18 AAC 50.235. Unavoidable emergencies and malfunctions

(a) If an unavoidable emergency, malfunction, or nonroutine repair causes emissions in excess of a technology-based emission standard, the owner, operator, or permittee shall

(1) take all reasonable steps to minimize levels of emissions that exceed the standard; and

(2) give written notice to the appropriate department office within two working days after the event commenced or was discovered; notice under this paragraph must include a description of the event, the cause of the event, steps taken to mitigate emissions, and corrective measures taken or to be taken.

(b) A person who asserts the affirmative defense recognized in AS 46.14.560 must demonstrate that

(1) an unavoidable emergency, malfunction, or nonroutine repair of an emission unit occurred, and the person can identify the cause;

(2) the stationary source was being properly operated when the event described in (1) of this subsection occurred; and

(3) the person took the steps required under (a) of this section.

(c) In any enforcement action, the person seeking to assert the affirmative defense under AS 46.14.560 and this section has the burden of proof.

(d) For the purposes of this section, an emergency or malfunction is unavoidable

(1) if it arises from a sudden and reasonably unforeseeable event beyond the person's control, including an act of God, that requires immediate corrective action to restore normal operation; and

(2) to the extent it was not the result of improper design, lack of preventive maintenance, careless or improper operation, or operator error.

History: Eff. 1/18/97, Register 141; am 6/14/98, Register 146; am 10/1/2004, Register 171

Authority: AS 46.03.020

AS 46.14.140

AS 46.14.560

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