Gas, Combined-Cycle or Cogeneration, Large Combustion Turbines (> 25MW). The search can be further refined by searching the process name for the word "combined" to eliminate cogeneration processes. However, using the specific process type code, the pollutant NOx, and "combined" in the process name field still yields 108 determinations.
A further limit is that results of this work will be used in the state of California, therefore, specifying California determinations should reflect State rules and practices. Using the location/state option, along with those previously selected, results in 7 determinations and 8 processes, both very manageable numbers. Further research could identify states with similar NOx rules, or, having identified a likely pollution control method, the standard search or advanced search could be used to identify all instances of that control method for review.
Once all search criteria for the standard search have been specified, click on the “Run search now” button to begin the search, or click the “Reset” button to start over with a blank standard search form. A pop-up window allows you to choose whether you want the results sorted by state/RBLC ID, facility name, or permit date.
The results of the search are displayed in a table. Examining the results of the search or downloading the results to a local PC are discussed in Section 2.4.
The advanced search option lets the user create search criteria by choosing from pick-lists of all searchable data elements and data operators, and entering desired values. Three search criteria can be combined using ‘AND’ or ‘OR’ logical connectors for more selective searches.
Although similar to the standard search, the advanced search option does not provide sets of allowable values for data elements. These must be entered by the user. In general, the user should know what information each data element contains to use this option effectively. Use the on-line help and this document’s discussions of data base elements in Section 2.2, and standard search options in Section 2.3.5, when running the advanced search. As with other search options, the user must select one or more RBLC permit data bases. See Section 2.2.1 for more information.
Specify the first search criteria by choosing a data element and a comparison operator from the pick-lists. Then type the desired alphanumeric value for the data element in the text box. Entries are not case sensitive. The searchable data elements are:
The operator you choose defines which values of the specified data element you are interested in. In the simplest criteria, you are usually trying to match a value and will use the equals operator, for example, "State equals TX". Not all operators work with all types of data. The available operators are:
"Equals" can be used with all data elements. "Contains" cannot be used with date or numeric data elements or with data elements that must be in a particular format (such as RBLC IDs). The inequality operators (> < >= <=) can only be used with date or numeric data elements.
All three fields (i.e., data element, operator, and value) must be entered. At this point, the user can click the "Run search now" button to run the search using only one set of search criteria, or a second set of search criteria can be added by choosing one the following logical connectors:
If a connector is selected, the second criteria set must be specified by choosing data elements from the second criteria pick lists, and entering a desired value. Be careful not to specify mutually exclusive criteria. For example, specifying “State equals NC and State equals FL” will not find any matching records.
At this point, the user can click the “Run Search Now” button to run the search using two sets of search criteria, or a third set of search criteria can be added by choosing a logical connector and data elements from the third criteria pick list, and entering a desired value.
Click the "Run search now" button to run the search. The "Reset form" button can be used to start over with a blank search form. Search results are displayed in a table, which is discussed in Section 2.4.
2.3.7 RBLC ID Search
This option is the fastest way to find a permit on the RBLC web. A search by the RBLC Identifier requires only one input, the RBLC ID. Up to three RBLC identifiers can be used in a single search. This search will find all valid RBLC IDs (Draft and Final) in the RBLC data base.
The correct format of an RBLC ID is AA-nnnn, where AA is the 2-letter state abbreviation and nnnn is a 4-digit number that uniquely identifies the permit. Some older permits use a single letter suffix (e.g., CA-0001.A) to further distinguish among related determinations. Input for this single letter suffix field is not case sensitive.
Click the "Run search now" button to start the search. Search results are displayed in a table that is discussed in Section 2.4.
The results for all RBLC search options are displayed as a table of links to additional information. For all searches except the Find Lowest Emission Rate Search, the table displays the RBLC ID, corporate/company and facility name, city, state, process type code, process name, permit number, and permit date. Initially, the results table is sorted by permit date, but the results can also be sorted by permit date, state/RBLC ID (the first two characters of the RBLC ID are the state abbreviation), or corporate/company and facility name by using the "Sort By" buttons at the top of the table. Each row in the table represents a determination and process that matched the search criteria. A facility may appear with multiple rows, one for each matching process found by the search. Results can be viewed on-line or saved in any of the RBLC standard output formats, which are discussed in Section 2.5. To view and navigate through data on-line, click on the RBLC IDs or process description links. RBLC ID numbers are linked to facility level data (general information about the permitting action). Process descriptions are linked to the process details page that includes links to pollutant data.
Depending on which option you have selected, the results table displays either all of the records or 150 records at a time. Any reports generated from the results table will contain only the facilities displayed on the current page. If you have selected "Show 150 records per page" and more than 150 records are returned by a search, a link to the next 150 records appears just above and below the results table. Users can move through pages of results using the "Next 150 Facilities" and "Previous 150 Facilities" links.
For the Find Lowest Emission Rate Search, the results table displays the RBLC ID, permit date, corporation/company name and facility name, and standard emission limit. The search criteria used for the search (Process Code, Process Name and Pollutant) appear towards the top of the page as a reminder. To view and navigate through data on-line, click on the RBLC IDs or standard emission limit links. RBLC ID numbers are linked to facility level data (general information about the permitting action). Standard emission limits are linked to the pollutant details page. Although all of the usual report formats are available, no report format lists just the lowest emissions results. Users can print or save the results table itself.
2.4.1 Navigating the Search Results
Each RBLC Web page that displays facility, process or pollutant permit data has navigation buttons near the top of the page to assist in moving through the Web site, search results and data screens. Buttons are provided for the following: "RBLC Home", "New Search", "Search Results", "Facility Information", "Process List", "Process Information", and "Pollutant Information". Use the navigation buttons and links rather than the Web browser’s navigation buttons to avoid potential errors that can result from the way that browsers cache information. If a search is not successful, return to the search page and re-specify the search criteria. Check to make sure that a misspelled word or an invalid value for a search element is not the problem.
2.4.2 Viewing Search Results
Information about each permit determination in the RBLC data base is organized by facility, process, and pollutant. Each RBLC ID in a search results table links to details about the permitted facility for that determination. Each process listed in the results table links to details about that process in the permitted facility. Process links are not provided in the Find Lowest Emission Rate search results table; however, each standard emission limit listed in the Find Lowest Emission Rate search results table is linked to pollutant details for the pollutant selected. Successively deeper levels of information are viewed by clicking on the navigation buttons that appear near the top of each data page or links provided on the page. Refer to Section 2.2 for more information about facility, process, and pollutant level data elements. For other than Find Lowest Emission Rate searches, pollutant level data is accessed from links located on its associated process level page. Use the "Search Results" navigation button near the top of the page to return to the search results table and pick another facility to view.
The first page that is displayed when the RBLC ID link is selected is the determination’s facility level information. Navigation buttons are available on this page for viewing search results and process/pollutant information.
If a facility has multiple processes, they are all displayed on a process list page. Use the "Process List" navigation button to display the list of processes. Each process in the list is a link to a process detail page that displays additional information about that process. The process detail page appears immediately upon selecting the "Process List" button if the facility has only one process.
The process detail page presents specifics about the process. Use the navigation button near the top of the screen to go back to the process list (if any) to select other processes for viewing. A pollutant list for the process is present in the lower right corner of the page. Each pollutant name is an active link to the pollutant level detail page.
The pollutant detail page presents specifics about emissions of the particular pollutant. Use the "Process/Pollutant Information" navigation button at the top of the screen to go back to the process/pollutant list to select and view other pollutants (if any).
There are five pre-defined report formats available for RBLC permit data base searches and two of these reports allow the user to select the data fields that will be displayed in the report. These reports can be viewed on-line or downloaded to a PC.
2.5.1 Generating a Report
There are two options regarding the number of records displayed in a report: "Show all records," or "Show only selected records on this page." Note that, due to data base restrictions, a maximum of 1000 facility records may be printed in any one report. If more than 1000 facility records are identified by the search results, the "Show all records" options will change to "Show first 1000 records." If you selected "Show All" in your search criteria on the previous Web page, all records are displayed on one results page. Therefore, if you did not uncheck any of the records on the results page, both report options will be the same. If you did uncheck records, the "Show only selected records on this page" option will include only the checked records in the report, and the "Show All Records" option will include all records (checked or unchecked, up to 1000 records) in the report.
If you selected "Show 150 records per page" in your search criteria on the previous Web page, only 150 records can be displayed on a results page. If your search identifies 150 or fewer records, all records will be displayed on the same page and the report options will function as indicated above. However, if your search has more than 150 records, the "Show only selected records on this page" option will be limited to the selected (checked) records on the current Web page. You must select the "Print all records" report option to print all (first 1000) records that met the search criteria on the current and subsequent pages. You may also choose the "Show only selected records on this page" option and generate separate reports for the records displayed on each results page.
Available report formats are listed in a pick-list at the bottom of the results page. Both summary and detail formats are available. Summary reports include all of the facilities displayed in the results table. These reports are fairly short and do not take a long time to create. Detail reports can be very lengthy depending on the size of the result set. Formatting time for reports can be reduced by selecting specific facilities using the check box in the first column next to each Rule ID in the results table. Initially all affected facilities are checked and will be included in the detail reports. Use the check box next to an affected facility to de-select the facility. The "Check" and Uncheck" buttons at the top of the results table can also be used.
Choose a format from the list, then click the "Create report" button to generate the report. Formatting a report may take some time, especially for a large number of facilities. The detail reports take the longest time to generate because they include the most information. All reports are created as ASCII text. Also see Appendix F - Examples of RBLC Standard Reports.
The following report formats are available:
2.5.2 Downloading RBLC Information
When the RBLC Web has finished creating the report, either a Save dialog box or the report itself will be displayed. The exact action depends upon the browser configuration. If the report appears on the browser, choose the "Save As" command from the browser File menu to save the report file. Then, use the "Back" button to return to the results table. Netscape© users must specify a ".txt" file extension when saving a report. The default extension is ".cfm" which could cause problems when the file is re-opened. When using other browsers, using a ".txt" file extension is also recommended if the file will be used with word processing or spreadsheet software.
A report can also be printed directly from the RBLC Web using the browser print function.
SECTION 3: RBLC REGULATION DATA BASE SEARCHES AND DATA STRUCTURE
The RBLC Regulation data base contains summaries of Federal regulations enacted in response to the Clean Air Act and Amendments. These rules include Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and Control Techniques Guidelines (CTG) which specify requirements for Reasonably Available Control Technology (RACT).
Registration is not required to use the RBLC Web regulation data base. Click on "Search Data Base" from the RBLC home page to search the RBLC data bases. From the RBLC Basic Search search page under "Other Search Options," select one of the regulation data base search options to search or browse the regulation data. This section discusses: (1) data base elements and structure; (2) search methodologies; (3) the three data base search options; and (4) standard reports.
3.1 Data Base Elements and Structure
The organization of the regulation data base is similar to that of the RBLC's permit determination data base. Each entry, or rule, in the regulation data base contains three levels of data:
NOTE: Federal rules use the term "affected facility" (i.e., any apparatus to which a standard is applicable) to indicate a process that is subject to the rule. In this section and in the RBLC Regulation data base, this term has been used improperly to indicate the title of the rule (regulation name) rather then the processes regulated by the rule. We hope to correct this situation in late 2005.
A rule is associated with the type of facility and related processes that emit pollutants governed by the regulation. The type of facility might be a particular type of plant, such as a coke oven or vinyl chloride manufacturing plant, or a generic operation such as waste transfer.
Each affected facility consists of one or more different processes that are regulated by the rule. Regulations can specify different emission standards for new and existing sources or for different size sources. Therefore, a rule may contain the same general process but different emission limits for sources with different capacities or construction dates. Each process, in turn, consists of information on one or more pollutants and the emission limits required by the regulation. Each rule must have at least one process and at least one pollutant.
The information that EPA maintains in the data base is listed below. Data elements that can be used in a search are marked with an asterisk (*).
Rule / Affected Facility Information
The data base also includes character fields for a reference to the legal publication in which rules were announced. For federal rules, this is the Federal Register (FR).
Process Information:
Pollutant Information:
3.2 Searching the Regulation Data Base
3.2.1 Planning the Search
The RBLC regulation data base can be searched using three search options as discussed below. These options allow the user to browse the regulation listings or build sophisticated searches using multiple search criteria. Users should review the data base elements listed in the preceding section, and note those that can be used in a search.
3.2.2 How to Run a search
The three search options available for the RBLC Regulation data base are listed and described directly below in Section 3.2.3. Choose one of these options to begin a search. Search criteria are selected using the same tools as those in the permit data base search system: pick-lists, buttons, and text fields. After defining criteria, click on the "Run search now" button to run the search.
All RBLC Regulation data base search options present results in a table that lists the RBLC Rule ID, the CFR citation, the name of the affected facility, the process code, and the process description. Each option also supports viewing and saving the results in any of the RBLC standard output formats. See Section 3.3 to learn more about viewing results and generating reports.
3.2.3 Regulation Data Base Search Options
Choose one of the following three options under “ Regulation Data Base Searches” to locate information in the regulation data base. Then, follow the directions on the screen to define a search.
Choose the "Scan All" option to easily view the entire regulation data base. All entries to the data base are displayed in a table, and entries can be selected for download. Results are sorted alphabetically by affected regulation name (listed under affected facility heading).
The "Standard Search" option offers flexibility in examining the regulation data base (currently 223 rules). It allows searches on several data fields (process code or pollutant for example), and it supports combining data fields for more selective searches.
The initial part of the "Standard Search" option displays links to groups of related search fields, (e.g., regulation identification or process information). These links can be used to move directly to those fields, or the user can scroll through the page. Search criteria are defined by filling out the appropriate sections of the form. Figure 3-1 shows part of the standard search input form for the regulation identification section. Brief instructions for each group of data elements appear below each group’s input fields.
Some data elements can be matched in one of several ways. These elements are presented in the search form with a comparison operator and a value field for entering matching text or numbers. For example, the allowable operators for numbers are equals, greater than, or less than. Operators for alphanumeric fields allow a match of any part of the data, beginning characters only, or an exact match of every character.
One or more of the search criteria fields can be filled out for the standard search. Try to select enough criteria to match a manageable number of records, without being so restrictive that the search finds no matches or being so vague that the search is complex and takes a long time to run. Usually, two to three criteria work well. Be sure not to specify mutually exclusive criteria
Five groups of data elements can be queried by the RBLC standard search:
These groups are discussed below.
Enter a “from” date and/or a “to” date to define the date range. The search will find dates greater than or equal to the “from” date and less than or equal to the “to” date.
Dates may be entered in a numeric mm/dd/yyyy format or spelled out, i.e, ‘Jan 1, 1998’. If the system cannot recognize the date as it has been entered, it will prompt the user to go back and enter another date value.
Be aware that a search on the data element “date rule is effective” will not find proposed rules and guidance documents.
Enter an RBLC ID or CFR citation in the value field to locate one specific regulation. The format for RBLC Regulation IDs is "RAA-NNNN", similar to the format for RBLC IDs with "R" added as a prefix (see the description of Rule ID in Section 3.1). The format for CFR citation varies. CTG entries do not have rule numbers. Most Federal rules take the form "40 CFR Part nn Subpart aaa". If the appropriate part and subpart of the CFR in which a rule was published are known, use the CFR citation.
The comparison operators used when searching a regulation identifier are:
Emissions Abatement Information
When the search criteria are complete, click the "Run search now" button to begin the search. Click the "Reset form" button to start over with a blank standard search form.
An overview of the results of the search is displayed in a table. The results table can be sorted either by RBLC ID, CFR citation, or affected facility name using the "Sort By" buttons at the top of the table. Examining the results of the search and downloading the results are discussed in Section 3.3.
The advanced search option lets the user create search criteria by choosing from pick-lists of data elements and data operators, and entering desired values. Two search criteria can be combined using ‘AND’ or ‘OR’ logical connectors for more selective searches. Although similar to the standard search, the advanced search option does not provide sets of allowable values for data elements. These values must be entered by the user. In general, the user should know what information each data element contains to use this option effectively. Use the on-line help and this document’s discussions of data base elements in Section 3.1 and standard search options in Section 3.2.3.2 when running the advanced search
Specify the first search criteria by choosing a data element and a comparison operator from the pick-lists. Then type the desired value for the data element in the text box. Entries are not case sensitive. The searchable data elements are:
All three fields - data element, operator, and value - must be entered. The operator you choose defines which values of the specified data element you are interested in. In the simplest criterion, you are usually trying to match a value and will use the equals operator, for example, "State equals TX". Not all operators work with all types of data. The available operators are:
The "equals" operator can be used with all data elements. The "contains" operator cannot be used with date or numeric data elements or with data elements that must be in a particular format (such as RBLC IDs). The inequality operators (>, <, >=, <=) can only be used with date or numeric data elements.
At this point, the user can click the "Run search now" button to run the search using only one set of search criteria, or a second set of search criteria can be added by choosing one of the following logical connectors:
If a connector is selected, the second criteria set must be specified by choosing data elements from the second criteria pick lists, and entering a desired value, as described above. Be careful not to specify mutually exclusive criteria. For example, specifying “Pollutant equals CO AND CAS number equals 10102-44-0 (the CAS number for NO2)” will not find any matching records.
At this point, the user can click the "Run search now" button to run the search using two sets of search criteria, or a third set of search criteria can be added by choosing a logical connector and data elements from the third criteria pick-list, and entering a desired value.
Click the "Run search now" button to run the search. The "Reset form" button can be used to start over with a blank search form. Search results are displayed in a table, which is discussed in Section 3.4.
The results for all RBLC search options are displayed as a table with links to additional information. Each row in the table represents a regulation for one affected facility. The table displays the RBLC ID, CFR citation, affected facility, process code, and process description. The "Sort By" buttons at the top of the table can be used to sort by RBLC ID, CFR citation, or affected facility. When a standard or advanced search has been run, the search criteria used for the search appear towards the top of the page. Results can be viewed on-line or saved in any of the RBLC standard output formats, which are discussed in Section 3.3.2 below.
3.3.1 Navigating the Search Results
The RBLC Web regulation, process and pollutant data pages have navigation buttons near the top of the page to assist in moving through the Web site, search results and data screens. Buttons are provided for the following: RBLC Home; New Search; Search Results; Regulation Details; and Process/Pollutant Information. Use these buttons when they are available rather than the Web browser’s navigation buttons to avoid potential errors that can result from the way that browsers cache information. If a search returns a result of "No matching regulations found," click the back button to return to the search page to re-specify the search criteria. Check to make sure that a misspelled word or an invalid value for a search element is not the problem. If you do not find the regulation you expected, use the navigation button "New Search" to specify new search criteria.
The results table displays a maximum of 50 records at a time. The user can select to show all records or show only selected records on the page in the reports generated from the results table. When more than 50 records are returned by a search, a link to the next group of records appears above and below the results table. To work with the next or the previous group of records, click on this link.
3.3.2 Viewing Search Results
Information about each of the regulations in the RBLC Web is organized by regulation, process, and pollutant. The RBLC ID in the search results table links to details for each regulation. Each process listed in the search results table links to details about the process regulated by that rule. Successively deeper levels of information are viewed by clicking on the navigation buttons near the top of each detail page. Links to pollutant information are provided on the process details page. Use the "Search Results" button near the top of the page to return to the search results table and pick another rule or process to view.
Use the "Regulation Details" button to view detailed information about the regulation itself. Use the "Process/Pollutant Information" button to return to the process list. Refer to Section 3.1 for more information on regulation, process and pollutant data elements
The process details page presents specifics about the process. Use the "Process/Pollutant Information" button to go to the process list to select processes for viewing.
The pollutants for a process are displayed on the process details page. Each pollutant name in the list is a link to a pollutant detail page that displays additional information about that pollutant.
3.3.3 Generating Data Base Reports
There are four pre-defined report formats available for RBLC Regulation data base searches. These reports can be viewed on-line or downloaded to a PC. The report formats are listed in a pick list at the bottom of the results page. Choose a report format from the list, and click the create button to generate the report. Formatting a report may take some time, especially for a large number of affected facilities. All reports are created as ASCII text.
Formatting time for reports can be reduced by selecting specific facilities using the check box in the first column next to each Rule ID in the results table. Initially all affected facilities are checked and will be included in the detail reports. Use the check box next to an affected facility to de-select the facility. Click the "Reset" button to re-select all affected facilities
The following report formats are available:
There are two options regarding the number of records displayed in a report: "Show All Records," or "Show Only Selected Records On This Page." If you selected "Show All" in your search criteria on the previous Web page, all records are displayed on one results page. Therefore, if you did not uncheck any of the records on the results page, both report options will be the same. If you did uncheck records, the "Show Only Selected Records On This Page" option will include only the checked records in the report, and the "Show All Records" option will include all records (checked or unchecked) in the report.
If you selected "Show 50 records per Page" in your search criteria on the previous Web page, only 50 records can be displayed on a results page. If the search identifies 50 or fewer records, all records will be displayed on the same page and the report options will function as indicated above. However, if your search returns more than 50 records, the "Show Only Selected Records On This Page" option will be limited to the selected (checked) records on the current Web page. You must select the "Print All Records" report option to print all records that met the search criteria on the current and subsequent pages. You may also choose the "Show Only Selected Records On This Page" option and generate separate reports for the records displayed on each results page.
When the RBLC Web has finished creating the report, either a Save dialog box or the report itself will be displayed. The exact action depends upon the browser configuration. If the report appears on the browser, choose the "Save As" command from the browser File menu to save the report file. Then, use the back button to return to the results table. Netscape© users must specify a ".txt" file extension when saving a report. The default extension is ".cfm" which could cause problems when the file is re-opened. When using other browsers, using a ".txt" file extension is also recommended if the file will be used with word processing or spreadsheet software.
The report can also be printed directly from the RBLC Web using the browser print function.
[1] In general, a user should know what each data element contains to use this option effectively. Refer to Section 2.2 and Appendix A of the RBLC User’s Manual for more information about individual data elements.