1. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
     Air Quality Division, Boise, Idaho, 2005 - 2014

Air Quality Permit Engineer (2005-2008)/Modeling Analyst (2009-2014):
  • Provided expert technical review of air quality permit applications.  Worked with the technical staff in the Air Quality Division, Technical Services Division, and the regional offices to solve problems, resolve issues, and remove roadblocks for applicants.
  • Generic permits for Hot-mix (Warm-Mix) Asphalt (HMA) and Concrete Batch Plants (CBPs). (New for DEQ). Developed detailed emissions inventory spreadsheets for HMAs and CBPs to reduce the level of effort for applicants. The spreadsheets included options to automatically incorporate the lower emission rates for EPA-certified engine generators. Ensured that engine emissions were based on the engine rating, not the generator output. Developed the first multi-scenario "generic" permit package for CBPs to try to expedite permitting for these applicants, for whom obtaining an air quality permit was often the critical path in the schedule for meeting  their contractual obligations.
  • Met Data Processing  (New for DEQ). Obtained and processed updated meteorological data into AERMOD-ready format for 20 National Weather Service sites and one project-specific site, and developed detailed processing reports and wind roses for each site.  
  • Background Concentrations for Full-Impact Modeling. Developed a set of conservative background concentrations for new and revised NAAQS that could be used by applicants without further DEQ review.  
  • AERMOD Modeling Software. Ensured that DEQ had the most current versions of the BEEST, BREEZE, and Lakes Environmental graphical user interfaces for the EPA's AERMOD suite of programs, so applicants could submit modeling results in any of these formats.
  • Federal Regulatory Tracking (New for DEQ).  For the permitting and modeling teams, I tracked changes to federal regulations and guidance that might affect Idaho facilities. Developed and maintained a detailed table of current National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), federal register citations, and Idaho implementation dates.
  • Regulatory and Modeling Updates. Identified and made arrangements for the permitting and modeling team to view regulatory update webinars provided by EPA and consultants.
  • Finalized DEQ's Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) review for Monsanto's P4 Production plant near Soda Springs.
  • PSD Permitting Project. Permit engineer for the Southeast Idaho Energy project, which proposed to make fertilizers and ammonia by gasifying coal and petcoke at a site near American Falls.  New for DEQ: Identified appropriate federal land managers (FLMs) and provided an updated contact list to the AQ public involvement specialist. New for DEQ: Entered final permit limits in the EPA's BACT/RACT/LAER database within the time frame specified in Idaho's State Implementation Plan (SIP).
  • Public Involvement. New for DEQ: Proposed and received approval for a project-specific webpage and listserve to facilitate public review and permitting updates for a PSD project. Public notices included publication in a local Spanish-language newspaper.  A Spanish-speaking  DEQ representative was available at the public information meeting in American Falls.
  • Facilitated meetings with facilities and consultants on permitting and dispersion modeling issues.
  • Provided technical content for public review and comment and quality assurance (peer review) for permits and supporting documentation.