New York State to hold air permit hearing over proposed Albany Terminal’s biodiesel handling

In New York state, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a public comment hearing on Dec. 18 to ensure full consideration of any potential environmental and environmental justice concerns in the proposed renewal and modification of the Global Companies, LLC – Albany Terminal’s Air Title V permit. DEC will hold an in-person hearing on Dec.18, at 6 p.m., at the Albany Housing Authority, 200 South Pearl Street, Albany. The deadline for all public comments on the draft renewal and modification is Dec. 30.

In addition to the proposed permit renewal, Global Companies is proposing modifications to its existing permit, including installing boilers with low-burning capacities to facilitate the handling of biodiesel at the Albany Terminal facility. The modification is proposed in accordance with Environmental Conservation Law 19-0327 requiring an increased use of biodiesel in support of the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act). The facility is also proposing improvements to its existing terminal emissions controls at the existing loading racks. The draft permit includes a new federally enforceable emissions cap on Total Organic Compounds (TOC) with reduced product throughput limits. Combined, these permit modifications would reduce potential TOC emissions from the facility.